what is mantrailing?
Mantrailing is a sport teaching dogs to find people by following their unique scent trail. All dog's have a natural ability to hunt and therefore Mantrailing provides them with an outlet to do this in a safe, controlled and constructive way.
We teach them how to harness their amazing sense of smell and turn it into a super fun activity for pet dog and owner teams to do together as a sport for fun.
why mantrailing is amazing
Mantrailing as a sport can be done by any breed of dog, regardless of their age, health and behaviour problems. This is one of the few sports that reactive dogs can benefit from as it teaches them an amazing game with a brilliant reward that is specific to them. Not only this, but it helps to build confidence around new people and environments.
Dogs are worked individually so never have to come into contact with another dog. Every dog has a nose and therefore can do this sport successfully. It's suitable for deaf, blind, old and injured dogs too!
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Mantrailing isn't just about following a scent—it's a powerful bonding experience between dogs and their handlers. The trust and teamwork developed on the trail strengthen their relationship both on and off the field.
In the world of Mantrailing, the journey truly is the destination!
But, my dog is reactive to dogs and/or people!
That's totally fine! The way that sessions are laid out means, unless you are trailing in a public place, your dog will never have to see or come into contact with another dog!
As long as you let your instructor and trail layer know our dogs limits, we will do our upmost to keep them comfortable, whilst increasing their confidence with strangers through the fun of the mantrailing game!
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Muzzled-up Pups are always welcome too!
Do i need to be fit?
Nope! One of the rules of mantrailing is that you are not allowed to run! This ensures that the dog takes things slowly and so we can help them think through problems properly instead of them just rushing off doing their own thing.
If you have any mobility problems, jut let me know!
my dog is too old
There is no such thing! Mantrailing is a very low impact sport and will be great for their mental health! If my 15-year old terrier can do it - so can your dog!
my dog doesn't come back
No recall, no problem!
Dogs are worked on a longline whilst trailing and are kept on a short lead at all other times - if for whatever reason you are worried, just let me know and I'm sure we can figure something out.
do i need any equipment?
You will need a well fitting harness, a longline (I can lend you one to start with!) and your dogs favourite reward!
If you have a strong dog, you may want a pair of gloves to protect your hands!
my dog isn't very good with their nose
what happens in-between trails?
Nonsense!
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Your dog see's the world with their nose. Everything they need to know about anything, usually comes in the form of scent. Sniffing is a natural behaviour to dogs and mantrailing harnesses this natural ability.
If your dog has a nose they can excel at mantrailing!
Dogs are kept in vehicles when they are not trailling to keep them safe, away from any harm and away from any reactive dogs that may be trailing with you. You will be asked to be a trail layer and hide for another dog during your session, so if your dog isn't comfortable being left alone, you may want to bring another person to sit with them!