Our Story

Hi, I’m Éadaoin, founder of Hounds and Helis and Hounds & Gear. My journey into the world of Search and Rescue (SAR) dog sports started with a simple idea—what if pet dogs could experience the excitement and fulfillment of real SAR work? What began as a gamble quickly grew into something bigger than I ever imagined.

With Hounds and Helis, I set out to bring Mantrailing, Air Scent, and Cadaver Training to pet owners, making SAR dog sports accessible, fun, and rewarding. Whether you're looking to strengthen your bond with your dog, challenge their natural instincts, or just enjoy a unique and engaging activity, I’ve built a community where you can do just that. From weekend training retreats to expert-led seminars, I love helping people discover the thrill of search work in a positive and supportive environment.

But training dogs in all conditions led to another challenge—finding gear that could keep up. That’s where Hounds & Gear was born. I started making my own waterproof leads, collars, and long lines because nothing on the market was quite tough enough for the job. Now, I offer durable, stylish, and practical dog gear designed to withstand everything from torrential rain to muddy trails—because in Ireland, we know there’s no bad weather, just bad gear.

My passion for SAR work extends beyond training—I'm also the Training Officer for ISSARD, a Search and Rescue dog team, and I’ve had the honor of being nominated for the Dara Fitzpatrick Award for my operational SAR work. Hounds and Helis has been recognized as Best Dog Training Service 2025 – Cork and Waterford, and I’m always looking for new ways to grow and improve what I offer.

Whether you're here to train your dog in the art of search, gear up with waterproof equipment that won’t let you down, or connect with a like-minded community, you’re in the right place. At the heart of it all, I believe in giving dogs a job they love, building trust between handlers and their dogs, and embracing the adventure—rain, mud, and all.