K9 Conservationists

How does breakfast affect a detection dog's performance? In this episode, Kayla takes a deep, deep, deep dive into the 2026 paper, "The breakfast effect revisited: Dogs’ scent detection performance before and after a meal."
Kayla breaks down the research team's key findings, and why understanding the math behind the data matters just as much as the results themselves.
Read the original paper here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023969026000883
Host: Kayla Fratt
Editor: Sara Fangton
Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs
Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder
Website: Meg du Bray
Patreon: Madison David

In this Research Review episode, we’re joined by Dr. Charles van Rees to dive into a groundbreaking 2026 paper from Oregon State University (published in Molecular Ecology Resources). We break down how single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels and non-invasive scat samples (many located by detection dogs!) are allowing researchers to identify individual prey animals consumed by carnivores. Join Kayla and Dr. Charles van Rees for a crash course in genetics, filtering out mixed DNA samples, and what this means for understanding predator-prey dynamics in the field.

Host: Kayla Fratt
Editor: Sara Fangton
Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs
Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder
Website: Meg du Bray
Patreon: Madison David

In today's mini episode Kayla Fratt discusses how she prepares her dogs to work with all kinds of different people on and off the field. Starting from dog selection and the steps she takes to insure her dogs are confident around new people.

Host: Kayla Fratt
Editor: Sara Fangton
Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs
Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder
Website: Meg du Bray
Patreon: Madison David

Join us for a fantastic conversation with Lauralea Oliver of k9inSCENTive about the art of selecting rescue dogs for detection work.
With over 25 years of professional experience, Lauralea brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having selected and placed numerous working dogs with handlers and conservation projects across the country. She has mastered selecting the traits that make a shelter dog excel in the field- and, crucially, knows exactly when to walk away.
The core theme of this episode is simple but vital: "Say no to the maybes" and only move forward with a dog you are absolutely sure about.
Check out K9inSCENTive here
https://k9inscentive.com/
Also check out "Built for the field". Use code K9POD26 for 20% off!
https://k9inscentive.com/built-for-the-field-online-course/
Host: Kayla Fratt
Editor: Sara Fangton
Sci-comm intern: Evelyn Combs
Guest logistics: Brooke Schoeder
Website: Meg du Bray
Patreon: Madison David

Important updates on Barley (King B), the K9Conservationists crew, and the podcast going forward. As always, thank you all so much for you support. If you would like to make a donation to Barleys lymphoma treatment you can do so here:
https://donorbox.org/barley-lymphoma?t=donor_wall#info
If you want to learn more about the King Barley's legacy and other ways to support, check out this awesome website made just for celebrating Barley
https://k9c-barley.my.canva.site/long-live-the-king