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Just like a pair of bad fitting shoes could ruin an adventure for us, the wrong fitting harness can have exactly the same effect on our dogs! Blue sporting a Zero DC Short Harness while trailing. Why does a dog need to wear a harness during Mantrailing? A harness is recommended to wear for Mantrailing to ensure a dog does not place unnecessary strain onto it's neck/posture and that any pull motion is distributed evenly across the dogs body to minimise risk of injury and discomfort for the dog. Trailing a dog in harness as opposed to on a collar also reduces the risk of influencing or restricting their trailing behaviour, this is really important in activities such as this where watching a dogs body language is important for dog to handler communication. Having a harness specifically for Mantrailing can also act as a prompt to your dog so they know which activity they are about to do, helping to get them in the right frame of mind for 'working'. Why is it important to have a well fitting harness for Mantrailing? 1. It ensures the dog is comfortable whilst working. 2. It allows for freedom of movement and full motion of the joints. 3. It doesn't restrict breathing ability. 4. It avoids any rubbing or chaffing. 5. It allows the dog to work more efficiently. 6. It minimises risk of injury long/short term. 7. It distributes any pull motion evenly and safely across the body. 8. A bad fitting harness can even be aversive to a dog and create a negative association to Mantrailing! Cooper trailing in the TrueLove harness. Choosing a harness for your dog for Mantrailing There is a huge variety of harnesses available on the market for dog sport activities which can make it super hard to choose the right one for your dog. Here is some advice we have put together to help you make an informed choice when choosing and fitting your Mantrailing harness. - Long Vs Short harness Dog Sport Harnesses can be split into 2 types; long and short style (see diagram below). A short style harness finishes before the last rib, where as a long harness sits more like a full body suit, running along the ribs and finishes at the base of the tail. Short harness styles are the preferred style for Mantrailing activity as they sit closer to the body and follow the dogs body movement more closely, where as long style harnesses are designed specifically for consistent pulling and therefore due to the changing behaviour pattern of trailing, results in them not sitting correctly unless under tension and therefore can often move out of place and become irritating or aversive to the dog whilst they are working. Shorter style harnesses also tend to be less invasive for handling and feel for dogs who are more sensitive to touch/handling. - A 'Y' front shaped harness ensures that the shape of the harness does not restrict any movement within the dogs joints for range of movement. You can see in the diagram below how the fit does not interfere with the skeletal system. Checking if your Mantrailing harness fits correctly. FIT - The harness should be snug but not tight. To ensure this, you should be able to place 2 fingers sitting side by side between the harness and the dogs body in all areas. LAST RIB - The sides of short harness should not go back past the last rib to avoid putting pressure on the internal organs. Please note that some Mantrailing harnesses are designed to sit slightly further back than a typical short harness, however, it should still not sit beyond the last rib, it should slope up the ribcage and finish before the final rib. STERNUM - The 'V' of the harness neck should sit on the sternum bone and not above to avoid it sitting on the throat area which would obstruct breathing. ARMPITS - The harness should not come in too close to the armpit area to avoid rubbing, chaffing and/or discomfort. What to look for in an INCORRECT fitting harness. Rasping, coughing or choking noises when in movement, particularly when pulling into the harness. Redness, inflammation, hair loss or chaffing on the skin where the harness makes contact, particularly in the armpit area. Excess material over the shoulder region which will prevent full range of movement of the scapula. Any straps which restrict full range of motion of the scapula and leg joints, these typically have one strap which goes across the front of the chest from one side to the other, however, there are some other styles which can restrict movement too. Where can I get further advice on purchasing a Mantrailing Harness? If you're looking to purchase a new Mantrailing harness or would like additional advice on selecting the correct harness for your dog, your Mantrailing Global Instructor will be more than happy to help! They might even have a discount code for you to use on your new harness too!

