Welcome to our October Dog Lovers Book Club! This month’s adult selection blends moving rescue stories, cosy suspense, and practical canine insights. From inspiring tales of adoption and second chances to a fun murder mystery featuring noble Salukis, an emergency pet care guide, and a quirky look at veterinary history, there is something for every dog enthusiast.

Over in our Kids’ Corner, young readers will explore stories celebrating teamwork, empathy, and puppy joy. Highlights include an uplifting shelter adventure with real and robot dogs, hilarious chew-toy escapades, an interactive mix-and-match dance book, and a gentle rhyming bedtime tale designed to delight dog lovers of all ages.

RESCUE DOGS ON DOORSTEPS
Stories of hope, healing and finding home at last

By Suzanne Stevenson

From Sydney photographer and animal advocate Suzanne Stevenson comes the heart-warming third instalment in her beloved Dogs on Doorsteps series. Born out of a simple isolation project photographing local pups on their front steps, Suzanne’s series has captured hearts across Australia—and this new collection is her most moving yet.

Rescue Dogs on Doorsteps shines a spotlight entirely on adopted and rehomed pups, capturing them in stunning photography outside the front doors of their new forever homes. Paired with emotional, second-chance backstories of resilience and unconditional love, these stories celebrate the incredible journey from shelter to family.

It’s a beautifully photographed tribute to rescue animals, the power of belonging, and the life-changing joy of adoption. Perfect for your coffee table or as a gift for any dog lover, this book will break your heart and put it back together again.

Hardcover, 336 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 29th September 2026

Price: $35.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE DOG SITTER DETECTIVE

By Antony Johnston (Author)

Meet Gwinny, an unlikely bloodhound, and her four-legged friends determined to dig up the truth.

Penniless Gwinny Tuffel is delighted to attend her good friend Tina's upmarket wedding. But when the big day ends with a dead body and not a happily-ever after, Gwinny is left with a situation as crooked as a dog's hind leg.

When her friend is accused of murder, Gwinny takes it upon herself to sniff out the true culprit. With a collection of larger-than-life suspects and two pedigree Salukis in tow, she is set to have a ruff time of it.

Paperback, 288 pages
Publisher: Allison & Busby, 5 March 2024

RRP: $26.15 from www.amazon.com.au

SOPHIE FROM ROMANIA
A Year of Love and Hope with a Rescue Dog

By Rory Cellan-Jones (Author)

How do you welcome someone new into your heart and home? A week before Christmas, newly retired BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones receives a special delivery that will change his life.

This is the story of rescue dog #SophieFromRomania.

In January 2022, the Cellan-Jones-Coyle family said goodbye to their beloved elderly Collie cross, Cabbage. She and Rory had become inseparable during daily pandemic walks, which alleviated his Parkinson's symptoms. After a grief-stricken year, Rory and his wife Diane come across a listing for 'a kind girl who loves everybody and is just looking for her forever home'.

Bright-eyed, big-eared and trembling, Sophie arrives in London on 17 December 2022. Rory holds the Romanian rescue in his arms, excited for their first walk together - but the road ahead will be a long one . . . This book follows the real journey of Sophie's adoption - from her battles with anxiety, to the joys of play and her first time outside - as Rory and Diane work with expert dog trainer Si to win Sophie's trust and navigate Rory's Parkinson's disease.

This is a moving story of love, kindness and a lot of patience, paying tribute to rescue dogs and their tender community.

Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: Vintage (Square Peg PB), 11 October 2025

Price: $24.17 at www.amazon.com.au

DOG FIRST AID
The Emergency Guide Every Dog Owner Needs Before the Worst Happens

By Julia Bulok

Most dog emergencies don't start with a siren. They start with a dog that won't settle, a belly that looks a little swollen, a limp that wasn't there this morning — and a pet owner trying to decide whether it can wait until the clinic opens.

