Dogs and Kiwi: Creating Space for Both to Thrive (with Emma Craig)

Dogs navigate the world through scent, and kiwi have an irresistibly strong smell. Add to this a kiwi's lack of a breastbone, and even the gentlest nudge from a curious dog can be fatal.So, how do we create the space for both kiwi and dogs to thrive as they increasingly share the same spaces?In this episode of the People Helping Nature Podcast, Save the Kiwi's dog specialist, Emma Craig brings practical solutions to this challenging reality.From night-time containment to specialised avoidance training for working dogs and tackling feral pack challenges, she shares how simple changes in dog management make huge differences for kiwi survival.For example, in the Whangarei Heads, local dog owners embraced these approaches which hugely contributed towards kiwi numbers soaring from just a handful to over a thousand birds.It's not about excluding dogs from the landscape - it's about empowering owners with the right tools to protect both their pets and our native wildlife as kiwi return to the places we live, work and play.Here are some of the things we discussed in this episode:Why the unique scent and anatomy of kiwi makes them especially vulnerable dogsThe success story of the Whangarei Heads, where community buy-in saw kiwi numbers soar from just a handful to over 1,000 birdsHow kiwi avoidance training works and why it's particularly effective for working dogsThe emerging challenge of feral dog populations in conservation areasWhy night-time containment and walking pet dogs on a lead are critical tools for their ownersThe importance of providing designated dog exercise areas when restricting access to kiwi habitatHow local communities can influence dog management through council bylawsWhy kiwi's prolific breeding offers hope when communities take actionPractical ways to balance both species' needs as kiwi return to urban areas👩About Emma:Emma Craig works for Save the Kiwi in a dual role as both the Northland Coordinator, and the National Dog Specialist. She has over 20 years of experience working with kiwi, including being part of the Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary team to find solutions to kiwi being killed by dogs.Her current role draws on her past experience and has a particular focus on how to work with dog owners to achieve positive results for dogs, for kiwi and other wildlife, and for the wider community. Emma lives in Northland with her family, and has the privilege of being able to hear kiwi calling from their backyard every night.🔗Learn more:Website: www.savethekiwi.nzFacebook: www.facebook.com/savethekiwinewzealandInstagram: www.instagram.com/savethekiwinzLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/save-the-kiwi🎙️Learn more about the podcast at www.conservationamplified.org