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Department of Agriculture

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  7. Series 2 – Detector dogs

Sidebar first - Biosecurity

  • Detect and Protect podcast
    • Series 1 - How our biosecurity system works
    • Series 2 – Detector dogs

Series 2 – Detector dogs

Produced by our detector dog capability team, series 2 will take you on a journey through 30 years of the detector dog program. The first episodes feature interviews with the program’s founder Bob Stirling and Australia’s first detector dog handlers. We then follow the program’s expansion through the introduction of the active response program, to multipurpose dogs and finally hear from our handlers currently working across Australia. Listen out for stories about celebrity encounters and find out how you could become a detector dog handler.

Disclaimer: All information was current at time of recording.

Episodes

On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Establishing the Biosecurity Detector Dog Program, with Bob Stirling (PSM), Detector Dog Program Manager (1992-2002). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 1, Series 2

Establishing the Biosecurity Detector Dog Program

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Australia’s First Biosecurity Detector Dog Handlers Part 1: Learning on the Fly , with Rachel Holdforth, Detector Dog Program (1992-2000). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 2, Series 2

Australia’s First Biosecurity Detector Dog Handlers Part 1: Learning on the Fly

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Australia’s First Biosecurity Detector Dog Handlers Part 2: Dog and Human Behaviour, with Harry Smithard, Detector Dog Program (1992-2006). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 3, Series 2

Australia’s First Biosecurity Detector Dog Handlers Part 2: Dog and Human Behaviour

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Girl Power: Sydney’s First Two Biosecurity Detector Dog Teams, with Dee Apps, Detector Dog Program (1993-2010). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 4, Series 2

Girl Power: Sydney’s First Two Biosecurity Detector Dog Teams

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Establishing the Biosecurity Detector Dog Active Response Program, with Clare O’Shannessy, Detector Dog Program (14 years). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 5, Series 2

Establishing the Biosecurity Detector Dog Active Response Program

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Pup 2 Pup: From Seal Handler to Dog Handler, with Kelvin Wong, Detector Dog Program (2021-present). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 6, Series 2

Pup 2 Pup: From Seal Handler to Dog Handler

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
On a dark blue background are images of yellow and black dogs. Text reads: Taking the Lead: From Kennel Assistant to Technical Supervisor, with Sarah Tibbetts, Detector Dog Program (2015-present). In large graphical text is:  30 years, Biosecurity Detector Dog Program. On far right is text: Detect & Protect, Podcast Episode 7, Series 2

Taking the Lead: From Kennel Assistant to Technical Supervisor

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023
Detect and protect image - Series 2, Episode 8 - the transition from beagles to labradors

The Transition: From Beagles to Labradors

  • Podcast
  • Biosecurity
01 May 2023

Read about your privacy

The department uses a third party hosting platform called Captivate for our podcasts. You may also access our podcasts directly through your favourite podcast app. Please note that the department does not control how any third party app or website will use the information that passes through their sites including in relation to any transfers of information outside Australia. You are advised to read the privacy statements of any third party platform, app or website you choose prior to access. To understand how Captivate deals with your personal information you should read their privacy policy. To read how the department deals with your information online, read our privacy policy.

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Page last updated: 12 May 2023

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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