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Owning a nervous dog can be really tough. It’s not just stressful for your dog, but it can also feel isolating for you as an owner. Finding opportunities to join classes or meet other dog owners might seem like a challenge. When it comes to building confidence in your dog, the goal is to create positive experiences that help them feel comfortable exploring new things. That’s where Mantrailing comes in—it’s built around exactly that! Mantrailing teaches your dog to follow a specific person’s scent. Now, dogs are naturally gifted when it comes to using their noses, so we’re not teaching them something completely new. Instead, we’re guiding their natural talent into a fun, confidence-boosting game that focuses on scent. This gives your dog the chance to work in a way that feels natural to them, while also building their confidence. Here’s a fun fact: about 1/8th of your dog’s brain is dedicated to processing scents! This makes their sense of smell the most important one. The olfactory bulb, which processes these smells, is part of the limbic system—the brain region that controls emotions, memory, and behavior. So, when your dog smells something, it not only brings up memories but also triggers emotional responses. Positive experiences with scent can help release endorphins and serotonin—those feel-good hormones that help your dog enjoy the process and feel good about the game. Scent is so powerful that dogs can even tell the direction a scent has traveled, how much time has passed, and identify who it belongs to. By associating specific scents with positive experiences, we create lasting, positive memories that help build your dog’s confidence. Another reason Mantrailing is great for nervous dogs is that there’s always a reward at the end of the trail. This could be a favorite toy or some tasty food, and the reward is tailored to each dog’s preferences. What’s also great is that your dog gets to decide how close they want to get to the person who’s hiding. We want to avoid putting your dog in a position where they feel conflicted or forced to approach someone they’re not comfortable with. In our introductory courses, we’ll start by using people your dog already knows as the trail layer. As your dog gets more comfortable with the game, we’ll gradually introduce unfamiliar trail layers. These new people don’t interact with the dog; they just serve as the scent to follow to get to the prize. It’s surprising how many dogs that were initially hesitant to approach the trail layer will warm up to them over time, especially since they’re only associating that person with a positive experience. Mantrailing is also a great sport for dogs that are nervous around other dogs. Since each dog works individually, there’s no need to worry about interactions with other dogs during training. As your dog gets more focused on the task, they often become oblivious to their surroundings, including other dogs, which can help them overcome some fears. Over time, they shift their priorities from being on alert for potential danger to focusing on the scent trail. This helps reduce their reactions to things that might normally trigger them. When it comes to the rewards, whether it’s a toy or food, we ensure that the reward is engaging and positive for your dog. If we’re using a toy, we’ll choose a trail layer who knows how to use the toy in an interactive way, making sure it’s the best possible reward for your dog. And when food is used, we focus on something like licking it out of a pot—this action has been proven to release endorphins, which boost your dog’s happiness. Mantrailing isn’t just about following a trail—it’s about giving your dog a chance to gain confidence, overcome fears, and have fun doing what they do best! Contact your local Mantrailing Global instructor to get your dog started If you want to become and instructor and help nervous dogs become more confident then find out more here - https://www.mantrailingglobal.com/instructorcourse

Our ten commandments to bare in mind on your Mantrailing journey: Keep the Game Fun Mantrailing is all about having fun with your dog! If it starts feeling like a chore, or if your dog’s struggling, take a step back. Look for ways to make it fun again—maybe change the reward, choose a quieter area to trail in, find a new trail layer, or even tweak your handling skills. Your instructor will be able to guide you on this! Follow Your Dog Remember, you can’t see or smell the trail, only your dog can! So trying to second-guess won’t work. Trust your dog—they know what they’re doing! After all, they were born with this ability. Mantrailing is all about letting the dog be in charge; we’re just along for the ride. Use the Right Equipment When you first start, it’s easy to grab any old harness and lead, but as you get more into the sport, investing in the right gear makes a huge difference. A well-fitted harness and a sturdy long line will make trailing easier and safer. Find the Best Reward for Your Dog Mantrailing is all about keeping your dog motivated, and that means finding the reward that gets them excited. It might not always be the most convenient thing for you, but if your dog loves it, it’ll make all the difference. Wet food, tuna, liver cake, or cheese are all popular choices. Some dogs even love toys and will get super hyped up, turning the reward into a mini celebration! Learn to Read Your Dog The more you trail with your dog, the better you’ll get at reading their body language. You’ll start to notice their behaviour changes when they’re on scent, searching for it, or completely lost it. Watching video recordings of your trails can help you analyse their movements and improve your understanding. No Rushing Mantrailing is all about laying a strong foundation. If you rush ahead and increase the difficulty too soon, your dog might struggle, and that’s not helpful for either of you. Be patient and let your dog build their skills at their own pace. Success comes with time and consistent practice. Always Train With Positive Associations At Mantrailing Global, we’re all about positive reinforcement. Every dog is different, so we adapt our approach to ensure each trail is a positive experience. Whether your dog is nervous around