What is Mantrailing?

Mantrailing is a low impact dog sport where the dog uses his nose to find a specific person.

Each person has a unique scent which billows outwards as we move, traveling with the air before settling within the environment. Dogs, with their highly sensitive noses, can distinguish these individual scents and use them for activities like mantrailing. Basically this is 'Hide and Seek' with your dog.

During each session, your dog will be tasked with finding a 'missing person' who has dropped an item bearing their scent. All dogs are able to sniff and follow a trail, but they need to learn what is expected of them, and of course be motivated to follow the trail. This is done by ensuring that they are always successful and a huge reward of their favourite treat or toy when they find their person.

Mantrailing is a really inclusive dog sport which is suitable for all people and dogs, regardless of age or breed. Dogs are worked one at a time, which means it is suitable for dogs who don't do well in a class or group environment or lack confidence. As they progress with their training it's amazing to see the dogs grow in confidence, not only when they are trailing but in their lives - it really does make a difference.

Mantrailing is very much a 'team' sport and is a brilliant way to build a great relationship and a strong bond with your dog.

You can work towards badges and assessments as your dog progresses - or, as most people do, 'just' trail for fun!!!

Unlike some sports Mantrailing provides low impact physical exercise, meaning that there is less pressure and stress on their joints than many dog sports. Mantrailing engages your dog's incredible olfactory senses giving them an intense mental workout, so they will be quite tired after a session.

Introduction Sessions

I run Introduction Sessions for dogs / handlers who have not yet attended a Mantrailing session. This will give you some background into what to expect and how we trail, show you how to prepare your dog, handle the longline and start to learn to 'read' your dog. Your dog will begin to learn the game and what is expected of him. Usually on a first session your dog will do 3 short trails. I can almost guarantee that both handler and dog will be amazed at how successful you are in such a short time.

Progession Sessions

Following an Introduction Session (which can be with any Mantrailing Global Instructor) you and your dog will be ready to continue with Progression Sessions. Each dog will be worked on their own, and on their own merits, which means that each trail is designed for your dog taking into account his experience and progression plan. These will be held in a variety of environments, rural, urban and semi urban, all of which have their own challenges and learnings.

Please be aware that I am running Introduction and Progression Sessions alongside each other to optimise choice of dates and times.

On the Day

Your dog will need to arrive wearing a flat collar and lead with a harness to wear when trailing. Dogs will not be allowed to trail with just a collar. You will also need a longline for trailing. There are a variety of different harnesses and longlines which can be bought, but don't worry if you don't have the correct equipment for the initial session - make sure you like it before spending too much on equipment.

You will also need to bring rewards for your dog to enjoy. There are usually three trails per session with two rewards per trail - six rewards. These need to be really high value and something the dog is really excited to receive. Usually treats are in small tupperware pots. if your dog isn't food orientated his special toy or ball would be good.

Sessions usually last around three hours and will usually be made up of up to four teams. Each dog is worked individually which means that when it's not their turn your dog will need to stay in the car, so please ensure he is comfortable, not too hot/cold and has water available. Also please bring poo bags - your responsibility.

During a session, handlers will be expected to lay trails and hide for other teams, which is great fun and means everyone is involved in the day. You will need to bring a 'scent article' which you have been wearing or have had close to your body.

Appropriate clothing for the handler is also a consideration as we will on occasion be trailing over rough, wet, slippery ground, so please come prepared.

Once you've enrolled in a session, you will receive instructions for the day with details of location and what you need to bring.