All about Mantrailing

So what is Mantrailing and will my dog like it?

Mantrailing is essentially having someone hide from your dog, then your dog identifying their scent profile from the surrounding area, following the trail, and finding them.

It's Search and Rescue but for pet owners,  although if you're really bitten by the bug, the trails can get longer and harder as you work through different levels of assessment.

It harnesses your dog's sense of smell and innate predatory behaviour in a constructive way that gives the brain a good workout while being kind on joints and muscles.

Dogs really enjoy the challenge of being with their owner, doing something fun, with a tasty reward at the end .

Very few dogs genuinely dislike it, but when they do there's usually a reason, and I'm happy to work with you both to understand that and tailor trails so your dog has fun.

Can my reactive pet dog still come? 

ABSOLUTELY!

Mantrailing is suitable for any breed, age, or ability, including reactive dogs.

At Follow Dogz, we have trail layers with extensive dog experience who are willing to hide for even the most reactive dogs. This makes mantrailing with me perfect for reactive and those with rescue dogs, as I've owned a reactive Romanian street dog myself and am familiar with their unique needs.

I am proud to say that I have a few Romanian street dogs working with me who have really grown in confidence from trailing.

My dog is really young/really old/has joint issues, can they still trail?

Yes, it's a low-impact sport, so it's ideal for dogs with orthopaedic issues or other physical limitations.

It's also suitable for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and can be adapted for dogs with limited vision or hearing. Everything can be tailored to each individual dog's needs and abilities.

How do you train the dogs?

We teach the dogs to follow a specific person; every time we walk we shed skin cells, and it's this scent trail the dog follows to find their fantastic reward.

I'm not sure I want to be around a lot of strangers.

Mantrailing is a great social sport for people with social anxiety. Our groups are small and trails are in locations where social distancing is possible. If you’re not comfortable hiding, let me know and I’ll make sure there are enough trail layers present.

Will I need lots of expensive equipment?

For the activity, you'll need a Y-front harness and a long line. I have these available for you to borrow in several sizes.

You'' also need to bring small food pots, a variety of tasty snacks, and your normal walking clothing