people or has trouble working away from you, we’ll find a way to keep them motivated and happy to continue the game. Learn to Be a Good Trail Layer Trail laying isn’t just about hiding somewhere and waiting for the dog to find you. It’s about carefully listening to instructions and setting the trail up correctly for dog you’re working with. As a Trail Layer (the person laying the trail), your actions play a huge role in keeping the dog motivated too, providing the reward, or/ and even throwing a little party with the dog once they’ve completed the trail! No Obedience Mantrailing is about letting your dog think for themselves and work independently. It’s not about control or obedience, so we don’t want to over-command or micromanage the process. Too many commands can take away from the fun and motivation and also distract your dog from working, so it’s best to keep things relaxed and let your dog enjoy the game. Record Keeping Keep track of your trails—how they went, what worked, and what didn’t. Our trailing log books and the mantrailing app Every trail is a learning experience, so recording your observations is a great way to monitor progress and figure out areas for improvement. Even if you’re not aiming for a Mantrailing Global level assessment, keeping notes will help you understand how well your dog is doing and what adjustments might be needed. Start your Mantrailing journey today by finding your nearest Mantrailing Global Instructor.

A – Association Creating positive associations is essential to Mantrailing success! The goal is for your dog to link the trail layer ’s scent with rewards like food or a toy. Associating the scent article with the trail and the trail layer makes the experience fun and keeps your dog excited to do more. B – Bond Building Mantrailing strengthens the bond between you and your dog as you trust them to take the lead. By letting them drive, they grow in confidence, and your connection grows with each trail. C – Cues We use specific cues to let the dog know it's time to trail. Commands like “take scent” and our trail signal, along with putting on or taking off the harness, all cue the dog into “Mantrailing mode.” D – Dog Your dog is the star of Mantrailing! The experience should always be fun and engaging for them. Mantrailing is for any dog, regardless of breed, temperament, age, or ability. E – End of Trail At the end of each trail, the dog gets a reward, like a big party, to stay motivated. This celebration keeps their enthusiasm high so they’re always ready for the next trail. F – Foundations Starting with solid foundations is key. Beginning with short, intense trails helps build understanding without frustration. Setting a steady pace with repetition and basic skills will lead to success. G – Game Mantrailing is a game for the dog! Whether in training or real life, they just love playing. Making training fun is central to Mantrailing UK’s approach. H – Harness A well-fitted harness is crucial for comfort and movement. We recommend a Y-front design that doesn’t restrict the shoulders, like those designed by Niggeloh. I – Intensity Trails Intensity trails kickstart your dog’s love for mantrailing with quick, rewarding experiences. These short, fast trails keep their excitement high and make longer trails rewarding. J – Junctions Junctions add challenge as the dog learns to choose the correct path. They’re a natural progression to develop your dog’s trailing skill. K - Knowledge It’s all about handlers mastering the knowledge learnt at sessions and implementing it within future trails! L – Long Lines The long line keeps your dog safe and connected to you, preventing them from running off or encountering hazards. It’s also a communication tool to feel changes in their trailing intensity. M – Misper (now known as Trail Layer) The Trail Layer is the person who lays the trail and serves as part of the reward for the dog at the end. N – Nose The dog’s nose is its powerhouse! Its sensitivity is 100,000 to 100 million times stronger than ours, allowing dogs to sense time and direction through scent. O – Observation Learning to read your dog’s body language—like head lifts, tail carriage, and gait changes—helps you understand when they’re on or off the trail. P – Party At the end of the trail, it’s party time! This reward, which can involve food, toys, or running, reinforces their success and keeps them excited for the next trail. Q – Quality vs. Quantity It’s all about quality over quantity! Successful, short trails build strong foundations. Avoid rushing or overworking your dog so that each trail builds confidence. R – Reward Every dog has a unique reward, whether it’s a treat, a ball, or playtime. Finding what excites your dog is key, even if it’s different from your preference. S – Scent Article The scent article is the dog’s clue to who they’re looking for. It can be anything with the trail layer’s scent—clothing, an object they touched, or even their vehicle. T – Trailing Trailing is following the scent path left by the trail layer, which is a mix of skin cells, pheromones, and other scent cues. Weather and environment also influence how this scent behaves. U – Understanding Mantrailing builds mutual understanding between you and your dog. You’ll learn to see what excites them, know when they’re truly focused, and understand what kind of reward brings them joy. V – Value Creating value for the trail is key to long-term enthusiasm. Intensity trails at both the start and end build excitement, and the Kocher method reinforces the value of each trail. W – Walk, Don’t Run Always walk rather than run when trailing. It’s safer and prevents your dog from getting too far ahead. X – X Marks Your Progress Tracking your progress with goals and checkmarks helps you see improvement and pinpoint areas to work on. Mantrailing UK’s levels and progress booklet make this easy. Y – You As the handler, you’re part of the team! Learn to handle the line smoothly, support your dog when needed, and enjoy the experience as much as they do. Z – ZZZZZ After a Mantrailing session, most dogs are ready for a well-deserved rest. Mantrailing is mentally and physically stimulating, so it’s common for dogs to sleep soundly afterward. Find your nearest Mantrailing Global Instructor to get started!

