STANTHORPE tourist attraction Lawdogs Australia will soon receive national recognition for their efforts in rehabilitating pound and rescue dogs for new working roles as detection and patrol dogs in both the security and farming sector.
Television show Totally Wild visited recently to learn more about their latest graduate Elsa who was fostered by Animal Rescue Queensland before being assessed by Lawdogs owner Matt Hibberd as suitable for training as a detection dog.
Her talents now include detecting black truffles at a farm in the Stanthorpe area, and she provides a vital role in helping harvest truffles that are then utilised by local cafes and restaurants and adds to the paddock to plate experience available in the Southern Downs area. The truffles she finds with her owner in the morning can be served in dishes as soon as lunchtime that same day.
‘Our core business is an Australian first tourist attraction providing a sit down show to the public of law enforcement dog training which can involve dogs from many backgrounds and different types of breeding,” Matt Hibberd said.
“The rescue and rehome component of our show demonstrates how great results can be achieved by using correct training methods, and we love showing that off through our show.”
It is the second truffle detection dog Mr Hibberd has now trained, bringing the tally of dogs rehomed in new roles to nearly 50 in their first five years of operation. His unique ‘Dog Show With Bite’ at Stanthorpe has now been nominated for tourism awards and draws visitors from around the nation to the area to see the talented dogs in action.
“The Stanthorpe region now boasts a variety of attractions and experiences, and appeals to a diverse demographic than those previously attracted to the renowned wine tasting region,” Matt said.
Totally Wild presenter Kell loved meeting the detection dogs as well as some of the younger recruits during their all access pass to the facility where they learned more about the puppy breeding and development through to the adult stars.
The episode airs in a few weeks’ time.
