A nationwide search is underway for a new four-legged conservation hero to fill the boots left behind by world-famous koala detection dog Bear. Eleven-year-old Bear was one of the first dogs trained on the scent of the fur of live koalas. After a decade of helping find koalas and other wildlife in need of rescue, he hung up his iconic boots earlier this year.
Now, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Innovation for Conservation and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Detection Dogs for Conservation (DDC) are teaming up to look for a new canine hero to continue Bear’s legacy. The new dog will be trained to find live koalas in need of rescue.
“Bear set the gold standard for koala detection dogs. He’s leaving very big boots to fill, but now it’s time to find his successor to follow in his pawprints and keep protecting koalas,” IFAW Oceania head of programs Josey Sharrad said.
The new dog will be trained under the guidance of IFAW’s director of canine units, Frédéric Chappée, who has more than 20 years’ experience working with dogs. Mr Chappée started his career working with dogs in the French army before joining IFAW to train dog units across the world in the fight against poaching and wildlife crime. Even though he lives on the other side of the world in France, Mr Chappée has successfully developed a ‘doggy distance learning program’ which includes in-person trainings and assessments a few times a year.
“Since I was a child, I have been around dogs and loved working with them. I am honoured that passion is taking me to Australia to help protect one of the world’s most loved animals and one that needs our help – the koala,” Mr Chappée said. “The performance of a conservation dog is never a miracle. It’s the result of hard work, strategy, and respect from its handler and trainer. The dog’s dedication is immense, but our responsibility for them is just as great.”
The team is looking for a rescue dog who might have a hard time finding a forever home due to its high energy and obsessive behaviour. However, it’s these very qualities that make them the perfect conservation dog. “By only recruiting a rescue dog, it’s a win-win—giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas,” Innovation for Conservation director and handler Russell Miller said.
“Training a dog to detect koalas high up in trees has been the hardest job we have ever had. Training Bear was a long journey, and we had to consult with many other dog trainers. With Fred’s extensive experience, we are hoping we can fast-track the process this time and get a new koala dog trained and working quicker—hopefully, in time for the next bushfire season.”
The team is looking for a rescue dog who:
- Is less than two years old.
- Wants to play every day. This is a dog who doesn’t care about other things or even about other dogs—toys are king.
- Non-aggressive.
- Well socialised. Neutral or friendly towards other dogs and humans.
- No chasing or barking at other animals (including cats, birds).
- Has 100% play drive, zero prey drive. It is essential they show no interest in wildlife.
- Is confident, isn’t anxious about new places or people.
- Medium size (not too small that they struggle in the bush, not too big that the handlers can’t carry them when needed).
- Healthy/fit and able to do lots of walking in the bush and playing.
We are happy for people to bring their dogs to us on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for testing, or if you’re further away, you can send videos for assessment. When testing potential recruits, we will need a few hours with the dog in an unfamiliar location. If you have a dog who you think might fit this criteria, fill out this quick form.
