Introducing Puppies to Mantrailing

Why are we so excited to get puppies started with Mantrailing? Because it’s such a fantastic way for them to burn off energy, build confidence in new situations and around new people, and most importantly, strengthen the bond between you and your pup.

Unlike some other training where puppies are often just following commands or forced into focus—which can lead to frustration or even conflict—Mantrailing lets puppies explore and learn at their own pace, right alongside you. This activity gives them the freedom to approach new things on their terms, helping them build confidence in a way that feels natural to them. Plus, they get the chance to make positive choices in situations they might otherwise find intimidating.

You can start mantrailing with puppies at any age! However, it’s usually best to let your puppy settle into their new home for a week or so first. Puppies are born with a strong sense of smell—it's one of the first senses they develop, right along with their ability to detect heat. From day one, they use their noses to find their mother’s milk, guided by scent to survive. As they grow, their scenting skills sharpen, allowing them to recognize familiar people, animals, and surroundings, often by associating scents with positive things like food or affection.

You can even get your puppy started with simple scent games right at home. Many owners actually start training their pups to trail without even realizing it! Walking away from your puppy when their little legs can’t quite keep up or playing hide-and-seek are both great ways to encourage them to use their noses. Fun games like hiding bits of food or toys around the house also give your puppy an opportunity to practice and strengthen this amazing skill.

To join in on an introduction course with your pup to get started, contact your local Mantrailing Global Instructor.

You can join after their second vaccinations. This is purely from a health and safety point of view for your puppy. There are going to be other dogs in the introduction, who may be carriers for things, as well as likely to be trailing in a place where lots of dogs frequent. Some instructors even do puppy only introductions to help you start your Mantrailing journey.

Mantrailing also really helps to bond with your puppy and become a team in a very natural way.

When we start Mantrailing with puppies, we adjust the game to match their short attention spans and energy levels. Long, complicated trails aren’t likely to keep a puppy excited; instead, we introduce them to “hunting trails.” These are short, exciting trails where the puppy gets a bunch of quick rewards from the trail layer. This setup makes the game super fun and keeps the puppy engaged without overwhelming them, so they’re left wanting more.

Once the puppy understands that following someone leads to rewards, we gradually introduce the regular starting ritual. We keep things light and fun—no pressure if the puppy wiggles around or is a bit unsure about the harness. The goal is to make the whole experience enjoyable. We even adapt the ritual if needed, but we always want to build a solid foundation for the game. Like any training, good foundations now help prevent issues later on. Check out our other blog about Mantrailing foundations.

When starting your puppy in Mantrailing, it’s really important to set a good pace. Puppies are only going to get faster as they grow, so if you’re already running to keep up, they’ll be dragging you off your feet by six months! Running may feel tempting, but keeping a steady pace is better for their joints and helps reinforce good habits for long-term trailing.

Getting puppies comfortable with the basics—wearing a harness, dragging a line, and eating from scent pots—makes a big difference. Trying out different foods in the pots, like wet dog food, roast chicken, or cream cheese, lets you see which reward gets your puppy most excited. Once you find their favourite, keep it as a special treat just for Mantrailing. This way, they know the game is extra special.

The celebration at the end of the trail needs to be just right for the puppy, too! Sometimes trail layers get too hands-on because they want to pet the cute puppy, but it’s key to figure out what your puppy enjoys. Some pups love pets and cuddles, but others might prefer a treat or a little extra playtime instead. Getting the end-of-trail “party” just right helps make the game amazing for your puppy and builds a fun bond between you. Trail layers should stay aware of each puppy’s preferences so the celebration is always a positive experience.