Every story has a beginning - Here's ours.   Mantrailing Global started with a passion and a big dream. Founder, Lisa Gorenflo, first discovered Mantrailing while in Germany and became instantly hooked.  At the time, Lisa was running a dog training business that wasn’t exactly thriving. She was stuck in a hamster wheel, like so many others—constantly scrambling to find new clients, struggling to make enough money, and with little time left for anything resembling a personal life. Despite the long hours and relentless effort, the business still wasn’t as steady as she’d hoped.   But, her passion for Mantrailing couldn’t be ignored, so she started a Mantrailing club, offering it as a new service to her existing clients. The demand for Mantrailing grew quickly and it was soon clear that everyone who tried it became as much of an addict as she was! Pet owners were traveling from all over the country to take part, and fellow dog trainers started reaching out, eager to bring the sport into their own businesses and spread the Mantrailing bug to their own clients.   As Mantrailing continued to grow, Lisa made a bold decision: to shift her focus entirely to the sport she loved and train up new instructors. This vision led to the creation of the Mantrailing UK Instructor course, now known as Mantrailing Global, an internationally recognized Mantrailing training program. Today, it equips passionate dog trainers around the world with the skills and knowledge to offer Mantrailing and build their own careers around something they truly love.   Take a listen to Lisa's full story below 👇 If you're ready to join the Mantrailing Global family and become part of our story as an instructor, we'd love to hear from you! Book a discovery call with Lisa or fill out our application form to get the ball rolling.

We’ve got some seriously exciting news—we’ve been featured in UNREAL Rockstars  as part of their Founder Edition ! They’re spotlighting five UK-based entrepreneurs making a difference in their industries, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be recognized for what we’re passionate about: building an amazing community. Mantrailing is about more than just dogs following a scent trail—it’s about people coming together, learning, and growing in a supportive environment. We’ve worked hard to create a welcoming space for clients, where handlers can have fun, feel encouraged, and celebrate every little win with their dogs. But we didn’t want to stop there. In a world where the dog training industry can sometimes feel like a ‘shark tank,’ where competition overshadows collaboration, we’ve made it our mission to foster a different kind of environment—one where trainers work with  each other, not against each other. We’re incredibly proud of the supportive network we’re building, where trainers can connect, share ideas, and grow without feeling like they have to guard their knowledge. After all, when trainers work together, the whole community benefits, and ultimately, so do the dogs! 🐶💪 Getting featured in UNREAL Rockstars for something we care so much about is a huge honour, but this recognition isn’t just about us—it’s about every single person who’s joined us since Mantrailing Global launched back in 2017. Whether you're a client just starting your Mantrailing journey or an instructor who shares our vision, you’re an essential part of this ever-growing, supportive community. Together, we’re not just spreading our passion for Mantrailing—we’re creating something bigger: a space where people and dogs can thrive, a growing network of like-minded trainers, and a community that lifts each other up every step of the way. If you want to check out the full article and learn more about what we’re up to, you can read it here !

Having a Purpose as a Senior Dog Dogs have superpowered noses – they’ve got up to 300 million scent receptors, while we humans only have about six million! Plus, the part of their brain that processes smells is 40 times bigger than ours, meaning they can pick up and analyze scents in a way we can’t even imagine. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell—so strong, in fact, that while we might notice a teaspoon of sugar in our coffee, a dog could pick out that same amount in two Olympic-sized swimming pools, according to dog-cognition researcher Alexandra Horowitz in her book Inside of a Dog . Imagine catching a whiff of one rotten apple among two million barrels—that’s the super-sensing power of a dog’s nose! But as dogs (and us humans) get older, their senses naturally start to slow down. That said, there’s no reason to stop trailing with your senior dog! Keeping them active can actually help them stay healthier and live longer. We've had dogs as old as 15 years old still happily trailing with us, and they’re loving every minute! Just because they’re older doesn’t mean they don’t want to stay engaged and have fun. With senior dogs, the trails might be shorter, and they might not find the target as quickly, but having a purpose—something that taps into their natural sniffing skills—keeps them feeling good. Mantrailing is easy on aging joints, like those with arthritis, because it doesn’t require them to jump or climb. They just get to follow their noses, doing what they’re naturally built to do. Mantrailing is a great way to keep your dog’s mind and body active, which makes for a happier, more fulfilled senior pup! Contact your local Mantrailing Global Instructor to get your golden oldie off the couch and out trailing!