While we’re out Mantrailing, there’s a whole conversation happening between us and our dogs, and a big part of it comes through the line. We’re not only watching their body language—those subtle shifts in posture, tail position, or head angle—but also feeling the changes in line tension. It’s like a telephone line, giving us a way to "talk" to our dogs and for them to "talk" back as they follow the scent. The line gives us a direct sense of when our dog are on the trail or making a decision, and these signals are often so subtle that smooth and steady line-handling is essential to maintain good communication. Our own movements on the line don’t just relay information—they can unintentionally influence the dog's decisions. Sudden pulls or jerks can interrupt their focus, causing hesitation or even making them stop trailing altogether if they’re sensitive to abrupt movements. Inconsistent or overly tight handling may lead the dog to second-guess their path, following our cues instead of their nose. This can lead them off course, disrupt their confidence, and shift their attention from the trail to us. Consistent, gentle line management helps to avoid this interference, ensuring that our dog can stay fully focused and confidently follow the scent without distraction. Without a line, they’d be off on their own, and we’d lose the chance to read their body language and support them along the way. Safety is another key reason for the line—it keeps the dog from running into unexpected hazards. Unsafe handling includes letting the line drag on the ground or having it at an inappropriate length, hindering control over your dog around hazards. A loose line could also wrap around your feet, get tangled with the dog, or catch on obstacles. Poor line handling skills such as heavy pulls or sudden stops can create a negative association with trailing. Dogs that have a bad experience on the line can start putting in less effort, feeling less excited to trail or put the dog off wanting to play the game completely. Holding the dog back from making their own decisions can also result in confusing the dog and reinforcing the wrong decisions on the trail. For fast dogs, managing the line can be a workout as you’re constantly adjusting to keep up with their speed and movement. Good line-handling skills are something that improve over time, but it’s worth practicing right from the start. One great way to do this is to practice handling the line on your own before trailing with your dog—learning to build smooth loops, finding your preferred hand position, and working with the line comfortably. Our skill up booklet even include a badge for line-handling skills! You can practice keeping a steady grip by attaching a small bell to the end of the line and reeling it in and out without making it ring. It’s a great way to develop that smooth, controlled motion. The right line length depends on your dog’s trailing style and the environment. Most lines range from five to ten meters, and you’ll want to adjust based on what feels right for your dog and the setting. Just because you have a long line doesn’t mean you always need to use its full length. For advise on line handling, contact your local Mantrailing Global Instructor .

