Dog owners commended for using training initiative

Dog owners living in and around the Brynderwyns responded enthusiastically to a March 18 invitation by Marunui Conservation to bring their dogs for kiwi aversion training.

Funded by the Friends of the Brynderwyns Society, the session was the fifth to be held since Northland brown kiwi were reintroduced at Marunui between 2013 and 2015.

Thirty-seven dogs, including domestic, farm and pig hunting dogs, were trained (16 for the first time) with the remainder having a ‘refresher’. Sioux Macdonald’s labrador was a first timer and she considered it very worthwhile. “I found the aversion training to be fast and efficient for my hunting dog Flicka,” said Sioux. “She is used to searching for game birds under my direction and also knows common birds to avoid, such as chickens, so it was a useful experience to expose her to the scent of kiwi poo and the view of a stuffed kiwi, and the snap reaction of what happens when she gets too close.

I am confident that should Flicka come across one in the wild or elsewhere she will now know it’s off limits, but we will bring her again 
for a refresher.” Mags Crichton from Glenmohr Road has been coming regularly since 2013 and brought her two Rhodesian ridgebacks. She is impressed with the training. “It is always well organised, quick, 10 minutes per dog. They walk the prepared trail and if they go near the kiwi scent are given a buzz from the collar fitted at the beginning.

The dogs learn quickly to stay away from kiwi scent and remember! Jeanie, my female, stayed well away even though it was a different track from last time.

I would encourage all dog owners living close to kiwi inhabited land to get their dog trained. It’s part of being a responsible owner.” Trainer James McLaughlin reminded everyone that while the dog learns that kiwi are something to stay away from, the training does not necessarily guarantee that the dog, if uncontrolled or roaming, will not attack a kiwi.

“The safest option is to avoid any possibility of an encounter between a dog and a kiwi.” Marunui thanks the Friends of the Brynderwyns Society for its sponsorship and UK conservation volunteer Beatrix Teasdale for her help on the day and commends all those dog owners wanting to contribute to kiwi protection. “Training only takes a few minutes but could save a kiwi’s life.”

„ For future sessions contact marunui. conservation@gmail.com.