As a volunteer for this organization I've had the amazing experience of learning more about the extraordinary olfactory ability of canines and how we can use this to aid in conservation efforts. Conservation Dogs of Hawaii works to preserve and protect Hawaii's flora and fauna by using pet dogs trained in scent detection along with volunteer handlers. It's truly been an honor and privilege to be a part of this organization!
Conservation Dogs of Hawaii is an extremely professionally run organization training dogs and handlers to provide detection services to the conservation community in Hawaii. Dog/handler teams have been trained to identify several invasive plants and animals greatly increasing the effectiveness of eradication efforts. Other teams are identifying endangered sea bird burrows for population studies, endangered diseased or downed water birds for rehabilitation or removal from the habitat. A new program will be locating downed shearwater and petral fledglings disoriented by city lights so they can be rereleased. Founder, Kyoko Johnson, is a professional dog trainer and an environmentalist with a passion for using the unique skills of dogs to further conservation of the plant and animal communities on the islands of Hawaii.
Conservation Dogs of Hawaiʻi is an exceptional nonprofit. Every experience Iʻve had with them has been organized, efficient, and effective in producing results. Kyoko Johnson goes well beyond the scope of the work to provide exceptional service and dedication to getting data and the results needed. Iʻm looking forward to working with them again.
Qana (conservation K9) and I are extremely grateful to CDH for the amazing opportunity to volunteer in the conservation of the fragile Hawaiian islands ecosystem. CDH’s dedication and passion for conservation are contagious!!!! Aloha!
From the beginning CDH has been a grass roots organization trying to educate the community, academics, biologist and politicians on the benefits of utilizing dogs in their conservation efforts. The team works with the community in the fight against invasive species from taking over Hawai’i. This homegrown, grass roots organization is building local capacity to help protect endangered Hawai’i plants and animals. I am so proud to be part of something from Hawai’i for Hawai’i
I've been volunteering with CDH since its inception and it's been exciting to the expansion of their projects and programs, including those like the devil weed (invasive plant) program that is fully supported by volunteer dog-handler teams. It's inspiring to work with fellow volunteers that are so dedicated to the mission.
CDH does great work! I’ve been training with Kyoko for about 7 years and she’s always so patient and calm. She also really appreciates those of us that volunteer providing seminars, trainings and other perks.
I have been working with Conservation Dogs of Hawaii (CDH) for about one year. This is a good way to positively interact with your dog and help the environment at the same time. We started attending classes when our dog was 9 months old. A year later we are a team- handler and dog searching for invasive species. I have also participated as a visual searcher for a specific trial.
CDH has numerous monthly training classes, zoom information meetings and course work, plus a newsletter to keep you updated and informed. This non-profit is well organized and it is truly a pleasure to be a volunteer for this outstanding organization.
Using dogs for conservation is HUGE!! Extremely important here in Hawaii! Please support this valuable resource.