When people ask why we use reward-based methods in dog training, we often respond, 'We wouldn’t go to work if we didn’t get paid.' Just as we are motivated to get up every morning by the prospect of earning money – which allows us to buy food, cars, homes, vacations, and all the essentials and joys of life – our dogs, too, are motivated by rewards. For us, it's a pay check; for our dogs, it's treats or other forms of positive reinforcement such as play or praise.  Some people tell us, ‘My dog finds trailing rewarding in itself,’ but that's really an assumption – we can’t truly know that without seeing how they respond to specific rewards. By associating their 'work' with good experiences and meaningful rewards, our dogs come to enjoy what they do, which naturally leads to better focus and effort. Finding the right reward for each dog is key to helping them perform at their best. Just as every person has individual preferences, so does each dog. The ideal reward might be a favourite treat, like wet food, cat food, yogurt, banana, or a cherished toy. Even the most driven dogs tend to favour food rewards during tracking exercises, even if they typically ignore treats in favour of toys. This preference might be tied to Mantrailing, which taps into their natural hunting instincts – they hunt, they catch, they eat. The act of licking, in particular, has been shown to release endorphins in dogs, adding a layer of calm and satisfaction to the experience. Credit: Domestic Dog Cognition and Behavior: The Scientific Study of Canis familiaris edited by Alexandra Horowitz

The reward at the end of the trail can be just about anything your dog loves! Does your dog go wild for a game with their favourite toy over a treat? If so, try using the toy as their trail reward. Make sure your trail layer (the person waiting at the end of the trail) knows how to play with your dog. You know your dog best, so let the trail layer know exactly how they like to play. It could be a fun game of tug, or just tossing the toy a few feet away. And, if your dog tends to get a little too excited and accidentally catches fingers instead of the toy, let the trail layer know that too! Don't be afraid to do some trial and error. Switch it up and try a food reward first, then bring out the toy once your dog is done eating. Watch how your dog reacts: do they stay focused on the food, or are they all about the toy as soon as it comes out? If your dog is clearly more into the toy, that might be their ideal reward on the trail. Keep in mind, not every dog who loves a toy as a reward in other activities (like agility or IPO) will respond the same way during Mantrailing. This activity taps into their natural hunting instincts, so a food reward might feel more satisfying. If you have to work hard to get your dog excited to play after they’ve found the trail layer, then switching to a food reward might be worth a try. So , what’s your dog’s version of a “McDonald’s treat”? This is the food that gets them super excited! It could be canned food which you wouldn’t normally give them – something a bit more indulgent with flavours and smells they go crazy for. Just like you might treat your kids once in a while, Mantrailing is a special activity deserving of a special treat. For example, our dogs are usually on dry kibble, so wet dog food is an exciting treat for them, and they only get it during Mantrailing. This makes the game even more exciting! Some other food ideas include cat food, yogurt mixed with tuna or chicken, frozen treats, liver cake, raw food, banana, or liverwurst from a tube. Before trying anything new, make sure your dog doesn’t have any allergies to the food you plan to use. If you’re unsure, check with your vet first. You’ll know you’ve found the right reward when your dog gets visibly excited as soon as they see the food container, and they truly savour the treat. If they’re distracted or uninterested, it may be time to try something different. Don’t be afraid to change it up if they get bored with the same reward over time. Communication with the trail layer is essential. Be specific on how you’d like the reward – toy or food – presented. The last thing you want is for your dog to lose interest or feel nervous around the trail layer. If your dog is a bit shy, have the trail layer hold the food container a little further away, avoiding eye contact or direct interaction. This way, you can provide praise while the trail layer stays in the background, helping build your dog’s confidence. If your dog loves a big celebration, let the trail layer know to throw a fun ‘party’ with excited talking, pats, and clapping – whatever your dog enjoys most! Your local Mantrailing Global Instructor will be able to help you find the right reward for your dog!