Dog First Aid is written for that exact moment. It covers essential procedures that apply no matter where you live: recognising the red flags that mean "drive to the vet now", checking vitals with normal ranges broken down by your dog's size, CPR following RECOVER veterinary guidelines, choking relief, wound care, heatstroke, seizures, and crucial action during the first thirty minutes of bloat.

Every protocol is scaled for small, medium, and large dogs, and the layout is designed so you can find the right section in under ten seconds.

This guide covers:

• Red flags: clear indicators that signal an emergency rather than a wait-and-see situation.
• Vitals & CPR: step-by-step actions tailored for small, medium, and large breeds.
• Immediate response: step-by-step care for choking, bleeding, burns, heatstroke, seizures, and bloat.
• Household toxins: essential info on chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rodent bait, and human medications
• Printable summary: a handy two-page emergency card ready for your fridge door.

While it doesn't replace your vet, it’s an indispensable guide for those crucial minutes before you reach professional care. For Australia-specific hazards like paralysis ticks and snake envenomation, we recommend pairing this guide with Australian Dog Lover's Health & Wellness resources.

Paperback, 134 pages
Publisher: Compass Press (12 August 2026)

Price: $29.71 on Amazon Australia (eBook $7.35 on Kindle )

HEAL THE BEASTS
A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts

by Philipp Schott DVM (Author)

Sharing the stories of 22 different animal healers and veterinarians from across eras and continents, Dr. Schott examines the always fascinating, often unexpected, and sometimes hilarious veterinary methods employed to treat all manner of creatures.

From healing dogs and horses to gorillas and even dragons, at the heart lies the evolution of the human-animal bond, which has been more cyclical than linear.

James Herriot will be familiar to many people, but most of the other featured vets will be new. They range from Palakapya, who treated fighting elephants in India almost 3,000 years ago, to Dr. Louis Camuti, who had the first feline house call practice anywhere, tending to the cats of celebrities in mid-twentieth century Manhattan.

Whether you have a passion for animals, the history of the medical sciences, or just quirky history, this light-hearted exploration of the empathetic relationship between man and beast will entertain and delight.

Paperback, 232 pages
Publisher: ECW Press, 25 August 2025

Price: $41.98 from www.amazon.com.au

THINGS YOUR DOG WANTS TO KNOW
The Hilarious Guide to What Your Dog's Trying to Tell You

By Sam Hart

A hilarious book of tongue-in-cheek advice for dog parents who are looking to understand their furry friend's inner thoughts.

(Spoiler alert: your dog is obsessed with you.)

Ever wondered what's on your dog's mind when they follow you everywhere (including to the bathroom), shower you with wet kisses, or knock you clean off your feet when they welcome you back home?

Discover what your dog really thinks of you and learn to understand their silly, playful and completely besotted language.

Discover the many things your dog is trying to tell you, such as:

- "Please order more presents so I can see my best friend, the postie, every day!"
- "It's so kind of you to constantly share the food from your plate with me." And much more!

Packed with charming illustrations and witty captions, this book is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any dog parent.

Hardcover, 96 pages
Publisher: Octopus, 10th September 2026

Price: $17.98 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

I AM A GOOD DOG
A Dogtown Book

By Gennifer Choldenko, Wallace West (Illustrator), Katherine Applegate

Dogtown is a shelter for all dogs -- real and robot. Metal Head, a robot dog who is a long-time resident of Dogtown, yearns for a forever home. When a girl named Esme begins visiting Dogtown, Metal Head goes on a mission to get her to adopt him.

But Esme doesn't like robot dogs. She has her heart set on taking home a gangly wolfhound mix named Ghost with one blue eye and one yellow eye. Sadly Ghost's former owner mistreated him, so he's terrified of everyone. Can Esme, Metal Head, Mouse, and Molly, a dog who fosters stray kittens, figure it out?

And what about Metal Head? When will he get his forever home?

The characters in the New York Times-bestselling Dogtown books have already found homes in readers' hearts. Award-winning authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko bring humour and empathy to the story of this special shelter; with charming illustrations by Wallace West, the Dogtown books are perfect for readers at all levels.

