YAGI,  THE  KIWI  DOG!

“Yagi” is a 5 year old Labrador x German shorthaired pointer x cattle dog who has been certified through the Conservation Dog Program to locate kiwi. She is based in the Far North with her handler but will happily travel to do what she loves. She is pretty cruisy and, being part Lab, loves her food!

The Conservation Dog program has been going for over 20 years and includes dogs that find animal pests, protected species as well as weeds, pest plants, lizards, Argentine ants and Kauri Dieback. The pest dogs detect rats, mice, possums, mustelids (stoats, weasels and ferrets) and feral cats. Most of these dogs are terrier breeds (foxie, border terrier etc) as they are great natural ratters and hunters. The protected species dogs find kiwi, takahe, whio, kakapo, pateke etc and are often bird dog breeds like labs, pointers, setters etc. Generally each dog is trained to find a single species but some dogs will find several (mustelid dogs find all 3) or species that will generally not be found together. Being able to read the dog’s behaviour will often tell the handler which species is present, e.g. rat vs mouse.

Yagi’s behaviour around kiwi is to slow right down and quietly decide exactly where the bird is hiding. She will indicate metres from the bird and will not disturb it. She works during the day when kiwi are sleeping so we do not upset them.

Yagi finds kiwi to protect them from logging operations, as part of monitoring kiwi to see how they are coping in Northland (with droughts, developments, intensive pest control etc) and for translocations where kiwi are moved to different areas of protected habitat to boost small populations or even start new ones. She can also find injured kiwi.

There is a very strict process she needs to follow and the training is ongoing for her whole working life. She is regularly assessed by the Department of Conservation dog program team to make sure she is up to standard and needs to prove she is safe around birds. Looking for a protected species with a dog is an amazing experience but also a huge responsibility.

To keep her safe and healthy Far North Vets provide annual checkups and vaccinations to keep her safe from Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Kennel Cough.

Yagi has allergies which can make her itchy and distracted. Fortunately, daily treatment with the anti-allergy medication, Apoquel, keeps her allergies under control and keeps her focused on her vital missions.

The Far North Vets team are 100% fans of Yagi and her work.  Purchasing from the online store helps us keep Yagi fit and well, which helps keep our kiwi safe.

Thanks guys, we really appreciate it!  - Lesley Baigent, Total Kiwi Services

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