Bed Bugs Bed bugs are pros at hiding, making them tough for us to find, but not for dogs! With their amazing noses, dogs can sniff out even a single bed bug, and they can even tell the difference between live bugs with active eggs and dead ones. Their small size and agility let them explore spots we’d never think to check, like electrical outlets, stuffed animals, carpets, or deep in the bedsprings. Once a dog detects bed bugs, a trained exterminator can double-check the area and handle the infestation. Training dogs for bed bug detection has become a popular, natural way to tackle pests. The only U.S. facility accredited for this training is the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA), where dogs and handlers learn together to make a top-notch team. (credit: https://naturaldogcompany.com ) Diabetes Assist Dogs Diabetes Assist Dogs are life-savers for people with diabetes. These dogs are trained to pick up on a specific scent in the air when their person’s blood sugar is dropping fast. They’ll “alert” their person by nudging or pawing to let them know it’s time to check their levels and eat something to avoid hypoglycemia. These dogs can even be trained to bring juice or glucose tablets, grab a phone, or get help from someone nearby. They wear a special backpack with pockets for medical info, emergency contacts, and sugar sources. If someone finds their person acting oddly or unconscious, this backpack shows it might be a medical emergency and helps them know what to do. (credit: https://can-do-canines.org/our-dogs/ourdogs/diabetes-assist-dogs/ ) Whale Poop From street dogs to whale poop hunters! In 2001, researcher Sam Wasser realized that while human researchers could smell whale poop on the ocean surface, they couldn’t always find it. So, he thought, why not use detection dogs? That’s when Fargo, a Rottweiler, joined the team to help scientist Roz Rolland locate whale scat for her research on whale health and reproduction. Since then, other street dogs, like Tucker, have joined the crew. Tucker, a lovable mutt found wandering Seattle, might be nervous around kids, but he’s a superstar in the field, sniffing out samples to help study and protect marine life. Read more about Tucker´s story here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/meet-dogs-sniffing-out-whale-poop-science-180958050/#s6R5L9sKTDK6QlkK.99 No single breed is best for this job. The crew includes everything from cattle dogs and shepherd mixes to even a Chihuahua mix. But they all have a few things in common: they’re energetic, love playing ball, and work seamlessly with their handlers, who are by their side 24/7. DVD Detection Lucky and Flo, two black Labradors, made history as the first dogs trained to detect optical discs by scent! Sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), these dogs help find DVDs, especially in places where counterfeit DVDs are common. While they can’t tell if a disc is fake or real, their nose for polycarbonate discs helps law enforcement find DVDs hidden in places like shipping hubs and warehouses. They even assisted in Malaysia, where they successfully sniffed out a bootleg DVD operation and became so famous that DVD pirates reportedly put a bounty on them! (Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucky_and_Flo ) Cancer Detection Dogs are also stepping up in the fight against cancer. Studies show that certain cancers, like lung and breast cancer, have a unique smell detectable by humans—but only in later stages. Dogs, however, can detect these smells early on, which could mean lifesaving intervention. These “cancer-sniffing” dogs are giving people hope by helping spot cancer before it’s too late, leading to early intervention and possibly a lifesaving discovery.

What’s the Difference Between Tracking and Mantrailing? There’s definitely a difference between tracking and Mantrailing! Tracking, like what’s used in IPO training, is a learned skill that’s all about following ground disturbances. I’ve trained Rottweilers, Australian Shepherds, and my Malinois for IPO tracking which means showing them that ground disturbance (grass or ploughed field) is rewarding. It is preferable that the dog puts his/her nose in every single footstep. Tracking dogs are mainly judged on how intense they search the track ("deep nose" etc) and if they indicate all the articles that are on the track. He/she needs to stay on the track at all times and if not, will loose points at competition level. For more on IPO standards, check out the link here . On the other hand, Mantrailing is a bit more flexible, using whatever means necessary to find their Trail Layer, whether that's through ground scent or air scent. When we’re trailing, we don’t expect the dog to be exactly 'on the trail' since, honestly, we don't know where exactly this trail is, simply because we can't see it...only the dog knows that! The dog may follow different from where we 'think' the trail is because of environmental factors and scent movement, and that’s okay. What matters is that the dog collects enough information to find the target as quickly as possible. In Mantrailing, the handler’s role is to learn to read their dog and communicate as a team, interpreting the information the dog is collecting through their trailing behaviour. This connection isn’t as essential in tracking since the dog’s job is to stay focused on the precise path laid out for them. But in Mantrailing, the handler needs to trust the dog and go with their lead, relying on their dog’s incredible nose to do the detective work! To this day it is not scientifically proven, what human scent released into the environment contribute to successful searches of individuals. It's only scientifically proven that a dog can identify DNA .