We had the chance to chat with Sarah from My Anxious Dog UK about her journey in mantrailing with her sweet but anxious Cocker Spaniel, Bella. Bella was once a dog who loved her training classes and did wonderfully in them. However, after being attacked by a few dogs, she became fearful around other dogs and, later, wary of strangers touching her, especially after a few tough visits to the vet. Sarah’s trainer suggested using a yellow ribbon to signal to others that Bella needed space, which made a huge difference in how calm Sarah felt on their walks. Inspired by this, Sarah created her own line of harnesses marked with phrases like “Anxious,” “Do Not Touch,” and “Keep Away” to visually communicate that Bella needed her space. Sarah’s goal is to raise awareness about anxious dogs, so she uses her products and social media to educate and empower owners to help their dogs feel more comfortable on walks. Sarah also started the hashtag #yellowarmy and #dogsinyellow, even organizing an awareness day in March 2022, to spread the message about the needs of anxious dogs. At Mantrailing UK, we’re all about making life more enjoyable for every dog, whether that’s through Mantrailing or spreading awareness about giving anxious or reactive dogs the space they need. Why yellow? Yellow is widely recognized as a colour for caution, and it’s eye-catching and easy to spot, making it a great way to get the message across to others. By wearing bright yellow, anxious dogs like Bella are more likely to be given the space they need. Other dogs might not always pick up on these signals, but people certainly can—and it helps avoid any unnecessary stress or setbacks for the dogs. When we asked Sarah what Bella loved most about Mantrailing, she shared how much Bella enjoys following her nose to find someone. Bella isn’t usually one to approach strangers due to her fear of being touched, but with Mantrailing, she can approach a “trail layer” (the person hiding) without worry. Sarah knows that the person won’t try to touch Bella and instead will reward her with treats, which has been fantastic for Bella’s confidence. Mantrailing is easily tailored to each dog’s needs, so it’s a great fit for dogs with specific sensitivities. Another wonderful thing about Mantrailing is that dogs work individually and are on a lead at all times. So, even though it’s a group activity, Bella isn’t exposed to other dogs off-lead, and she can relax in the car between trails. Sarah also gets to connect with other owners who share similar challenges, which is rare for those with anxious dogs, who often feel isolated in training groups. Mantrailing groups are made up of supportive, like-minded people who cheer each other on and celebrate every success, creating a real sense of community. We’re excited to support Sarah’s work at My Anxious Dog UK by educating our Mantrailers about the Yellow Dog Project, which could help both their dogs and others in the future. Mantrailing is all about creating a fun, rewarding experience for every dog, including those with anxiety or other behavioural challenges. The rewards in Mantrailing go beyond just finding the trail layer—licking treats from pots releases feel-good endorphins, and the structured game gives dogs a natural outlet for hunting instincts. Each trail ends with a predictable reward, followed by a bonus on the intensity trail, reinforcing the fun and making the dogs feel fantastic about their achievement. You can learn more about Sarah’s mission at My Anxious Dog  or follow her on social media at @myanxiousdog, where thousands of dog owners are joining the #yellowarmy to give dogs a voice. Want to give Mantrailing a try? Find your nearest instructor at www.mantrailingglobal.com

Ever heard someone say, "Don't contaminate my trail!"? When you’re out trailing with your dog, other scents—like wildlife, other people, and pets—are bound to be around. And that’s normal! Dogs naturally sort through scents all the time. Here’s a fun fact: under ideal conditions, a dog’s sense of smell is so strong that it can detect a person or object up to 20 kilometers away. So even if another scent didn’t cross your trail directly, your dog will still pick it up. Dogs see the world through their noses, taking in every scent around them and figuring out which ones are useful or interesting. So, when we talk about a “clean” trail, that’s really just a nice idea—it doesn’t exist. There will always be scent contamination, and some types make the trail more complex for our dogs. So, let’s break down what we mean by “contamination.” It’s basically anything that might mix with or make the dog’s trail harder to follow. Contamination can come from all kinds of things. Other human scent and environmental factors, like wildlife or chemicals in the area, play a big role. One common type of contamination comes from other humans. When we show up at the trail site, our own scent pools in the area, along with that of the instructor or trail layer and anyone else who has been there before we even arrive. If we start multiple trails from the same spot, that also builds layers of scent that can be tricky for a dog to sort through—especially if they’re just beginning and haven’t built up their discrimination skills yet. But with the right foundations, dogs can learn to zero in on the freshest trail and ignore older, degraded scents left behind. In fact, we intentionally introduce controlled contamination during training! This lets us see how dogs respond when they’re confronted with other scents. We might place a “decoy” scent or let the trail cross other smells to see if the dog stays focused. To picture what it’s like for a dog to trail, think about reading a book that’s so captivating you tune out everything around you. While you’re wrapped up in your story, other noises, people talking, or the feeling of your blanket barely registers. That’s how focused dogs can be when trailing—they’re so locked onto their task that other scents, sounds, or distractions fall away. With a solid foundation, they can prioritize the specific human scent they’re trailing. So, how do we help our dogs work through trail contamination? The first step is to check if they have the right trailing foundations. If your dog struggles in a busy urban area, maybe most of their training has been in quiet, rural spots. In that case, we might step back to shorter, easier trails in urban settings or start adding small amounts of contamination gradually. And as owners, learning to read our dog’s body language when they’re struggling on a trail is essential. Little cues, like a change in their tail position, head carriage, or speed, tell us a lot. With practice (and guidance from an instructor), we get better at spotting these signals, troubleshooting and supporting our dogs through even the trickiest of trails.

