Photographing the California AG Detection Dogs

Back in 2013 I was lucky enough to be invited to a state-wide meeting of the California Agricultural Detection dogs and their handlers. These dogs operate in each county of the state, and their job is to prevent certain plant species and fruit, along with their associated bugs, from arriving in the Golden State. If such a bug were to be released into the wild it could wreak havoc on our agricultural system, so these dogs are trained to detect plants, fruit, herbs, you name it. They are guided through package delivery facilities such as the Post Office, Fed Ex, etc. to sniff out the packages containing plants. Each dog has a well-trained handler, and they do amazing work keeping California’s agricultural economy healthy.

This year I was invited back once again to take photos of all the dogs at their annual meeting, and we had so much fun! We first ran through some training exercises where the dogs were instructed to find targets, which are boxes containing fruit. Once that was complete we did something simple and fun – we let the dogs be dogs! We set them all loose in a field and let them chase toys and balls, bathe in a big pool, and just have fun.

After the playtime was over the dogs posed for some portraits, and we called it a day. It was an amazing experience, and the best part is they are ALL rescue dogs! Each and every one was plucked from a shelter based on characteristics that make them good detection dogs, and now they are all happy working dogs.

I’m proud of the photos I took, and also very proud to be working with such talented people and dogs. It is truly inspiring!

Dog Photography