Dogs have been working alongside humans for thousands of years, helping with various tasks. The story of the St. Bernard dogs goes way back to the 17th century when monks at the Hospiz auf dem Grossen Sankt Bernhard (Switzerland) started breeding their own dogs. Initially, these dogs were used to help find tracks buried in snow that led back to the monastery. But over time, they became famous for their role in rescuing lost people. One dog in particular, named "Barry," saved 40 people’s lives between 1800 and 1812, guiding them back to safety at the monastery. Fast forward to the late 1800s, when the military started getting interested in dogs for more specific tasks. In 1885, the German military began looking into using dogs to carry ammunition and alert troops to intruders. Around the same time, Jean Bungartz, a painter and animal trainer, started developing training programs to use dogs to find wounded soldiers. In 1890, he founded the “Deutschen Verein für Sanitätshunde” (German Association for Medical Dogs), and private individuals began training dogs for the military, with costs covered by the army. By 1903, the German military had released a book called Anleitung zur Dressur und Verwendung des Sanitätshundes  ("How to Train and Use a Medical Dog"), which included a picture of Bungartz himself. However, by 1911, the military stopped supporting the use of medical dogs altogether. But when World War I broke out, the use of these dogs started up again, and within a few years, more than 4,000 medical dogs were in service. By the end of the war, over 30,000 dogs had been used, though only about 10% of them made it back to their owners. Training methods evolved during the war, and interest in keeping "medical dogs" grew, especially in Germany, where the general perception of the dog as a working animal began to shift. But the training was still primarily handled by the military. In 1940, Ferdinand Schmutz became the first person to systematically train avalanche rescue dogs. During World War II, the need for working dogs grew even more. Over 200,000 dogs were used across various fronts, with 25,000 dying on the German front alone. At one point, even family pets were taken from their owners to be used in military service. By the end of the war, there were two main types of working dogs: air-scenting dogs to find wounded soldiers and avalanche rescue dogs. During the final years of World War II, rubble search dogs were developed after several instances of dogs finding people trapped under the rubble of bombed buildings. A few dogs even helped rescue over 35 people in these situations. After the war, the idea of rubble search dogs spread to other countries, and by 1968 in Switzerland, disaster dogs were officially trained for search and rescue. In 1972, the Schweizerische Verein für Katastrophenhunde  (Swiss Association for Disaster Dogs) published a guide on how to train these dogs. As public awareness grew, especially following major earthquakes in Italy (1967), Romania (1977), and Algeria (1980), trust in these dogs as life-saving tools skyrocketed. However, in Germany, there was still some scepticism about the effectiveness of dogs in disaster scenarios. The government leaned more towards investing in technology, and it was largely private individuals who kept the training of search and rescue dogs alive. By the late 20th century, responsibility for disaster response lay with individual countries, and search and rescue teams were either part of fire stations or formed independently. In Germany, the Bundesverband für das Rettungshundewesen e.V.  (Federal Association for Rescue Dogs) was founded as a regulating body for search and rescue teams. The first Mantrailer to be used for police work in Germany was a Belgian Malinois in 2004. Mantrailing as a tool for law enforcement is relatively new, but it’s starting to gain recognition. At Mantrailing Global we focus on Mantrailing for fun. Although we have adapted our method from operational techniques, we have tailored them to suit pet dogs and their owners in order to enjoy as a recreational activity to do together. We simulate a 'missing person' by safely hiding somebody out on a trail for the dog to find. None of our Instructors or clients are trained to conduct real-life searches unless they are officially certified by a recognized authority.

