Dog training for wildlife research in South Africa
Volunteer and work at a dog training and rescue centre near the Kruger National Park on an idyllic wildlife farmstead and conservation area, support projects that focus on wildlife research, canine cognition & training, community outreach as well as habitat protection.
Join projects as a volunteer or student wanting to work with dogs and gain experience in dog behaviour, learn under experts in an active role, from exercising animals at the centre as training for research surveys, to practical, direct action in the surrounding area during vaccination or canine rescue programs.
When not taking part in projects or exploring the area during community work, explore the incredible Blyde River Canyon & Greater Kruger National Park regions as a group or independently during free time.
Become a volunteer
Volunteer information
African wildlife vet and vet nurse training and projects
Dog Behavioural Training
The success and ability of the dogs to act in support of wildlife research and ecological surveys only comes from regular practice and conditioning.
Each of the dogs at the centre are trained to respond to different instructions or situations and critical to working on South Africa wildlife reserves.
Things like locating target objects, animals or scent, recall and obedience. These are the foundations for the tracking and location of endangered animals dogs help discover as part of ecological research.
Work through the week with experts to enforce the commands dogs will rely on during field work.
What will you be doing?
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Help train dogs in key commands
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Support experts during advance training
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Support with scent training and detection
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Support with equipment or treat preparation
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Take part in activities that promote and encourage dog behavioural growth
Dog exercising and activities
Dogs are active animals and need regular practice and opportunities to exercise, explore environments, have new experiences and meet new people.
This happiness from an understanding of physical and mental well-being helps ensure calm and healthy animals that work well with wildlife and people.
As there are multiple dog at the centre, each with their own needs and personalities, you’ll take part in regular scheduled training routines, this includes walking, running & swimming to ensure their comfortable in any environment
What will you be doing?
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Help with exercises animals to promote health
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Help with teaching or practice skills with animals that build confidence & ability
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Complete regular scent rehearsals or drills
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Help with dog walking, running & swimming
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Explore the farmstead & wildlife reserve during activities or frield work
Wildlife research with scent tracking dogs
A dogs sense of smell is legendary, this ability to locate things doesn't just help dogs find that tasty piece of cheese that falls onto the kitchen floor, it's an incredible tool to help wildlife ecologists search for elusive animals hard to study animals.
The dogs at the centre are taught and trained to identify and search for scents, these scents can be from objects such as fur samples or dung.
Learn & understand the skills & strategies involved with dog scent tracking for scientific surveys.
What will you be doing?
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Help dogs practice and develop scent tracking skills
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Prepare and place decoys and training equipment
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Understand wildlife research to support dog training
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Help and support field research and patrols
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Work as a team during patrols to manage dogs
Dog rescue and rehabilitation
This South Africa dog centre has inherited several dogs being rescued or rehabilitated, volunteers work with the animals housed at the centre, some have found their way onsite via community support projects in the area, others have arrived as donations with injuries or sickness that need care.
Dogs onsite are at various different ages and conditions, help with the regular feeding, cleaning and care work that goes into keeping these animals happy and health.
What will you be doing?
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Help provide rehabilitation and care to rescue or rehabilitated animals
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Help feed, clean and enrich the lives of dogs.
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Help with community outreach project to support vaccinations or neutering
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Work with dogs of different ages and condition
Off-site trips & community outreach
The Greater Kruger National Park and region around the town of Hoedspruit is one of South Africa’s conservation success stories, a tight community that works to support and empower each other with sustainable and ethical investment.
With this in mind, the dog centre and its researchers take a proactive stance to engage and work with locals, helping villages and townships access veterinary medical care or expertise.
Support directly with the construction of dog and kennel facilities to support animal health or even biosecurity in this critical biodiversity area.
What you'll be doing
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Work with communities in this wildlife region
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Support pet or stray dog health in villages
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Help give animal care and advice to pet owners
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Help with the construction of kennels
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Help with the construction of kennels
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Help with vaccination or spaying work with strays
Assist with wildlife research projects
In addition to the daily dog and community work at the centre, you’ll also be supporting wider conservation duties as the centre has a responsibility to the environment its based in.
From tracking wild animals as they move through the area’s you’ll explore during dog walks, to removing invasive plants for habitat management, even placing camera traps or helping gather scientific data during research.
Look after the rich habitat as a volunteer in the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon area.
What you'll be doing
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Help monitor & record any wildlife sightings
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Help track & monitor movements of wild species
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Reserve management and maintenance
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Support with any research or conservation projects
Anti-poaching patrols
Poaching is always a risk in any wildlife area, the most common being snares that indiscriminately target animals for the bushmeat trade, from antelope to small predators.
These snares or wire traps once armed, can remain in place waiting for years, until an unwitting animal passes through it, being trapped and sustaining serious injury or even death.
To prevent this, support regular anti-poaching patrols to search for and remove these snares.
What you'll be doing
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Complete regular patrols through wildlife areas
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Search for signs of poaching activity or snares
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Help remove any discovered traps & save wildlife
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Help deter poaching via regular pressure & security
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Study and gain professional accreditations
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Build & develop a career in dog psychology
Courses and diplomas
Learning under world-leading dog and canine experts is an incredible opportunity to gain practical and professional skills and competencies in canine behaviour, dog training, working or tracking dog use and wildlife ecological research.
In addition to the invaluable practical skills that you’ll gain, you can also choose to complete a recognised diploma and accreditation.
These diplomas are structured and outside the typical scope of volunteer roles, make sure to discuss this with Hamba staff to ensure we’re aware and able to enrol you in this optional, multi-week set course.
What you'll be doing
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Enrol in an option multi-week diploma
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Gain from leading canine behavioural education
Explore the Kruger National Park Region
Outside of your duties while volunteering at the dog centre, you’ll also have the chance to explore the Kruger National Park region of South Africa.
This area is a world leading wildlife hotspot home to, view points & landscapes, incredible outdoor adventure activities such as white water rafting or mountain biking, plus eco-lodges & restaurants that make this area heaven on earth.
What you'll be doing
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Take part in tours, safaris, boat trips and more!
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Try outdoor and adventure activities by land, water… or even air
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Explore an incredible region of canyons, savannahs and natural wonders
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Visit leading local wildlife or conservation centres and organisations
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Meet iconic african wildlife during safaris
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Day trips to explore Blyde River Canyon