Nature Nose provides practical, project-specific services supporting wildlife conservation, ecological monitoring and community participation. Our work combines wildlife science, conservation detection dogs, field survey systems and accessible science communication.
Services can be tailored to the target species, environment, project objectives and approvals required.
Conservation Detection Dog & Ecological Field Services
Nature Nose develops and delivers project-specific conservation detection dog services led by wildlife scientist and dog trainer Jayda Bruce. Depending on the project, dogs may be trained to locate wildlife, scats, nests or other biological evidence that supports ecological research and monitoring.
Each project is considered in relation to the target species, target odour, habitat, survey conditions, available training material and the way a dog’s responses will be verified and recorded. Detection dog searches can also be combined with ecological field methods to develop a more complete understanding of a species or site.
Services may include:
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target and project feasibility assessment
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scent acquisition and target-specific training
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scent discrimination and controlled training trials
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detection dog survey planning and field searches
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habitat assessment and systematic field surveys
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sensor camera deployment and wildlife monitoring
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GPS track, waypoint and photographic recording
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field methods, recording systems and operational protocols
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documentation of dog indications and associated evidence
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integration with GIS mapping and sample-location procedures
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collaboration with researchers, land managers and community organisations
All activities are designed around scientific integrity, dog welfare, environmental responsibility and the permissions required for each project.
Wildlife Avoidance Dog Training
Wildlife avoidance training teaches dogs to disengage from wildlife and respond safely to their handler in situations where an encounter may occur. It is designed to reduce risk to native animals while also protecting dogs from injury, defensive wildlife behaviour and other hazards associated with close contact.
Jayda incorporates wildlife avoidance into the training and management of Nature Nose’s own dogs. This is particularly important for conservation detection dogs, which may work in habitats containing wildlife that is not part of their target search. The dogs must learn that locating a target odour does not give them permission to approach, chase or interact with an animal.
Training may focus on:
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recognising and disengaging from wildlife
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strengthening recall and handler responsiveness
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maintaining control around animal scent, movement and other distractions
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calm behaviour at a safe distance
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appropriate lead handling and environmental awareness
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practical management strategies for owners
Wildlife avoidance training supports responsible dog ownership, but it does not make a dog safe to roam freely or replace leads, secure containment and compliance with local regulations. Training outcomes depend on the individual dog, the handler and continued practice.
FUTURE TRAINING PROGRAMS
Nature Nose is not currently running a public wildlife avoidance training program. People interested in future sessions are welcome to contact us and register their interest.
Community STEM Workshops & Presentations
Nature Nose creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect people with real wildlife conservation and field science. Workshops and presentations can be developed around local species, habitats and conservation projects, helping participants understand not only what scientists know, but how evidence is collected, tested and interpreted.
Activities may explore:
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conservation detection dogs and scent science
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animal biology, behaviour and adaptations
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threatened species and habitat requirements
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ecological field surveys and wildlife monitoring
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navigation, GPS mapping and spatial data
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sensor cameras and wildlife evidence
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observation, measurement and field recording
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citizen science and community conservation
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wildlife art and creative science communication
Programs can be adapted for schools, home-education groups, First Nations youth programs, community organisations, environmental events and adult citizen scientists. Delivery may range from a single presentation to a connected series of workshops that builds participants’ skills and understanding over time.
Nature Nose has experience delivering conservation activities for children, young people and community participants through workshops, outreach programs and public events. We work with community partners to create accessible opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and experience levels to explore wildlife science and participate in local conservation.
PLAN A WORKSHOP OR PRESENTATION
Contact Nature Nose to discuss your audience, location, learning goals and conservation focus.
Wildlife Art & Custom Murals
Jayda’s passion for wildlife extends beyond field science into original, handcrafted art. Her work celebrates the character, form and detail of Australian wildlife while creating opportunities for people to notice and connect with the species around them.
Jayda creates hand-painted wildlife murals and intricate paper-cut artworks. Every mural and paper cut is an original work, designed and created individually rather than reproduced from a standard template.
Artwork may include:
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original wildlife paper-cut art
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commissioned pieces featuring a chosen species
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hand-painted indoor and outdoor murals
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artwork for homes, businesses and community spaces
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educational and conservation-themed displays
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creative contributions to environmental events and STEAM activities
Each project begins with a conversation about the species, setting, scale and purpose of the artwork. Where the work supports a conservation project, the design can also help communicate the species’ ecology, habitat or conservation story.
“My two passions are wildlife and art. Through each piece, I want people to notice the individuality and beauty of the animal.”
Jayda Bruce
A selection of Jayda’s original wildlife artworks is available through her Bluethumb artist profile, where visitors can discover more of her work and purchase available pieces.
DISCUSS A COMMISSION
