by Krista Halling DVM CCRP DACVS
If you’re planning to adventure with your dog in New Zealand, there’s something special you need to think about—protecting the kiwi birds! These adorable, flightless birds are a national treasure, but they’re also super vulnerable, especially to dogs. Dogs are one of the biggest threats to kiwi survival, which makes kiwi avoidance a must if you’re planning to explore New Zealand with your furry friend.
Let’s dive into why kiwi need our help and how you can help make your dogpacking adventures safe for everyone—humans, dogs, and kiwi alike!
Why Kiwi Need Our Help
The kiwi (not to be confused with kiwi fruit 🥝) is a chicken-sized flightless bird endemic to New Zealand. The five remaining species of kiwi are endangered, largely due to predation by mammals, including dogs. (The kiwi bird is such an iconic part of New Zealand that a slang term for someone from New Zealand is a Kiwi.)
Since kiwi cannot fly and they sleep during the day, this makes them a prime target for curious or playful dogs. They also have a strong scent which dogs find irresistible. Even a harmless sniff can be dangerous for a kiwi; their delicate bodies just aren’t built to handle canine interactions.
Because kiwi often live in areas that are popular for hiking and camping, it’s really important to keep your dog on a leash and, as an extra measure, to train your dog to avoid them. The goal? Prevent any chance of a dog-kiwi encounter that could harm these precious birds.
What Is Kiwi Avoidance Training?
Kiwi Avoidance Training is a special program designed to teach dogs to steer clear of kiwi. Founded in 1996 by Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, the program is available for pet dogs but targeted toward working dogs (e.g. farm dogs and hunting dogs) as the latter are more likely to be running around off-leash. Here’s how the program works:
Getting to Know Kiwi Scents: Dogs are introduced to the scent of kiwi birds using feathers or a kiwi-scented cloth. Once your dog is familiar with that scent, you then teach them to avoid it.
Training with a Pro: You’ll work with a professional trainer or conservation officer who guides the session. Your dog will be exposed to kiwi scents in a controlled setting, and if they get too curious, they’ll be gently corrected.
Positive Reinforcement: Your dog will get lots of praise and treats for ignoring the kiwi scent. The idea is to create a strong, negative association with the smell so your dog knows to stay away from it in the wild.
Keep It Fresh: As with any training, kiwi avoidance training loses its effectiveness if not being regularly reinforced. So it’s important to go back for refresher courses now and then, especially if you and your pup are regular adventurers in kiwi habitats. After being certified, Kiwi Avoidance Training will notify you every 6-18 months that it’s time for your dog to have a refresher.
Where Can a Kiwi-Avoidance-Trained Dog Go: An avoidance-trained dog is not allowed everywhere in New Zealand, but there are certain natural areas where only kiwi-avoidance-trained dogs are permitted to go. Remember to always follow local bylaws and keep your dog on a leash as the best means of kiwi protection.
How to Get Started
Ready to help your dog become a kiwi protector? Here’s what you can do to help this bird:
Find a Trainer: Look for a certified kiwi avoidance trainer in your area. Many conservation groups in New Zealand offer workshops, especially where kiwi are known to live. KiwiAvoidanceTraining.nz is a great resource.
Leash Up: Even with training, always keep your dog on a leash in areas where kiwi might be around. A leash adds an extra solid layer of protection for these vulnerable birds.
Support Kiwi Conservation: Consider supporting conservation efforts such as Save the Kiwi that aim to protect kiwi habitats, increase the kiwi population and build public awareness on how dog owners can play a big role in kiwi conservation. Every bit helps when it comes to preserving these amazing birds.
Be a Kiwi Hero: Responsible Dog Ownership
Kiwi avoidance training is about more than just keeping wildlife safe—it’s about being a responsible dog owner. By taking this extra step, you’re helping to protect New Zealand’s natural heritage while making sure you and your dog can keep enjoying your adventures together:
- The best way to protect kiwi is to keep dogs out of kiwi habitat altogether.
- However, kiwi avoidance training can be a good tool for dog owners to deter their dogs from injuring or killing kiwi if they do go into areas where kiwi live.
- It’s not guaranteed to work; even dogs that have been kiwi avoidance trained could kill a kiwi. Kiwi avoidance training does not make a dog ‘kiwi proof’, and dogs should be trained regularly.
- It is targeted be used for ‘dogs with jobs’ like hunting and farming dogs. Pet dogs can be avoidance-trained, however stronger measures are preferred such as keeping them on a lead.
And remember, this training isn’t just for locals. If you’re travelling to Zealand with your dog, it’s a great chance to learn more about the country’s endangered fauna and how you can play a part in keeping it safe. With the right prep and a trusty leash, you and your dog can enjoy a kiwi-safe New Zealand adventure.
Special thanks to Erin Reilly at Save the Kiwi for offering her expertise to this article and for providing us with photos.
Related resources
- Bringing a Pet to New Zealand – NZ Government
- Travelling Internationally with Your Dog: What You Need to Know – Dogpacking.com
About the author
Krista Halling is a veterinarian board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and co-founder of Dogpacking.com. She is also half-Kiwi. When not writing about dogpacking, Krista enjoys travelling and adventuring with her mini goldendoodle, River, and eating kiwi fruit.
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