Hardcover, 352 pages
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Imprint: Feiwel & Friends, 22nd September 2026

For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Price: $36.99 from www.amazon.com.au

THE SECRET LIFE OF DOG TOYS

By Jennifer Harney, Kelly DiPucchio

A hilarious, action-packed tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author starring a lovable, miniature cast of toys who must undertake their biggest mission yet: saving the family dog.

Meet the Dog Toys—a ragtag group of unlikely heroes who have one thing in common: Moose.

Goofy Moose. Clumsy Moose. Loveable Moose. Chews-on-his-toys-until-the-stuffing-comes-loose Moose. As much as they love their dog, every day with him is a fight for survival.

That's why the toy team, led by the fearless Captain Bananas, must be clever and quick to outwit (and outrun!) their dog. But when a dangerous mission goes wrong and Moose escapes, the toys must work together to save their biggest tormentor—and best friend.

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Hachette Children's Books, Little, Brown Young Readers US, 24th September 2026

For Ages: 6 - 8 years old

Price: $38.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

EVERYTHING you need to know ABOUT LIFE you can learn from a DOG

By Bruce Littlefield, Maribel Lechuga (Illustrator)

A fresh and funny look at how we can learn to be better humans from our dogs.

Want to learn how to live your best doggone life? Ask a dog!

In case you haven't noticed, dogs have life figured out. They wake up each day looking to make the best of every moment. They understand what's important. They know what to shake off. They love a good walk. And they certainly know how to relax! Whether young or old, we can all learn a few tricks from dogs. So, sit, put your paws up, and delight in the wisdom of dogs!

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers, Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books, 29th September 2026

For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

Price: $30.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

DOGS CAN DANCE

By Naomi Tipping

Ever wondered what your dog gets up to the second you leave the house? They’re practicing their dance moves, of course!

From the illustrator behind the bestselling Cats in Pants comes a hilarious, interactive flip book packed with performing pooches.

Each page is split into three horizontal sections, letting readers mix and match heads, bodies, and legs to create hundreds of silly, expressive dog dancers.

Whether it’s a Poodle leaping in a tutu, a Dachshund tangoing in the ballroom, or a Golden Retriever attempting questionable "dog-dad" dancing, this playful, beautifully hand-drawn book is pure joy for dog lovers and dance fans alike.

Hardcover, 24 pages
Publisher: Batsford GB, 15 September 2026
For Ages: Great for kids 3+ and dog lovers of any age!

Price: $16.99 from www.amazon.com.au

LITTLE BLUE WHERE ARE YOU?

By Sally Morgan, Illustrated by Karen Blair

Little Blue Where Are You? follows Skippy Gillespie, a clever pup who decides to take himself for a walk in the park. He’s quickly joined by his doggy pal, Rocky Road Jack—and not a moment too soon!

When a sneaky neighbourhood cat sets its eyes on a tiny, lost duckling named Little Blue, the two dogs must team up to save the day and help the littlest traveller find his way back home to his mother. Packed with humour, heart, and vibrant illustrations, this waggy tale is a wonderful story about teamwork and helping out those in need.

Hardback Picture Book, 32 pages
Publisher: Fremantle Press, 29 September 2026
For Ages: 2–5 years

Price: $27.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

Understanding the gut, immune system, and stress cycle in allergic dogs

When dogs begin scratching in spring, we tend to focus on what’s happening on the skin. However, emerging research suggests the processes behind persistent itching may be more complex.

Certified Natural Animal Nutritionist Rachael Tricarico explores the connections between the gut, immune system, skin and behaviour — and why breaking the itch–lick–stress cycle may require looking beyond the itch itself.

Spring arrives and, for many dog owners, so does a familiar sound: scratch, lick, chew, repeat.

Perhaps your dog suddenly starts licking their paws every evening. They rub themselves along the grass, scratch during the night or begin chewing persistently at the same patch of skin. So what is making them so itchy?

