HawaiʻiDetection Dogs
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Michelle Reynolds and K9 Panda climbing volcanic terrain on Mauna Kea

Wildlife ecology × canine olfaction

Science-led detection,
built for Hawaiʻi.

Field-ready K9 surveys, practical study design, and scent work that helps people and dogs find what others cannot.

Plan a field projectFind a class
Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi IslandMichelle + K9 Panda
25+years in Pacific island conservation
50+scientific papers and technical reports
3specialist dogs featured on the field team

What we do

A detection team grounded in field ecology.

Hawaiʻi Detection Dogs pairs ecological study design with canine learning—for field projects and for people who want their own dogs trained to perform practical detection work. Training includes odor imprinting, a clear final response, hunt development, and on- and off-leash searches.

01

Training aid development

Ethical, documented target-odor acquisition, training-aid handling and storage, local distraction odors, imprinting, proofing, and operational readiness.

Explore service 02

Field surveys + study design

Practical search planning and operational K9 surveys for conservation, biosecurity, invasive species, pathogens, and other hard-to-find targets—with validation, data collection, reporting, and adaptive protocols.

Explore service 03

Detection-dog training

Choose a six-week professional board + train, one-week sport training, or handler-team instruction with Michelle. Programs are tailored to the dog, target odor, and training goals.

Explore training options 04

Pet-dog classes

Small, welcoming scent-detection classes that turn a dog’s greatest superpower into focus, confidence, and shared fun.

Explore service
K9 Slater searching high-elevation lava habitat

A documented first

One rare nest. Two days of searching.

K9 Slater located the first confirmed ʻakēʻakē nest and fledgling documented in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—an elusive, endangered seabird nesting deep in high-elevation lava.

“Detector dogs are an invaluable resource to help locate these elusive birds.”

— Charlotte Forbes Perry, biologist · National Park Service, Dec. 6, 2022
See the field story

Meet the dogs

Different dogs. Different strengths. One scientific standard.

Every project is built around the target, habitat, search question, and the dog-handler team best suited to find the target.

Meet the full team
Slater, McNabb collie

McNabb collie

Slater

Endangered seabird detection
Manu, French Pointer

French Pointer

Manu

Coconut rhinoceros beetle detection
IkaIka, Yellow Labrador retriever

Yellow Labrador retriever

IkaIka

Endangered seabird detection

Detection applications

Proven experience. New possibilities.

A new target starts with a real biological and operational question. We assess odor availability, field conditions, permitting, validation, and the value a K9 team can add.

Explore applications

Active + demonstrated

  • ʻAkēʻakē and ʻUaʻu (Hawaiian petrel)—endangered seabirds
  • Coconut rhinoceros beetle
  • Avian botulism surveillance
  • Yellow crazy ants
  • Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death trials

Seeking partners

  • ʻŌpeʻapeʻa applications
  • Sea turtle nests
  • Pueo nests
  • Water leaks
  • New biosecurity targets
Michelle Reynolds and K9 Manu sharing a happy moment after training

Principal ecologist

Michelle H. Reynolds, MS, PhD

Wildlife Ecologist · Detection-Dog and Olfaction Researcher

Michelle is a former USGS research wildlife biologist with more than 25 years of leadership in Pacific island conservation. She combines endangered-species ecology, detection probability, field logistics, canine learning, and technical communication. Her work has ranged from Laysan duck recovery and climate-change vulnerability across remote Pacific islands to pioneering conservation-dog surveys in Hawaiʻi.

Qualifications + research

Start a conversation

Have a difficult target or a dog ready to learn?

Tell us what you need to find, where you need to work, or what you want your dog to learn.

Get in touch