Dog training for wildlife research in South Africa
Volunteer and work at a dog training and rescue centre that supports wildlife research
Placement summary
Who should join this placement?
Dog behaviourists or enthusiasts looking to work with & train dogs used to track endangered animals as part of wildlife research and scent based surveys.
Spend time training and exercising each of the working dogs, as well as rescue dogs that are cared for on this farmstead and wildlife conservancy area.
Work from here to support wider community or wildlife projects near the town of Hoedspruit and the border of the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
This is an active role, you’ll be working with dogs at the centre as well as wild animals found in the biodiversity areas you'll explore.
Having a background in dog behaviour is essential with this placement, either working with dogs previously or at minimum, own a beloved pet.
Location: Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa.
Duration: 2 week to 3 months
Group sizes: 1 - 9 volunteers plus trainers
Academic and professional opportunities in dog training
Working under experts in canine behaviour and wildlife conservation, this placement also has opportunities for Diplomas in Conservation Dog Handling as well as Canine Cognition and Behaviour.
We may ask to see a CV or resume or discuss in an interview to determine if this sort of dog training program and your participation is something you’ll be a good fit for.
The Projects
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Dog Behavioural Training
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Wildlife scent tracking with dogs
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Rescue and rehabilitation work
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Anti-poaching patrols
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Habitat management
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Off-site trips & outreach
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Courses and diplomas in dog training and behaviour
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Other optional activities
Visit the Projects page to find out how you'll be helping. For other useful information check out our FAQs.
Volunteer dog trainer role & duties
This is a busy dog training and conservation centre, including regular bush walks or patrols throughout the wildlife reserve, helping to track and locate snares as part of anti-poaching work, logging snare location as a GPS coordinates and removing it to help support conservation in South Africa.
The dogs are trained to locate target species, such as endangered or elusive animals such as the Black-Footed Cat, success is based on repetitive practice recall skills, impulse control, obedience… and lots of snacks!
You’ll prepare food and treats for training, and then work under the guidance and supervision of the onsite experts to train the dogs as well as develop and focus your own skills with canine behaviour in this fun and fantastic conservation objective and wildlife research technique.
These active animals need regular practice and exercise, each week you'll spend time walking, running and swimming the dogs to ensure they're in good physical condition and ready for their field duties.
In addition to the general looking after and training of these dogs, you’ll also help in a practical role with agricultural and habitat management of the reserve and farmstead area, in both internal greenhouses as well as outdoor erosion or land restoration projects.
Monday to Friday
Volunteer life starts early at the dog centre each day, with animals up and active usually with the morning light.
During morning breakfast, you’ll prepare food not just for yourself, but for dogs you'll be working with during the days training and based on its program.
After the essential and routine requirements of checking wellbeing and health of any the animals at the centre, both training dogs and those there as rescue, you’ll meet and set the agenda for training and regular exercise that the dogs rely on to ensure their in good health, active and ready for work.
Days out in field surveying for wildlife with dogs only happen because of the time spent on important training and practice with canine behavioural techniques and commands, you’ll regularly complete exercises and courses throughout the week to support this including: walking, running or swimming.
You'll also support the various community outreach projects that the dog centre supports, from building enclosures for dogs in the surrounding area, vaccination work with rural dogs in local villages, or even signing up owners for sterilisation to prevent dog homelessness.
Weekends and free time
Weekends are free for you to do as you wish, you might want to spend time with a specific dog you think needs some extra love, explore the surrounding Kruger National park on safari, mountain hikes in Blyde River Canyon, visit wildlife sanctuaries throughout this conservation hotspot area.
Weekdays and evenings you’ll also have some free time available, if not heading out on an adventure as a group, most volunteers choose to hang out with each other, play board games or watch a movie.
When do we operate?
Make a deposit
All planned trips are available on our date and rates page, or contact us and we'll get back to you.
With flexible payment plans, secure your place from as little as £50!
What's included?
We have taken care of all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!
The placement includes:
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Local airport transfers
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Accommodation during your stay
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Food and drink when onsite (excludes any personal extras)
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Entry to sites during projects
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Project participation
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Dog training and equipment
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Participation with projects
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Meet and greet event in the UK (groups)
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Fellow volunteer contact list, to be sent out prior to departure
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24-hour emergency onsite support
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100% financial security with your booking
What's not included?
Please note, we do not book, manage or coordinate the following:
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Flights
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Travel insurance
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Visa and Immigration requirements
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Vaccinations and health screening/checks
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Personal travel insurance
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Optional activities (any that you book during your stay)
Requirements
In order to join us on one of our packages you'll need to:
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Be above 18
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Previous experience with dogs
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Have valid travel insurance
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Have booked return flights
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Organise the relevant travel and immigration documents
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Undergo any relevant medical checks and vaccinations
These are your personal responsibility. Proof that all requirements are met must be sent ahead of your arrival.
Highlights you can expect
Support conservation and rural communities
Explore Blyde River Canyon & The Kruger
Volunteer to support wildlife conservation research in South Africa, habitat management and community development in this remote area to help make a difference to protect and safeguard endangered species and biodiversity.
Nestled on a farmstead near Hoedspruit, this area has incredible opportunities for adventure and exploration in the surrounding area, from safari drives in the Kruger National Park, rainforest and mountain hikes on the top of Blyde Canyon or boat cruises in the dam and river below.
Help rescue and rehabilitate dogs
Explore the bush on foot
The reward for helping dogs and other animals at the centre is deep and long-lasting. As you form your bonds, you’ll understand the value of patience, care and empathy and support wonderful animals who will return that love tenfold.
Support wildlife research, habitat management and monitoring to discover African wildlife, you’ll get up close and personal with various species of herbivore and small mammal during regular patrols throughout reserves or wilderness areas.
Dog training and professional improvement
Dog scent tracking and identification
In addition to working and training the dogs practically, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in established dog training courses and programs, these optional courses award professional accreditations on their completion.
Understand how to train and work with dogs with research or professional scent tracking, learn how to work with the incredible ability dogs have to detect animals, individuals or objects and how to use in a scientific or investigative role.
