£28.00
Mantrailing is all about allowing your dog to use their incredible sense of smell to follow the individual scent of a specific person and find where they’ve gone.
It’s a brilliant activity for dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities, and you don’t need any previous experience to join us.
Our regular Mantrailing sessions last around 2 hours, with a maximum of 5 dogs per session, so we can keep groups small and give each dog and handler individual attention.
What happens during the 2 hours?
First things first… your dog won’t be working for the full 2 hours, don’t worry! 😂
Dogs work individually, taking turns to complete their trails before heading back to the car to relax while another dog has their go. Those breaks are important, particularly when they’re doing something that requires so much concentration.
While your dog is resting, you’ll get to watch the other teams work and you may also be asked to lay a trail for another dog. Watching different dogs solve the same sorts of problems can actually teach you an enormous amount.
And before anyone panics… we walk. We don’t run!
Never tried Mantrailing before?
Perfect. Complete beginners are very welcome.
We’ll start with the basics and introduce you and your dog to Mantrailing at a level that suits you both. You’ll learn about scent articles, how to use your harness and long line, how to start recognising what your dog is telling you and, importantly, how to let them do the job rather than trying to solve it for them!
You don’t need to attend a separate beginners’ course before joining a session.
Newer teams can work alongside more experienced teams, with each trail set specifically for the dog and handler working it. As you progress, we can gradually introduce new environments and different challenges.
It won’t simply be the same thing week after week either. We can play with different scent articles, locations, surfaces, distractions and scenarios to keep things interesting and give you and your dog new problems to solve.
Is Mantrailing suitable for my dog?
Probably!
Your dog doesn’t need perfect obedience or fancy training skills. Mantrailing is about letting them use their nose, make decisions and take the lead for a change.
Only one dog works at a time. The other dogs relax securely in their vehicles between turns, so there’s no expectation for dogs to mingle or work alongside one another.
That means Mantrailing can also be a great activity for dogs who struggle in a traditional group-class environment or need more space around other dogs.
If your dog is reactive, nervous or uncomfortable around unfamiliar people, please get in touch before booking. It doesn’t necessarily mean Mantrailing isn’t suitable. We can have a chat about what your dog needs first.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need a comfortable harness, a long line, water and several small pots containing some really good food. This is probably not the occasion to turn up with a handful of everyday kibble and expect your dog to be impressed. 😂 longlines, food pots etc can be borrowed, purchased on the day. Harness must be Y shaped and not restrict shoulder movement.
You’ll also need suitable footwear and clothing for yourself because we’re outside and, well… Britain. We will trail rain or shine. Except thunderstorms
Your dog will need to be able to settle safely in your vehicle between their turns. If that’s something they struggle with, have a chat with me before booking.
Where are the sessions?
Sessions will be held at different locations in and around Ware, Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford, giving us the opportunity to work in a variety of environments rather than always trailing in exactly the same place.
Initially, sessions will be available on Monday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
2-hour session | Maximum 5 dogs
£28 PAYG or £100 for a block of 4 sessions
Complete beginners welcome.
Because apparently following people around car parks, fields and woods is a perfectly acceptable hobby when you bring a dog. 👀🐕