Licking paws constantly? It's often the first sign of environmental allergies or irritated skin.

The answer isn’t always straightforward.

Itching can have many causes, including parasites, environmental allergies, food reactions, contact irritation, dry or damaged skin, and secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Persistent or recurrent itching should therefore be investigated by a veterinarian rather than assuming allergies are responsible.

For dogs prone to allergic skin disease, spring can be particularly challenging. Pollens, grasses and other environmental allergens become more prevalent, while warmer weather can mean dogs spend more time outdoors and have greater contact with potential triggers.

We naturally look at the skin when a dog starts scratching. Yet the skin does not function in isolation so we need to look at a more holistic level.

Researchers are increasingly investigating the relationships between the gut microbiome, immune system and skin. Add another important piece — the brain and behaviour — and an interesting picture begins to emerge.

An environmental trigger may cause a dog to itch. The dog licks or scratches for relief. Repeated licking further irritates an already uncomfortable area. The skin barrier can become compromised, potentially creating even more discomfort. The dog becomes restless and continues licking.

What began as an itch can become an itch–lick–stress cycle that is increasingly difficult to interrupt.

This doesn’t mean anxiety causes allergies, or that every itchy dog has an unhealthy gut.

It does suggest that when we’re trying to understand the chronically itchy dog, we may need to look beyond the surface.

This is where the emerging science of the gut–brain–skin connection becomes really interesting.

What Is the Gut–Brain–Skin Axis?

The gut, brain and skin might seem like three completely separate parts of your dog’s body, but they are constantly communicating through the immune system, nervous system and chemical signals produced within the body.

At the centre of much of the emerging research is the gut microbiome — the vast community of microorganisms living in your dog’s digestive tract. These microorganisms don't simply help with digestion. They interact with the immune system and produce compounds that can influence processes elsewhere in the body.

This interaction is particularly relevant because the gut is an important site of immune activity. The intestinal barrier, gut microorganisms and immune system are in constant communication, helping the body respond appropriately to what it encounters.

Researchers are now investigating how changes within this environment may influence immune responses beyond the gut, including those involved in inflammatory skin conditions. This is one of the key ideas behind the gut–skin axis: what happens in the digestive tract may have effects that extend well beyond digestion.

That matters when we talk about itchy skin because many of the conditions behind persistent itching involve the immune system.

In dogs with environmental allergies, the immune system can overreact to otherwise harmless substances such as pollens, grasses or dust mites. The resulting inflammatory response contributes to the redness, irritation and itching owners see on the skin.

Researchers have found differences in the gut microbiome of dogs with canine atopic dermatitis compared with healthy dogs, although we are still learning whether these differences contribute to the disease, result from it, or are influenced by other factors such as diet and medication.

This is an important distinction. Science doesn't tell us that an unhealthy gut causes allergies, or that changing the microbiome will cure an itchy dog. What it does suggest is that the gut and skin shouldn't necessarily be viewed as completely independent systems.

Now Add the Brain

Itch isn't simply something happening on the surface of the skin. It is a sensation communicated through the nervous system and interpreted by the brain, prompting a dog to respond — usually by scratching, chewing or licking.

When that itch becomes persistent, the relationship between physical sensation and behaviour can become more complex. Stress may add another layer.

This doesn't mean anxiety causes a dog's allergy, and persistent paw licking should never automatically be dismissed as behavioural.

The itch may have started with a very real physical trigger.

However, once itching becomes chronic, the factors keeping the behaviour going may become more complex. Scratching or licking can provide temporary relief from an uncomfortable sensation, making it a behaviour the dog repeats. If the licking further irritates the skin, the dog has another reason to return to the same area.

Ongoing discomfort can also affect a dog's ability to settle and sleep, potentially contributing to restlessness and stress. In this way, stress doesn't necessarily start the itch, but in some dogs it may become one of the factors that helps perpetuate the itch–lick cycle.

This distinction between what triggers the itch and what keeps the cycle going is important.