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.

When trailing with your dog at a Mantrailing Global session, you will hear may terms and phrases being said. We have put all the main terms into this blog so you can familiarise yourself with them. Starting Ritual – The dog is brought to the starting point where the scent article is. The dog circles the trail layer and/or scent article, and is then placed in harness and on the long line, before being given the cue to sniff and then trail. Intensity Start – The dog gets “fired up” by the trail layer before they go off and lay the trail. This start is the beginning and foundation of most dogs mantrailing journey. It is individual to the dog, but always involves something which the dog finds rewarding. Intensity Trail – The trail which always follows the main trail. This is a fun consistent reward which motivates dogs to find the trail layer and keep the motivation for the game high. A short trail where the dog is “fired up”. Trail Layer – The missing person. Reward – This can be food or a toy or a mix of them both. The reward needs to be something which the dog enjoys, and is usually reserved for Mantrailing. The presentation of such reward is also important. Party – Let´s throw a party, because your dog just found the trail layer! This is how we celebrate when our dogs did a great job and succeeded at the end of a trail. It is important that this party is tailored to each dog to make sure it is a positive experience. Delayed Start – The dog gets “fired up” before the starting ritual. Then the then is taken away until the dogs’ motivation drops slightly and is then harnessed and asked to take scent. This is the step up from the intensity start and building the bridge between that and the scent article start. Scent Article – The item which has the trail layers’ scent on, and is left behind for the dog to take scent from before trailing. This can be a variety of things such as clothing, phone, keys etc Scent Article Start – Start from a scent article. The trail layer has already left, and the dog does not see them leave, Split Start– The trail layer and a decoy go into different directions from the scent article. The dog needs to follow the trail from the scent article not the decoy. Indication – A specific behaviour from the dog that can be interpreted by the handler that person they have found is the trail layer. This is usually a sit, bark or jump up. Blue Line Training – The dog handler and instructor/flanker know where the trail lays. Single Blind – The instructor/flanker knows where the trail goes, the dog handler doesn´t. Double Blind – No one knows where the trail goes other than the trail layer him/herself. Split Trail – The trail layer and decoy walk together from the scent article and then split up, going into different directions. The dog needs to follow the trail from the scent article not the decoy. Split Start - The trail layer and decoy split in different directions straight from the article. The dog needs to follow the trail from the scent article not the decoy. Aged Trail – A trail which has been laid for 30 minutes plus. Walking Find – The trail layer moves/walks and the dog has to indicate on the walking trail layer. Obvious Find – The trail layer is displayed in an obvious way, not hidden out of the dogs sight as normal. Door Indication – The dog needs to indicate on a door/gate where the trail layer has walked through. High Find – The trail layer is hidden in an elevated position. Flanker – The person that is with the dog handler team while trailing, making sure that they stay safe and depending on the exercise may know where the trail lays. Hunting Trail – Multiple short trails after another with an intensity start and the same trail layer. Often used to build confidence, motivation or intensity for the game. Not already started your Mantrailing journey? Find your local Mantrailing Global Instructor .

