Could a dog uncover a hidden problem on your property that the human eye can’t see?

In Episode 10 of The Healthy House, we’re joined by Kat to explore the fascinating world of detection dogs and their role in finding Japanese knotweed, supporting property surveys and protecting the natural environment.

Kat explains how she trains dogs to recognise specific scents, locate knotweed rhizomes underground and work alongside surveyors to investigate problems that aren’t visible on the surface. She shares a remarkable case in Wales where her dogs helped identify 44 confirmed locations of knotweed after visual inspections and exploratory digging had struggled to find it.

We also explore the wider possibilities of scent detection, from searching for rare waxcap fungi to detecting bedbugs, water leaks and dry rot. Along the way, Kat shares the story of her rescued Dutch shepherd, who went from being terrified in a pound to working on a conservation project.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How detection dogs are trained and how their abilities are tested.
• Why Japanese knotweed can remain a problem beneath the surface.
• The role of detection dogs in property purchases and construction projects.
• How checking soil and machinery can help prevent knotweed spreading.
• The limitations of detection dogs and why no survey should promise 100% accuracy.
• Using scent detection to help protect biodiversity.
• The potential for dogs to help locate hidden dry rot in buildings.

Kat also shares her Healthy House Checklist, covering awareness of knotweed in your area, recognising potential warning signs and seeking specialist advice before trying to tackle it yourself.

Whether you’re a homeowner, surveyor, developer or simply a dog lover, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the work these dogs do and the problems they can help uncover.

The Healthy House is brought to you by Weatherwise.
Produced and managed by Crawford & Beattie.