Brief history

Rachael Flavell's journey into the world of detection dogs began as a kennel assistant at a renowned specialist detection dog company. With dedication and passion, Rachael quickly advanced to training and handling roles within the organisation.

She was fortunate enough to train and handle a multitude of dogs across various disciplines, including explosives, tobacco, cash, quarantine, smuggled animals, and conservation. This diverse exposure provided Rachael with invaluable insights and hands-on experience in understanding the intricacies of detection dog work.

During this time Rachael, alongside fellow dog handler and trainer, Aran Clyne were involved in training Rocky, hailed as 'the world's first scientifically proven Great Crested Newt detection dog'

This innovative achievement was a testament to Rachael and Aran's expertise and dedication to pushing the boundaries of detection dog capabilities.

Reflecting on her journey, Rachael emphasises the importance of teamwork in detection dog work. She acknowledges that to truly work effectively there needs to be a symbiotic relationship between handler and dog, with subtle behavioural cues often serving as crucial indicators.

At Paws for Conservation, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, exploring new possibilities, and making a positive impact in wildlife conservation and detection dog work.

"This area of work is definitely a team effort. Dogs may show subtle changes in behaviour that may not be noticeable to an inexperienced handler, as opposed to a clear indication. This is why it is important to be in tune with your dogs... there will always be something new to learn."

You are a team.

Paws For Conservation boasts extensive expertise in dog handling and detection, cultivated over years of dedicated experience. Rachael, alongside Aran, have excelled in training, producing, and handling dogs to exceptional standards across a wide spectrum of specialties, including: 

• Great Crested Newt detection dogs - Rachael and Aran set the benchmark for pioneering detection dogs in this discipline. 

• Multiple operational bat and bird carcass detection dogs - unrivalled experience within the UK having conducted thousands of surveys with proven results and accurate data collection.

• Dormouse detection dogs - Research study, proof of concept - 'first of it's kind'.

• Passive and proactive search dogs produced for Hong Kong customs:- smuggled meat and live animals

• Pine Martin scat detection dogs - pilot studies completed 

• Ivory and Pangolin scale detection dogs - Dogs trained and deployed to Gabon and Tanzania 

• Tobacco and Cash detection dogs - Operational experience gained from thousands of searches carried out over the UK alongside private and public sector clients.

• Explosive detection dogs - Large stadiums and events

• Drug detection dogs - Festivals and events, passive and proactive searches

• Medical detection dogs - Proof of concept studies, bio & alert dogs

Our extensive experience spans over 20 years combined. During the first three years as Paws for Conservation, we conducted over 2000 surveys, solidifying our reputation as one of the most experienced and trusted entities in the field of operational work and training.

At Paws for Conservation, our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to continually push boundaries and make meaningful contributions to wildlife conservation and detection dog work.