In this canine sport, a dog searches for a hidden person by tracking their distinctive scent with its nose. The dogs are trained to follow the scent trail left behind by the hidden person (or trail layer), who also leaves behind an item they have worn or touched. Mantrailing dogs track people down by their distinctive scents in order to receive a reward at the end.

Mantrailing can be done by any breed of dog  (however hounds or hunting breeds typically to learn the sport more quickly). Poodles, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and cross breeds are just as skilled in the sport, with Spaniels and German Shepherds ranking as some of the most popular breeds. 

There are no age restriction for dogs starting Mantrailing. It is an excellent technique allowing dogs to exercise their brains, whilst using their bodies less. 

Mantrailing is a low impact sport, which unlike some dog sports, means there is less pressure and stress on your dog's joints which means puppies, older dogs and those who need more careful exercise management can still join in the fun.

Since the dog is always on a lead, dogs with poor manners or recall are welcome. 

Absolutely!

Mantrailing is suitable for everybody, regardless of any disabilities.

Beginning with our Introduction Workshop, you will learn the theory of mantrailing, along with the health and safety requirements, line handling, weather conditions and rules of the game. We begin with a few short, fun trails to get your dog engaged with the sport and to leave you both craving more. Next, we give you a schedule for at-home practise, and you can begin your mantrailing journey to enhance your skills in our Progression Sessions.

You don't need to worry about keeping up with anyone within a group as each dog and handler are progressed as a pair. It would be impossible to compare your progress to others as all dogs are individual and sniff at their own pace.

We ensure each venue chosen is suitable for yours and your dogs needs.

You are welcome to attend sessions as often or as little as you like. We have clients who trail weekly and some who only come once per month. Like with all training, the more training you put in, the more you get out. 

As each dog is worked independently throughout Mantrailing, reactive or anxious dogs are also welcome to join us. This provides them an opportunity to form positive associations with scenarios that may have previously frightened them. 

No previous training is necessary to attend Mantrailing. During Mantrailing the dog is never let off-lead so you don't even need a good recall! We do ask that you please ensure you let your instructor know if they have any behavioural issues we need to know about prior to attending a session.

All you need for Mantrailing is a long-line lead, harness and food rewards for your dog. If it’s your first time attending an introduction session, please enquire with us if you need to borrow any necessary equipment. 

Don’t forget to also bring an item of clothing that you have recently worn which will smell like you. An appropriate item such as a glove, sock, scarf or neckerchief make excellent scent articles. 

(No underwear please!!!)

During the introduction, dogs will need to be separated from the group for a short time between trails. We do ask that you please keep your dog in your car during this period. Should your dog not be able to be left for short period or if they are still in training, you are welcome to bring someone along with you to wait with your dog between trails.

You are more than welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to a trailing session. We always welcome extra Mispers to hide for the dogs or supervise your dog in between theirs goes. If your friend/family member would like to handle the dog attending, you will need to speak to your instructor directly to ensure the correct introduction process has been completed.

Mantrailing allows the dog to search in a way that they would naturally hunt, allowing them to use multiple natural skills which they already possess. As a handler, we then learn what their body language and behaviours look like when using these skills during a trail to collect information and work as a team to achieve success.

Tracking is a taught behaviour where the dog asked to follow footsteps and ground disturbance.