When people start Mantrailing with their dogs, a common question we get is, “Will this undo all the training I’ve done so far?” The short answer is no! Mantrailing won’t suddenly make your dog forget how to walk nicely on a leash or encourage them to jump up on people. Instead, it provides an outlet for all that excitement and energy in a constructive way. At Mantrailing Global, we use a special ritual and unique equipment for Mantrailing sessions. We even use different words and cues that the dog doesn’t associate with everyday commands. This helps set clear boundaries for when it’s time to Mantrail, so the behaviour stays in the context of the game and doesn’t spill over into everyday situations. Because of this setup, dogs learn when it’s okay to pull forward on the lead or even get excited when they find the “missing person”—behaviours that wouldn’t usually be encouraged. In fact, a lot of owners find their dogs are actually calmer and more focused in day-to-day life because Mantrailing tires them out mentally. It gives dogs a purpose, so they’re often more relaxed when it’s time for a regular walk or training. Another thing people often wonder is if it will encourage their dogs to start sniffing more on walks. The answer is usually no. Dogs will still do their usual “checking the pee-mail” on walks, but some owners say they notice the sniffing more now. It’s a bit like buying a red car and then suddenly seeing red cars everywhere—you’re just more tuned in to it! Sniffing is actually really good for your dog’s well-being, so letting them pause and sniff during walks is a great way to support both mental and physical relaxation. And if you’re wondering whether Mantrailing will interfere with other sports or training, it won’t. The specific ritual, as well as the commands, we use for Mantrailing keeps it separate from other activities, just like how other sports use unique commands or cues. Many of our students do multiple activities with their dogs, from obedience to agility to scent work, and each activity has its own distinct set of expectations. Mantrailing can also strengthen your bond with your dog, improving focus and teamwork that often carries over into other activities. Many owners have found their dogs are more attentive and engaged with them in general. With an outlet for their energy and a fulfilling activity that taps into their natural instincts, dogs are often happier, calmer, and more tuned in to their owners.

Owning a reactive dog can definitely be tough. It’s hard to just enjoy a walk without constantly worrying about whether your dog is going to react—whether it’s barking, lunging, or any other behaviour you’d rather avoid. So, what actually happens when your dog reacts? Many of us see the barking, lunging, or other unwanted behaviours as a problem, but to your dog, these actions are just natural reactions. When your dog reacts, their body releases chemicals like cortisol, adrenaline, endorphins, and norepinephrine. These hormones are being released all the time, but when your dog has a strong reaction, they get a big surge of these chemicals. This is why your dog can still feel on edge even after the trigger (like another person or dog) has passed. In fact, it can take up to 72 hours for these chemicals to return to normal levels—without any other reactions happening. And since many dogs experience multiple triggers on a walk, those chemicals just keep building up. On top of that, we, as owners, also feel those same chemicals when we're faced with our dog’s triggers, which can lead us into a cycle of stress and reactions, making every walk feel like a challenge. So, how can Mantrailing help with all this? Mantrailing is a sport where your dog follows a specific person's scent to find them. They get a reward at the end—something tasty or fun—and get to use their nose for a task they naturally love. Dogs link experiences with scent and these associations can be either positive or negative. We want to create positive associations, and as a result, your dog will release endorphins and serotonin—the "feel-good" hormones that make them feel happy and calm. It’s similar to how you feel excited before a fun trip or when you're about to have your favourite treat. However, these scent experiences need to be carefully managed. Negative experiences can have a lasting impact, which is why we focus on making sure every Mantrailing session is fun and positive, especially for nervous, fearful, or reactive dogs. Our instructors are trained to help ensure your dog has a great experience from the start. Each dog works individually has has their trails set up accordingly to meet their needs. The goal is to build a strong positive association with the activity itself, so that over time, your dog begins to feel more relaxed. Many dogs who start Mantrailing eventually become able to walk past other dogs, horses, bikes, and cars—without reacting, in day-to-day life too. They learn that trailing is much more enjoyable and less stressful than reacting, which helps reduce their overall reactivity. Dogs that are reactive to people can absolutely join in to. Our instructors are great at tailoring the experience to each dog's needs. Dogs who wear muzzles are 100% still welcome at our sessions and we’ll either have experienced trailers hide for the dog or ask people your dog already trusts to be their "Trail Layer." We’re very mindful of the setup, ensuring your dog still has fun and doesn’t feel restricted. If this sounds like your dog, we recommend getting in touch with your instructor ahead of time so they can make sure the setup is right for them. Starting Mantrailing can do wonders for both your dog's confidence and your own. It can also help you feel more relaxed as an owner. We know that having a reactive dog can sometimes feel isolating and discouraging. It’s easy to feel like you’ll never get past your dog’s issues and that you’re in it alone. But one of the great things about Mantrailing is that while each dog works individually, it's still a group class, so you get to meet other like-minded owners. It's a huge boost to see your dog succeed at something, especially when you’ve often had to skip group classes due to anxiety or reactivity. Mantrailing is for all dogs—no matter their age, breed, or behavioural issues. How to get started? It’s super simple! Just find your local Mantrailing Global Instructor and sign up for an introduction course.

