Amphibian and Reptile Detection Dogs

31/10/2025

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been carrying out great crested newt detection work for the Wessex Water ecology team. This has included precautionary searches and detailed inspections along fence lines before their removal following project completion.

This video really showcases Newky’s strength in the field, each of my dogs has their own unique skill, but this one is definitely Newky’s! 👌 Watch as he methodically works the fence line, even through dense foliage, demonstrating his focus and determination.

17/10/2025

Last night, I had the incredible honour of watching my trainer, mentor, and dearest friend, Louise Elizabeth Wilson Conservation K9 Consultancy, alongside her amazing spaniel, Henry, accept a truly well-deserved IFAW award.

Having known Louise for eight years, I’ve witnessed first-hand her unwavering passion and dedication to wildlife, conservation, and the use of detection dogs. She is the most determined, caring, and inspiring person I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

This award is a true reflection of her tireless hard work and commitment to making a real difference in the world of conservation.

Thank you, Louise, for letting me be a part of this special day and for the absolute joy of sitting beside the wonderful Henry during the event 🥰

20/09/2025

After 5 years, 720 trial repeats, approximately 150 great crested newts in temporary captivity, and 3 incredible detection dogs who’ve made me beyond proud — the research trials are officially complete! 🙌

I want to extend my deepest thanks to every single person who has supported me in some way throughout this journey. Whether you helped once or stuck with me through it all — your efforts made this possible. It truly takes a whole community to make something like this work.

Special shout-outs:

🐾 Jamie Mitchell – for your outstanding handsearching skills and fiercely competitive nature! I’ll be expecting that knee surgery bill any day now 🥴🤣

🛠️ Keystone – thank you for donating your time, fencing materials, and strimming to help prep the plots. It’s always a pleasure working with you!

🏞️ Heidelberg Materials– for giving me access to the quarry and the opportunity to run trials there over the past five years. I’m incredibly grateful.

🐕 Conservation K9 Consultancy – thank you for always being at the other end of the phone (or in person!) offering advice, encouragement, and training support whenever I needed it.

🎓 Robert Jehle – my supervisor and mentor, thank you for your guidance, belief in me, and for pushing me to aim higher every step of the way.

And finally, to my three wonderful operational dogs — thank you for sniffing your hearts out and loving every minute of it. You’re the real stars of the show.

Now… time to write up the thesis 😅

06/09/2025

Happy 5th birthday to this wonderful legend of a dog, Obi. We celebrated by a trip to a secure paddock to play with his fellow pack, followed by our annual birthday trip to where he could select his birthday treats and toys. It’s been so wonderful watching him mature and thrive in newt detection. From rescue dog to a super sniffer 💪 🐶 🦎

04/09/2025

We had our first research trial last week, and the conditions were tough — cracked ground from the dry weather, followed by heavy rain and bursts of hot sunshine. But Obi didn’t let us down. Just one more trial to go, and that’ll be the end of it 😱. It’s hard to believe — after five years, three dogs, and nearly 700 trial repeats.

04/08/2025

🐾 Introducing the Wessex Water Detection Dog Directive 🐾

We’re proud to launch our Detection Dog Directive — a formal commitment to ensuring our incredible detection dogs receive the highest standard of care, both on and off duty.

The directive is fully aligned with:
✔️ The DEFRA Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs
✔️ The Animal Welfare Act 2006

It has also been independently reviewed by leading experts in animal welfare and conservation, including:
🔹 RSPCA
🔹 Veterinary Task Force
🔹 Conservation K9 Consultancy
🔹 CAPE SPC

Our dogs are more than working animals — they’re valued members of the Wessex Water team. This directive ensures their welfare is prioritised in every aspect of their lives, from working in the field to relaxing at home.

📄 The full document is available on request.
🐶 Learn more about our canine team here:
👉 https://corporate.wessexwater.co.uk/our-purpose/detection-dogs

We are the first UK water company to have an in-house team of detection dogs tasked with using their noses to help protect the environment.

14/05/2025

🙌💚Over the past couple of months, our great crested newt detection dogs have been working hard in support of Wessex Water’s capital projects. Their efforts have not only enhanced conservation outcomes but also delivered significant efficiency gains—saving a combined 12 months in project delays and over £15,000 in costs.

🕰️ By reducing the need for extended ecologist time on-site and replacing more time-intensive traditional methods, the dogs have played a key role in protecting great crested newts while streamlining our project timelines.

🐾With another busy couple of months ahead, we’re looking forward to continuing this service.

04/05/2025

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a work experience student all the way from Cheshire. Charlotte, who’s currently studying Chemistry and Biology at sixth form, has a real passion for working with animals—and it definitely showed throughout her time with us.

During her placement, Charlotte got to see our great crested newt detection dogs in action, searching for this elusive species in both controlled and wild environments—with multiple finds! She also came to watch the contaminated surface water detection dogs at work during our training day with CAPE. All five dogs were absolutely brilliant, but Charlotte quickly found favourites in Obi and Bandit.

It was a joy having Charlotte with us—we wish her all the best in her future studies and career with animals!

28/04/2025

🤟We’ve had a fantastic couple of days with Louise Wilson from Conservation K9 Consultancy, completing our annual assessments and continuing our CPD. For the past seven years, we’ve undertaken this process to ensure we consistently meet operational standards and deliver a high-quality service to Wessex Water.

🙌The dogs performed exceptionally well—Obi, in particular, has made remarkable progress over the past year, maintaining focus and carrying out detailed searches in highly distracting environments. Newky and Freya continued to impress with their usual reliability.

🤝Louise once again provided valuable feedback and guidance to help us continue refining our work and upholding the standards expected by Wessex Water. Big thank you as always for making time for us 🥰.

08/04/2025

Incredible work Zoos Victoria detection dog team 👏

25/03/2025

🦎Great crested newt detection work has been ramping up over the last few weeks, with many more projects lined up over the spring/summer months including precautionary checks and works under low impact clsss licences.

We are also preparing to commence temporary capture of great created newts for the final trials as part of my PhD research and Obi’s final assessment 😱.

08/03/2025

Happy international women’s day 😄