About Us
NHU Ecology and Detection Dogs is a specialist ecological consultancy offering integrated detection dog services. With over six years of experience in ecological surveying and more than four 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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Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your project.
Dr 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
An intelligent and sensitive scentwork dog known for her detailed and reliable search style. Methodical and consistent, she has proven her capability in competition, earning the title of highest scoring dog of the year in the 2022 Detection Dog Trials and securing multiple wins in operational-style trials.
As the handler’s starter dog, she laid the foundations for future detection work and continues to demonstrate her versatility across disciplines, including canicross, agility, gundog training, scentwork, and mantrailing. She is took part in detection research trials exploring truffle detection in 2024-25.
Wren
She is a trained detection dog specialising in bat carcass, bird carcass, water vole latrine, and bedbug detection. A typical, driven cocker spaniel, she displays a fast, enthusiastic search style and a strong natural hunting instinct. Highly motivated by play, she especially loves a squishy ball as her reward. As our in-house demonstration dog, she has confidently showcased her detection abilities to the public at multiple large-scale events.
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She has completed her Novice and Intermediate LWGD Working Dog Certificates and holds the Kennel Club Working Gundog Certificate (on dummies).
Molly
She is a specialist detection dog trained in bedbug detection, with additional capability in bat and bird carcass detection and scope for future project work. A fully trained detection dog, she is confident, methodical, and highly motivated in all search environments. Her strong work ethic, combined with a natural drive to please her handler, makes her a reliable and effective detection partner. Her favourite reward is a tennis ball.
Addie
Addie is our newest recruit and a promising prospect for conservation detection work. She is currently in training for bat and bird carcass detection and is already demonstrating strong potential as a reliable search dog. Highly motivated and eager to please, Addie approaches her work with enthusiasm and confidence. She has proven herself to be an excellent demonstration dog, engaging comfortably with the public, and is always keen to interact. Toy-driven and especially fond of tug rewards, she is open to developing new detection projects as her training progresses.