Spring provides a perfect example of how these systems can converge. A dog susceptible to seasonal allergies encounters increased environmental allergens. Their skin becomes itchy, they begin licking their paws, the skin barrier becomes increasingly irritated and the licking continues. At the same time, ongoing discomfort may affect their ability to settle or sleep.

The result isn't simply an itchy patch of skin. It is a dog experiencing a series of connected physical and behavioural responses.

Understanding those connections changes the question from “What can I put on my dog's itchy skin?” to “What is driving the itch, and what might be keeping the cycle going?”

Supporting the Gut-Skin Axis Through Nutrition

As a nutritionist, this is where I believe it is particularly important to separate promising science from promises.

Nutrition provides the building blocks required to maintain normal skin, coat and physiological function. Essential fatty acids, adequate protein, vitamins and minerals all have roles in supporting normal skin and skin-barrier function.

Essential fatty acids, fresh protein, and targeted nutrients support normal skin barrier function from the inside.

Diet is one of several factors that can influence the composition and activity of the gut microbiome. This has led to growing scientific interest in whether supporting the microbiome could, in turn, influence immune and skin health.

Probiotics are one area being investigated, alongside prebiotics, postbiotics and dietary approaches that support the intestinal environment. Research has specifically explored the gut microbiome in dogs with atopic dermatitis and whether microbiome-targeted interventions could have a role alongside conventional management.

The findings are interesting, but this is still an emerging field. Probiotics should not be viewed as a cure for allergies or a replacement for veterinary treatment.

Another consideration is that probiotics are not interchangeable. Different bacterial strains can have different characteristics, so evidence relating to one strain or combination of strains cannot automatically be applied to every product labelled “probiotic”.

For me, the more useful question is not, “Which supplement will stop my dog itching?”

It is, “What does this dog need to support their overall health while we identify and manage the underlying cause of the itch?”

That may include appropriate nutrition, supporting digestive and microbiome health, ensuring the diet provides nutrients important for normal skin function and considering sources of essential fatty acids.

These strategies form part of the bigger picture. They don't replace diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Breaking the Itch–Lick–Stress Cycle

When itching becomes chronic, physical discomfort and repetitive behaviour can reinforce one another.

If your dog is itchy this spring, managing the problem may mean looking at several parts of the cycle rather than focusing solely on the visible patch of skin.

✔️ Investigate what's driving the itch. 

Persistent, severe or recurrent itching needs veterinary investigation. Look for patterns too: when does the licking occur, where on the body, and does it coincide with particular seasons, environments or activities?

✔️ Reduce the itch burden. 

Where possible, reducing exposure to known environmental triggers and supporting the skin barrier can help address some of the factors feeding the physical itch cycle. Your veterinarian can advise what is appropriate for your individual dog.

✔️ Support from the inside. 

Appropriate nutrition, digestive health and nutrients required for normal skin function can form part of a whole-dog approach. Emerging gut–skin research also gives us another reason to consider the microbiome as part of this broader picture.

✔️ Consider what may be perpetuating the behaviour. 

If a dog has been itchy for some time, don't overlook sleep, stress, enrichment and opportunities to settle. Where repetitive licking continues despite the underlying medical condition being appropriately managed, behavioural factors may also warrant investigation.

The aim isn't to decide whether an itchy dog has a skin, gut or behavioural problem. It is to recognise that, in some dogs, these factors may overlap.

Looking at Whole-Dog Health

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the gut–brain–skin axis isn't that it gives us another treatment for itchy dogs.

It changes the way we think about them.

The gut communicates with the immune system. The immune system plays an important role in allergic disease. The skin sends sensory information to the brain. Discomfort influences behaviour. Behaviour such as persistent scratching and licking can, in turn, affect the skin.

These systems don't exist independently or in isolation.

The science of the gut–brain–skin connection in dogs is still developing, but it is already encouraging us to ask better questions about the chronically itchy dog.

