Discover Mantrailing

Mantrailing is an engaging and rewarding activity that harnesses a dog’s natural ability to follow scent trails left by humans. At its core, mantrailing teaches dogs how to find a specific person using that individual’s unique scent, making use of the powerful olfactory senses that dogs are born with. This activity not only stimulates the dog mentally and physically but also strengthens the bond between dog and handler through teamwork, communication, and trust. 

The process begins by introducing the dog to a “scent article” — this could be a piece of clothing, a glove, or any item that has been recently touched by the person to be found. The dog uses this scent to identify the individual and then follows the trail they have left behind, tracking them until they reach the person’s hiding place. It is a game of hide-and-seek powered by a dog’s nose, and it is just as enjoyable for the dog as it is fascinating for the handler.

During a mantrailing session, the dog and handler are connected by a long line, allowing the dog the freedom to trail while still remaining under the handler’s guidance. The team learns to work together, with the handler observing and interpreting the dog’s behavior to understand when they are on the correct trail.

To get started, participants must first attend an Introduction to Mantrailing Workshop, which lasts three hours and is conducted in a secure, controlled environment. This beginner-friendly session covers the fundamentals of mantrailing, introduces the scent process, and gives both dog and handler the chance to complete their first trails in a safe and supportive setting.

Following the introductory session, handlers can continue their journey by enrolling in Mantrailing Progressions. These sessions also last for three hours, but take place in public or semi-urban areas, offering a more challenging and realistic environment for both the dog and handler to practice their skills. Trails become more complex as the dog gains confidence, and handlers learn to read increasingly subtle cues from their dogs.

Mantrailing is suitable for dogs of all breeds and abilities. Whether your dog is highly energetic, reactive, or simply in need of a fun outlet, mantrailing can offer a structured and enriching experience that taps into their natural instincts in a positive and productive way.