I've read about working dogs, of course, but never about their use in conservation efforts. Now, I'd argue that in most of these cases it's actually just a different use of traditional jobs for dogs. Guarding, scenting, these are things that dogs have done all along .We're simply using those abilities for new uses. For dog fans and ecologists.

I came for the cute dog photos, but I stayed for the engaging story of how they are helping the environment.

I really loved this book. The book takes an in-depth look at how dogs can be used in conservation efforts worldwide. It focuses on different things such as guardian dogs who protect livestock to dogs that sniff out invasive species, to dogs who track the illegal sale of wildlife or wildlife parts.

The book was very well written, and the information was well organized. It offered in-depth information on conservation efforts, and I certainly felt like I learned a lot about the need for certain conservation programs, as well as what happened in them. There was also a lot of fascinating and detailed information about specifically how dogs assist in these efforts and how they are trained.

Overall a wonderful book that I would highly recommend

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for my ARC

Conservation Canines by Isabelle Groc is a marvelous nonfiction look at the many working dogs in the field of conservation. It has clear, attention drawing photographs with captions that entices the reader to dive into the text. I found myself reading longer than I had planned at any one time.

The chapters are divided up into history, then by the work of these dogs. I was amazed at all that dogs were able to do. Sniffing out illegal wildlife products or being herd guardians were not so surprising to me. However, the sniffing out of invasive or endangered wildlife on land and water came as an interesting surprise. It reinforces knowledge I had but also gave me much new information.

Middle grade readers will find this to be fascinating read but so would any dog-loving adult. Additionally younger children would enjoy the photographs and information that was shared with them. As a retired educator, I highly recommend this book.

The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

nonfiction, dogs, photographic-essay, working-class-dogs, rescue-dogs, training, teamwork, scat, wildlife-trafficking*****

New Zealand was the first country to employ canines for wildlife conservation, in the 1890s.
As of 2020, 30 states had an official K9 program within their DNR. K9 Major Memorial School of the Canine Resource Protection Program in downtown Indianapolis trains and sends graduates all over. Many unwanted canines may make ideal conservation dogs.
training the handler the science behind scent detection predators/balance
guardian dogs (sheep, cheetahs, etc) wildlife poisoning restore biodiversity
Beautiful photos of working dogs some of us seldom see in their work, and then I've never even seen a photo of a Karelian Bear Dog (Russia)! Or Maremma Sheepdogs (from the Apennines) trained to protect little penguins from foxes in Australia.
What can the rest of us do?
It is well-researched and documented nonfiction perfect for learning at any age. It would only be for somewhat advanced ESL.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!
Get an extra copy for your local library!!!
Rescues 2the Rescue @CanidaeDevelop @roguedetection @ccbucr @CanadaCouncil

This was a fascinating read. As a dog lover and dog mom, I knew I wanted to check it out. This book explores some of the traditional dog jobs, such as herding, but also goes on to explain how these dogs are also protecting endangered wildlife and helping ecosystems flourish. The book explains in detail the type of training the dogs go through, which breeds are used, and what the dogs work day is like. I especially loved the stories of how shelter dogs are often adopted to become conservation dogs. Of course, there are plenty of pictures of the dogs on their jobs and it's a wonderful looking book.

I received a free book from NetGalley/Orca Book Publishers and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Photojournalist and filmmaker Isabelle Groc's latest book, Conservation Canines, is full of fascinating facts about dogs working with their handlers towards conservation. I have always been fascinated with dogs and how they are able to sense and smell things that we can't. This book explores the way that we can use these innate abilities to better the environment. I was amazed at all of the different ways that dogs are able to help, especially the dogs that ride on boats searching for orca scat! What I liked most about this book was that it is an easy subject for children to relate to since dogs are popular pets and most children, even if they do not own a dog, are likely to have met dogs.

The photos are captivating. I could tell by looking at them that the dogs and their human partners have amazing relationships. There is also a great variety of photos. I loved the format of the book and the way that there is a vocabulary section for teachers to use and I felt that the subject matter is age appropriate.

I think that the last chapter on what you can do to help conservation canines would be useful in the classroom. I can see myself making this into a class project and finding a way to help local shelter dogs possibly by having the students make the shelter pets enrichment toys.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Really well done and provides interesting information on different canine roles.