The breed everyone thinks of when the word Mantrailing is used is of course Bloodhounds. History of Bloodhound! Bloodhounds as a breed are one of the few breeds that we can date back to 1000-2000 BC - Where there is a plaque that some say shows a bloodhound type dog, this from back in the Ancient Babylon times. We do know for a fact that when the Romans came to the UK it was documented about finding dogs that were great for hunting/tracking and apart from that there is not a huge amount of documented history of this breed or any breed. Fast forward to 700 AD’s St. Hubert from the French Monastery were breeding hounds that were described as having great noses and endurance, this where most say the true bloodhound dog, we now know today was first being bred, although their colours were blacker with some fawn/red, unlike the fawn colour we are more used to today. In 1066 the French gifted some of St. Hubert's hounds to England royalty and this is the first know time for these hounds being brought into the UK, saying that there were similar dogs already in England, but these were called Talbot hounds and were mainly white in colour. In Scotland there again were similar dogs to the Bloodhound called Sleuth hounds that were used for track and hunting people. The first official dog show in England was held in 1859 and it recorded that in 1860 the breed Bloodhounds were entered into the show and have been involved in shows every year since then. Why are Bloodhounds so good? So, what makes Bloodhounds the first choice for Mantrailing or tracking but not only the professions but by sports enthusiasts all around the world? The first thing we need to talk about is genetics, Bloodhounds have been used for hunting prey and humans for thousands of years, maybe even longer. That is a lot of history in the modern-day dogs we see today, just like other breeds you automatically think about when we say the following… Dog good at herding = Collie Dog good for going shooting with = Labrador Retriever Good guard dog breed = Rottweiler/Doberman Pinscher These breeds have hundred of years’ worth of genetics in them for doing these jobs, that is a massive reason they are so good at these jobs. Scent receptors! Bloodhounds have greater Scent receptors than any other domestic canine breed. On average a human has around five million scent receptors, a German Shepard has around two hundred twenty-five million (around forty-five times humans). A Bloodhound has around three hundred million scent receptors which is another reason they are one of the best breeds for Mantrailing. Wrinkles! Even the bloodhound's face is designed to collect odours, all those wrinkles funnel odour towards the nose. Ears! One thing often overlooked in the Bloodhound is their ears, but why are the ears important for a dog using their nose? Bloodhound ears will drag on the ground as they are trailing which can sweep even more odour towards their nose, next time you see a Bloodhound trailing what the ears moving… Everything else! Along with the about Bloodhounds have strong neck muscles are able to handle the lower head position for longer periods, they have the endurance to keep going and once on a scent trail it is hard to stop them finding the source of that trail which is my many calls this breed stubborn, we prefer to call them focused… On top of everything above their temperament for the job is another key reason they are so often used; they generally get on well with people and dogs. They are deemed safer being used when searching for children as they are more ‘friendly’ towards people than other breeds. Simply put… everything about a Bloodhound is designed for trailing and that is why they are classed as the best trailing dogs in the world!

This month's blog is about why you really should start Mantrailing with your smaller breed of dog. There is no reason they can't get started! Mantrailing is a sport that’s perfect for all dogs, no matter their size! If you take a closer look at the history of many small dog breeds, you’ll see that they were originally compact hunting dogs, specifically bred to use their noses to track down prey. Being closer to the ground actually gives them an advantage when it comes to trailing—they’re right in the sweet spot for picking up scents. Don’t let their size fool you—little dogs are fantastic at mantrailing! To give you a better idea, we asked some of our instructors and students to share their experiences with their dogs’ trailing skills. Here's what they had to say: Dawn and Zebadiah: Dawn Chapman told us about her amazing Dachshund Zebadiah who is deaf and partially sighted and is a natural Mantrailer. He took the sport straight away and really follows the trail accurately, he’s working towards his Level 1 assessment with Davina Roberts at Trailblazers Activity Dogs. He is so excited for Mantrailing as soon as he smells or see’s Davina he starts to squeal with delight and can’t wait to get out to trail. He had previously done scent work, and it was a natural transition over to Mantrailing for him. His trailing start was adapted with a visual cue, instead of verbal to make sure he got into the game with loads of wins, and now even in more challenging trails he never looses the trail and works as hard as he can find his Trail Layer on every trail. Rebecca and Myrtle: Myrtle is a 12-month-old Chihuahua x Yorkshire Terrier who is owned by Rebecca Grant, and has been trailing for 7 months with Smart K9s. They put on a puppy specific introduction which