Elaine and Tequila are part of the Mantrailing UK team. They have been trailing for about 1 year. This is Tequila´s story, told by Elaine. Back in 2014 I was contacted by a rescue to ask if I would foster a Dobermann bitch that was possibly pregnant, of course I said yes. Tequila arrived one wet dark night in November confused, scared and for the first few hours wanted to kill Kazo! She soon realised Kazo (Dobermann brother) was no threat to her and in fact she could twist him around her paw at any time. A scan revealed she was pregnant and on 13th/14th December she gave birth to 14 puppies all fit and healthy and responsibly rehomed to excellent homes by rescue. She proved to be an excellent mum and Kazo made a great uncle. Not long after her arrival it soon became apparent that Tequila had many issues. She was extremely dog reactive and seemed to have a great fear of being outside. She would get a few yards down the road and simply shut down, lying down shaking and refusing to go any further. Strange dogs really scare her and she can be extremely reactive, but with a lot of work we have managed to get her threshold down a lot. The major breakthrough with Tequila came when she started Mantrailing. She is very bright and a thinker and it didn’t take her long to ‘get the game’. It is so lovely to see her confidence come on in leaps and bounds and she will now even trail past a dog within a few feet to find the missing person without any reaction. I cannot recommend this activity enough for reactive dogs! Thank you to Elaine for continuously stepping in for this breed, advocating for healthy breeding and for helping people with reactive dogs and never giving up!

Why is the Trail Layer’s role so important? Well, the Trail Layer is a key part of your training team! You need to be able to rely on them 100%. Whether you're doing blue-line training (where the dog handler knows where the trail layer hides) or double blinds (where no one knows where the trail layer is), the trail layer should always act sensibly and in line with the training level of the team. A good Trail Layer understands how to reward the dog because they’ve taken the time to understand the dog’s training needs before they lay the trail. They always follow the instructions given by the dog handler and instructor. If anything is unclear, they should ask! They should also be ready with a scent article and know how to retrieve one if needed. It’s important not to “test” the dog. Just because the dog is skilled doesn’t mean you can throw the plan out the window—stick to the plan you made with your team! Messing with the plan could really mess up someone's training. Here’s what a trail layer should make sure to do: Communication is key! Keep everyone safe—don’t put the team in danger. Know how to reward the dog and always bring the reward with you. Leave a scent article behind. Know exactly where you're going—don’t test the dog handler team! Lay the trail based on the dog handler’s level of training and instructors guidance. Be comfortable using the radio—don’t hesitate to use it if needed. Bring a drink to stay hydrated (and maybe a snack or book if it’s going to be a long session). If anything is unclear, ask! Basically, as a Trail Layer, you’re the key to a successful trail. You're helping to make sure the whole training process runs smoothly and safely, so communication and preparation are super important!

This is the story about one of our Mantrailing-Teams, that go through thick and thin together! Here's their story. Tinas story began with her life as a working Guide Dog. This career was not the one for her despite 2 years work it was decided to discontinue. Yes, she was sacked. She needed a home and we were looking for a Retriever as she was a Golden x Flat Coat Ret, her new home became our home. After a few weeks of being unsure about her, a shaky start, we bonded well. So Agility classes began, with Obedience added. Tina did most of this well not everything with enthusiasm... Still needing more to do, someone suggested Gun dog Scurry. So this began late 2016. She took to this easily surprising really as her previous career was the opposite. Her enthusiasm overflowed when seeing a flying dummy, holding her back was impossible. She even won a few rosettes in the club shows. We also registered her as a PAT dog and enjoyed visiting care homes and schools. We met Lisa around this time, who suggested Mantrailing. This proved to be something she loved almost immediately. Sadly in April 2017 she began to limp. Vet visits to Langford Vet Hospital and specialists throughout the summer, it was found that Tina had a tumour in the nerve of the left shoulder. The only option was to remove the left front leg including her shoulder and 2 ribs to get this tumour out. After only 6 weeks of recovery and adjustment to her life, Tina was back at Mantrailing - and she loved it! She hadn´t forgotten any of her skills. Mantrailing has given Tina and me an ideal outdoor pastime with her back to work again, and the variety of challenges keep me on my toes as well. " We'd like to say a huge thank you to Jo for always being by Tina´s side and never giving up on her!