When a dog is persistently itchy, instead of looking only for something to put on the itch, we can consider what might be driving it, what might be perpetuating it and what the dog needs as a whole.

So, if the soundtrack to spring in your house has become scratch, lick, chew, repeat, don't simply ask how you can stop the scratching.

Ask what's driving the itch and what might be keeping the cycle going.

About the Author

Rachael Tricarico with her dog Lenny

Rachael Tricarico, BBus (International Trade), Certified Natural Animal Nutritionist (CIVT), is the Founder of Australian pet health and grooming brand Houndztooth, with a particular interest in evidence-led nutrition and supporting the long-term health and wellbeing of dogs. Connect with Houndztooth on Facebook and Instagram @houndztooth_au.

This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or replace veterinary advice. Persistent, severe or recurrent itching, skin changes or excessive licking should be assessed by a veterinarian.

Sources:

Harvey, N.D., Craigon, P.J., Shaw, S.C., Blott, S.C. & England, G.C.W. (2019). Behavioural Differences in Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis Suggest Stress Could Be a Significant Problem Associated with Chronic Pruritus. Animals, 9(10), 813.
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Thomsen, M., Künstner, A., Wohlers, I., et al. (2023). A comprehensive analysis of gut and skin microbiota in canine atopic dermatitis in Shiba Inu dogs. Microbiome, 11, 232.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-023-01671-2

Rostaher, A., Morsy, Y., Favrot, C., et al. (2022). Comparison of the Gut Microbiome between Atopic and Healthy Dogs—Preliminary Data. Animals, 12(18), 2377.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182377

Song, H., Mun, S-H., Han, D-W., et al. (2025). Probiotics ameliorate atopic dermatitis by modulating the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in dogs. BMC Microbiology, 25, 228.
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Pacheco, R.C.F., Lins, L.F., de Brito, L.P., et al. (2025). Probiotics as an adjunct in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vivo studies in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 87(9), 1068–1077.
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Miller, J., Simpson, A., Bloom, P., et al. (2023). 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 59(6), 255–284.
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Following in Bear’s famous pawprints, a two-year-old rescue Koolie is in fast-track training to save wildlife this fire season.

A new four-legged conservation hero is in training, with a rescue dog preparing to follow in the iconic pawprints of world-famous koala detection dog Bear.

Following the retirement of 11-year-old Bear earlier this year, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Innovation for Conservation (I4C) launched a nationwide search for a new canine hero. The chosen dog will be trained to search for live koalas in need of rescue, filling the critical void left behind when Bear hung up his signature red fire-protective boots.

The call-out in May attracted global attention, drawing more than 50 applications from across Australia—primarily Queensland—and even a very enthusiastic applicant from South Carolina in the United States. The applicant pool represented a diverse range of breeds, from Jack Russells and Corgis to Belgian Shepherds and Cattle Dogs, with working breeds like Kelpies and Border Collies topping the list.

Among the applicants was Oaka, a two-year-old Australian Koolie from northern New South Wales, who stood out to evaluators immediately.

"We didn't know it would be possible to find a new Bear. He was truly one of a kind and left big boots to fill, but then along came Oaka," said IFAW Oceania Head of Programs Josey Sharrad. 

“Bear showed the world what's possible when a rescue dog is given a second chance and finds its true purpose. I see that same spark in Oaka.” 

A Second Chance at Purpose

Oaka’s backstory mirrors Bear’s own journey. She was surrendered after her previous family considered her too energetic to handle. However, local rescue group DM Rescue and trainer Avery Keller recognised her latent potential and submitted an application following the public call-out.

Evaluators assessed around 13 dogs in total—testing candidate dogs from local rescue groups such as the Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge and Peninsula Animal Aid—both in person and via video evaluations. The team searched for specific criteria: medium size (small enough to carry if injured, large enough for tough terrain), high energy, non-aggressive behaviour, and a hyper-fixation on play. 

High energy, agility, and intense drive made Oaka a standout candidate during field assessments

Crucially, the ideal candidate required a 100% play drive with zero prey drive, ensuring no instinctual desire to chase or harm wildlife.

