نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Introduction to University Program

The university program utilizes two types of dog teams in the management of large predators: predator tracking dogs and inspection dogs. These dog teams, consisting of a dog and its handler, are trained and quality-assured by the Wildlife Damage Center in collaboration with the Scandinavian Wolf Project and the Swedish Wildlife Damage Institute.

Predator Tracking Dogs

Predator tracking dogs are trained to track and follow the scent of large predators such as wolves, bears, or lynx with great accuracy. They can be used for various purposes, including:

• Documenting the movement of large predators near houses or domestic animals.
• Tracking scent trails to find and collect feces or hair for DNA analysis.
• Tracking and scaring or killing a large predator. The dog teams are certified by the Wildlife Damage Center, and upon passing the certification test, they receive a dog collar indicating their certification level. The collar should be worn by the dog during training and work.

Inspection Dogs

Inspection dogs can follow scent trails with great accuracy and can also search for scent trails that are up to 24 hours old in environments with disturbances such as living or dead domestic animals. They are used, for example, when domestic animals have passed through fences and it is suspected that a large predator may have been the cause. When a dog team is called to such a location, the dog is expected to mark any entry or exit trails of wolves, lynx, or bears. The trails can then be followed by the dog handler to find track stamps, hair, or feces. The dog teams are certified by the Wildlife Damage Center, and upon passing the certification test, they receive a dog collar indicating their certification level. The collar should be worn by the dog during training and work.

Certification and Testing

Both predator tracking dogs and inspection dogs undergo certification testing, which is administered by the Wildlife Damage Center. The testing ensures that the dog teams meet the required standards for tracking and following scent trails. The certification tests are held regularly, with the next test scheduled for December 2024.