Mantrailing

What is Mantrailling?

Mantrailling involves a hidden person, known as a misper, being found by a dog on a long line leading their handler. The misper leaves behind an article of clothing with their scent on it and then goes to hide. The dog then sniffs the scented article and uses that scent to follow the trail of the misper, receiving a great reward when they arrive. Rewards can be food or toys.

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Why is it good for dogs?

Mantrailing is a great way to use your dog's natural abilities and desires. They work hard during sessions both physically and mentally to find their misper, so are often good and tired after a session. It's a full workout! 

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As dogs wait in the car between turns to minimise distraction, it's also a great hobby for dog-reactive dogs as they don't need to be around other dogs to participate. Dogs who are nervous around people often gain confidence from searching out mispers too! 

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What sort of dog can do it?

There are no rules on who is and who isn't allowed to mantrail. We have worked with everything from cockerpoos and dachshunds to german shepherds and rottweilers. All breeds are welcome, but it is most suited to those who enjoy a good sniff!  All dogs work on a long line (lead) so it isn't important that they can recall or be off lead.​

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Do I need to have experience to join a session?

No! We recommend that you attend a standard session if you have never mantrailed with us before, as workshops are for dogs and handlers with some experience. You don't have to attend a special session if you are a beginner as each dog is run separately and each trail is tailored to your dog, so a beginner dog or puppy will have a specially created 'learning' trail laid for them each time. 

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What will we learn?

You and your dog will learn how to listen to and trust each other as you develop your skills. You can opt in to our progression system where you will earn certificates for working through the skill levels and your trails will become more complex and challenging. You'll learn how to trail over longer distances, with turns and complications, using alternative sources of scent, distinguishing between multiple scents, picking up a lost trail, searching using aged trails and much more. Our experienced trainers will advise and guide you all the way.

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What should I expect from a session?

Mantrailling sessions usually last 2-3 hours for a standard session and up to 5 hours for a workshop. Whilst it's a great workout for your dog, it can also be a social experience for you. During your turns, you will be handling your dog alongside our trainer, and during other team's turns, you will either be hiding as a misper, or chatting with other like-minded dog owners. Each standard session includes three turns per booking.

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Please note:

Between turns your dog will be waiting in your car and resting, so it's important that you and your dog are comfortable with this. There is always someone waiting with the cars, so your dog will not be alone.

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Mantrailing occurs in all weathers, so please dress accordingly - particularly when choosing footwear as we are often in rural areas and woodland.

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What will I need?

The following equipment is required for mantrailling. *We can lend you a long line for your first session if you want to try it out before investing.

 - a well fitted harness for your dog

- a 10m long line*

- a ziplock bag with an item of clothing, eg socks/tshirt worn in the last 24hrs

- a large tub or bag with some delicious food rewards for your dog . This will be for the whole session. We don't recommend raw food due to lack of handwashing facilities.

- a smaller tub to put some of the food in for individual runs

- a favourite toy if your dog loves toys