About Us
NHU Ecology and Detection Dogs is a specialist ecological consultancy offering integrated detection dog services. With over five years of experience in ecological surveying and more than three years in training and handling detection dogs, we bring a unique combination of scientific knowledge and canine expertise to every project.
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Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the rigorous training we undertake. Both handlers and dogs participate in ongoing professional development, including accredited training courses, external assessments, and continual CPD through shadowing experienced wildlife detection dog teams, attending industry conferences, and engaging in advanced training sessions. We believe that learning is an ongoing process, essential to maintaining high standards and delivering the best possible outcomes.
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By combining ecological expertise with the precision of trained detection dogs, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation of each site we survey. All of our operational dogs are externally assessed to ensure they meet recognised industry standards for competency and reliability.
Our Services Include:
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Conservation and ecological detection dog surveys
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Ecological consultancy and field surveys
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Participation in research and monitoring projects
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Public talks, education, and outreach
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Training for detection dog handlers and teams
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And more…
Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your project.
Dr Natasha Underwood ACIEEM
Ecologist/ Environmental Consultant/ Dog Handler
Trained Ecologist and Environmental Consultant.
Biology Conservation BSc
Environmental Consultancy MSc
PhD in Environmental Science
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Kyrus K9 LANTRA Conservation Detection Dog Handler course 2023
NASDU Bedbug Detection Dog Handler 2024
K9 Conservationists Handler Course 2023
TCSD Scentwork Instructor (UKCSD)
TCSD Scent Detection Dog Handler
Canine First Aid Trained
Conservation Dog Handling Skills 2021 UK Rural skills certified
​ACIEEM Member
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A Member of the Ecology Dogs in Britain and Ireland Working Group.
Member of the Mammal Society
Bronze member of Kernow Conservation
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The Dogs
River
Detailed, reliable, methodical search dog.
High intelligence but sensitive.
Successful detection competition dog being the highest scoring dog of the Year in 2022 Detection Dog Trials! Won multiple competitions in operationally style trials.
Starter dog that has taught me the ropes. Now does a bit of everything from canicross and agility to gundog training, Scentwork and Mantrailing.
Currently participating in Detection Research Trials on truffle detection.
Wren
Trained on:
Bat Carcass
Bird Carcass
Water Vole latrines
Bedbug
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Typical cocker loves to search.
Loves a ball especially a squeaky tennis ball.
Fast enthusiastic searcher.
Our in house demo dog who has demonstrated her detective abilities in front of the public multiple times at large events.
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Extra curricular activities:
Completed her Novice and Intermediate LWGD Working Dog Certificates.
Completed her Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate (on Dummies).
Molly
Specialist Bedbug Detection Dog
In training for Bat and Bird carcass detection.
Scope for new projects.
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Loves a tennis ball and to please her handler.
A hard working spaniel that is happy to get stuck into any environment to search.
Gundog trained.
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Addie
Newest recruit, Addie, a prospect for Conservation Detection