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Kayla Fratt joins us from the rugged wilderness of ecological conservation, bringing stories that transform our understanding of how dogs' incredible noses are not just for sniffing out treats, but are vital tools in wildlife research. As a PhD student and conservation detection dog specialist at Oregon State University, Kayla shares her journey from an animal-crazed kid to a trailblazer in utilizing canines for conservation efforts. Her tales of four-legged professionals navigating the field with GPS collars and doggles are not just fascinating—they're a testament to the unique bond between humans and their furry partners.

Imagine a dog that can sniff out not just your hidden stash of cookies, but also elusive wildlife scat that's crucial for ecological studies—and yes, that's exactly what Kayla's canine colleagues do. Our conversation with her reveals the intricacies of training these talented pooches, balancing their lives as both working dogs and beloved pets. As Kayla describes the gear these dogs don and the importance of maintaining peak physical fitness for both handler and hound, it's clear that these conservation dogs are in a league of their own.

We round off our chat with the heart-stopping excitement of Kayla's close encounter with a jaguar in Guatemala, bringing home the reality of the wild and often untold stories from the field. For those eager to be part of this dynamic and challenging world, Kayla invites you to explore the resources on Canine Conservationists and engage with her work through social media. Join us for an episode that is as educational as it is inspiring, highlighting the incredible contributions of our canine companions to the field of conservation.

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