she attended at 5 months old. She is also trained in Scentwork and will be starting to compete in that soon and she does obedience under the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme and successfully passed her bronze test at Crufts this year. Rebecca had this to say about trailing Myrtle “ It’s much more comfortable to trail a smaller dog than a bigger dog and she’s a welcome rest after I’ve trailed dogs over 30kg. Myrtle is probably the most enthusiastic of all my dogs who trail, and she will squeal when her misper goes, which is something she only does when trailing! She loves to clamber on her misper when she finds them and she likes carrying their scent article for a few paces at the start of every trail. Being only 3kg it’s been a little difficult finding a good harness which is different to her daily walking harness so Myrtle also has a collar which is her trigger to let her know she’s trailing. She’s more than happy to do the same trails as larger dogs although she sometimes wants to take shortcuts through tiny spaces in the undergrowth! ” Pat, Puff and Munch: Pat Eady told us about Puff and Munch the Toy Poodles. “I used to do grade 7 agility with my toy poodle Puff, and we were quite competitive. When she hurt her back and took some time to get right, I had to reconsider our agility. The amount of pressure that I was putting on her little body as she is so small, we needed to work harder, faster, tighter and it wasn't fair. I had got another little toy poodle, Munch, to start to train up for agility, but when she turned out to be even smaller than Puff, it just confirmed for me that we needed to find something else for them to do” Pat joined Natalie Broughton at K9 Seek for an introduction, she’s been hooked on Mantrailing since June 2021! “I was astonished at how quickly the girls picked up this new game and seemed to absolutely love it! Their confidence levels have increased enormously thanks to mantrailing. In agility, the dog has to win up the grades in order to increase the challenge, whereas with trailing, the instructor knows what you and your dog are capable of achieving, and set appropriate trails to ensure that the dog is successful, while also increasing the challenge for both dog and handler. It’s got to be fun for the dog, and my two absolutely love it!! The moment the long line and the treat pots are loaded, the excitement levels increase!! The boot is on the other foot now as they know exactly what they're doing, and I need to do the learning!! Pat went on to say, “People seem to expect that only the bigger dogs can trail and are amazed that little dogs are just as good, their little noses are just as acute as the bigger dogs, they just have to put in loads more steps!”. A statement we can agree with. Dawn and Storm: One of our Mantrailing Global Instructors Dawn Seago of K9 Lifestyle Dog Training has achieved great success with her Dachshunds not only in Mantrailing, but also in the show ring. Proving that a dog can have several roles in life. Show dog, family pet, trailing dog. Dawn trails with her Dachshund Storm who has passed his level on and is now working towards her level 2, and is an advocate for getting the breed into Mantrailing. “Little dogs don’t care about where you are, they just follow the scent. They are bold and brave, following scents into bushes and under hedges without a care for their owners on the end. Mantrailing helps them build their confidence, be bolder and have fun. They aren’t just little ornaments they are little dogs with big personalities, and they don’t need to be picked up they need to be able to work. They need a job to do and Mantrailing is a brilliant way to give them an outlet for their behaviour which can help reduce behavioural issues within the smaller breeds, such as excessive barking, fearful behaviour, and some aggressive tendencies.” Any dog, no matter its size, breed, or stature, can absolutely get into mantrailing. Don’t let the way a dog looks fool you—every dog has an incredible sense of smell. All dogs are born with the ability to sniff, and mantrailing is just a fun way to tap into that natural talent. A dog’s nose has about 300 million olfactory receptors, while humans only have around 5-10 million. So, saying a small dog can’t trail is just crazy! Of course, with smaller dogs, we might need to make a few adjustments. For example, they might start with shorter trails, and we need to think about the terrain. Some dogs might struggle with longer grass, brambles, or rougher ground. Plus, smaller dogs often have to get creative when following a scent—they might go under a bush or squeeze through a hedge to stay on the trail. That can mean you’ll have to work a bit harder to follow them or guide them around obstacles, but the good news is, once they get comfortable, they usually recover quickly and can keep on track. Finding the right harness for smaller dogs can be a bit tricky, too. Many brands don’t make tiny harnesses that are suited for pulling, which is an important part of trailing. You want to make sure the harness doesn’t restrict their airways when they’re following the scent, so it’s worth trying a few different options before committing to one. Many of our instructors even have a selection of harnesses to test out before settling on the right fit. It’s all about finding what works best for your dog! Want to find the perfect harness for your dog? Then check out our blog on it at - https://www.mantrailinguk.com/post/the-mantrailing-harness