The Diploma in Canine Conservation Scent Detection is an immersive 9-week training programme designed for individuals passionate about dogs, conservation, and hands-on learning.

Led by The Canine Research Group, the course combines structured obedience training with advanced scent detection, conservation fieldwork, and the opportunity to lead community dog training classes. Participants develop practical skills in dog handling, data collection, and teamwork within a supportive, real-world environment.

Throughout the nine weeks, students will cover:

• Basic obedience: motivation, food for training, sit, down, stay, crate training, food vs toys vs praise, impulse control, and the 3 Ds.
• Advanced obedience: emergency handling (stops, go home, avoid, leave it, and hide), extreme impulse control, and off-leash handling around wildlife.
• Scent detection: single-scent detection, scent discrimination, grid and transect searches, and tracking.

Lectures, training sessions, and weekly community dog-handling classes deepen participants’ understanding of canine behaviour and their role in supporting local communities. These sessions also help strengthen connections between people and animals — both domestic and wild — while fostering a passion for conservation.

Whether you’re starting your canine-handling journey or seeking to build professional conservation dog skills, this diploma offers a unique opportunity to learn, apply, and make a meaningful impact. For more information please contact us.

The Canine Cognition Course is a fascinating 3-week programme exploring the science of how dogs think, learn, and communicate.

Designed for curious dog lovers and aspiring trainers, this course introduces innovative techniques such as teaching dogs to “speak” using talking buttons and developing their ability to differentiate individual animals by scent. Participants will gain insight into canine intelligence, communication, and perception through engaging, hands-on activities and guided learning.

For more information please contact us.

The Canine and Wildlife Holiday Programme offers adventurous travellers an unforgettable opportunity to combine a love of nature with a passion for dogs and the opportunity to help communities less fortunate.

Run by The Canine Research Group, this unique experience stands apart from other canine safaris, volunteer programmes, and internships in South Africa, with a community dog training programme, conservation dog handling and fieldwork. Participants take part in a community dog training initiative, conservation dog handling, and practical fieldwork — all within an immersive, hands-on environment that’s both challenging and rewarding.

Whether you’re an experienced handler or completely new to dog training, this programme welcomes all levels of experience—making it the perfect place to learn, explore, and grow alongside incredible dogs.

For more information please contact us.