Episode 24: Interview with Laura Holder on Conservation
Episode 24: Interview with Laura Holder on Conservation  
Podcast: Canine Connection Podcast
Published On: Tue Jan 06 2026
Description: In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Laurie and Petra interview Laura Holder, a conservation dog handler who discusses her unique work with dogs in environmental conservation. Laura shares her journey from corporate America to training dogs for various detection tasks, including bumblebee nest detection and turtle monitoring. The conversation explores the importance of understanding dog behavior, the challenges of fieldwork, and the benefits of nose work for building confidence in dogs. Listeners will gain insights into the collaborative nature of conservation projects and the vital role that dogs play in protecting endangered species. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the fascinating world of dog training, focusing on the incredible memory and unique personalities of dogs. They discuss the importance of observing dog behavior, innovative training techniques in nose work, and the role of breed in shaping a dog's abilities. The conversation also touches on the mental management required in dog training and the balance between passion and professionalism in the field. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate their dogs as teachers and to observe not only their own dogs but others as well to enhance their training skills.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Conservation with Dogs02:11 Laura's Journey into Dog Training03:23 The Role of Conservation Dogs05:13 Ernie's Conservation Work07:21 Training Dogs for Multiple Species09:13 Verifying Bumblebee Nests11:06 Planning Field Work with Dogs12:29 Field Work Dynamics13:32 Weather Challenges in Conservation Work15:27 Energy Management for Working Dogs17:10 Teaching Dogs to Range19:31 Self-Taught Skills in Conservation21:28 Reading Your Dog's Behavior23:46 The Humbling Nature of Nose Work25:38 Encouraging Independent Problem Solving27:20 Building Confidence in Dogs28:50 Handling Dog Stress in Training30:34 Resilience in Dog Training32:21 The Benefits of Nose Work34:42 Integrating Nose Work with Other Sports36:40 Final Thoughts on Training and Conservation40:31 The Incredible Memory of Dogs42:46 Understanding Dog Personalities in Training44:38 The Importance of Observing Dog Behavior48:44 Innovative Training Techniques in Nose Work54:27 The Role of Breed in Dog Training59:07 Managing Expectations and Mental Resilience01:06:07 Balancing Passion and Professionalism01:13:37 The Journey of Self-Awareness in Dog TrainingFOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/www.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025