Oaka’s video submission justified a 10-hour round trip from Coffs Harbour for in-person testing on the Sunshine Coast.

"When we saw her in person, we could tell immediately that she was different," said Innovation for Conservation director, trainer, and handler Russell Miller. 

“She had this obsession with the ball that was that little bit extra. Her concentration was a bit more intense, with a strong motivation to get her reward. Within minutes of seeing her in action, we knew we had struck gold.” 

"Oaka being an Australian Koolie like Bear has the perfect breeding for this type of work," Miller added. "She can already easily search the area and recover her ball—now we have to transfer this into the search for the odour of the koala fur."

Dog handler Associate Professor Romane Cristescu with Oaka, who is being trained as IFAW and Innovation for Conservation’s potential new koala detection dog, resting with her prized blue ball reward after a successful search exercise.

While the origin of her name remains unknown, handlers note that Oaka translates to "from the woods," a fitting title for a dog destined for forest conservation.

The Physics of Sniffing High Targets

Training a dog to detect live koalas canopy-high in trees is an intricate process, vastly more complex than training a scat-detection dog.

Because koalas sit motionless high up in the treetops, their primary scent stream does not drop straight down to the base of the trunk. Thermal currents and wind drift often carry the scent meters away from the tree, forcing the dog to track invisible scent plumes back to their overhead source.

To master this, Oaka undergoes twice-daily training sessions. Initial modules focus on search efficiency and ball-finding confidence. Trainers then introduce target odour association, pairing the scent of fresh koala fur with her ball reward. Gradually, the fur is hidden at increasing distances and elevated off the ground to mimic canopy conditions. Ultimately, Oaka is taught to execute a formal alert: dropping to lie down at the base of the exact tree where the scent originates.

With a 100% play drive and zero prey drive, Oaka stays entirely focused on her ball reward while searching through dense bushland, ignoring local wildlife.

To fast-track her development, Oaka is training under IFAW’s Director of Canine Units, Frédéric Chappée, a expert with over 20 years of experience who has pioneered a distance-learning program combining remote tracking with periodic in-person evaluations.

"When I'm looking for a new detection dog, I can assess up to 100 dogs, but we found Oaka within a week," Chappée said. "For many people around the world, Bear became an icon, but what makes Bear truly unique is not only what he achieved, but the void he left behind. It’s a void that I am hopeful Oaka can fill."

IFAW’s Frédéric Chappée and Associate Professor Romane Cristescu working with Oaka during a field training session.

While anti-poaching dogs trained by Chappée in Indonesia and Zimbabwe can be field-ready in six months, canopy search demands extra time. Bear’s training took two years before his legendary deployment during the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, where he helped locate over 100 live koalas in burnt habitats—earning praise from international figures like Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

Preparing for the Seasons Ahead

With El Niño climate patterns bringing heightened fire risks, the team is working rapidly to prepare Oaka for field deployment.

“We are fast-tracking her training because we know how critical it is to have a highly skilled koala detection dog back in the field,” Sharrad explained. 

"With El Niño already here and a tough summer on the horizon, our koalas will need all the help they can get."

Koalas are notoriously difficult for human eyes to spot; they are quiet, still, and expertly camouflaged. Combined with thermal-camera drones, detection dogs drastically raise rescue success rates following bushfires, floods, or vehicle strikes.

Fuelled by nutrition partner Lyka, Oaka will soon begin testing in real-life scenarios. IFAW and I4C remain optimistic that she will be capable of assisting during the upcoming fire season, even while completing her full certification.

As for Bear? The veteran is enjoying retirement on the Sunshine Coast with plenty of beach walks, belly rubs, and daytime naps—while keeping a watchful eye on his successor.

Updates on Oaka’s progress and her upcoming television project can be followed on Instagram via @ifawglobal and @bearthekoaladog.

All photos: Suzanne Pearson / © IFAW (supplied)