Essential Guide to Mantrailing Equipment.

If you can exercise your dog on a lead, you'll be fine! It is also possible to make reasonable adjustments and we will try to do this if we can. For example, people in wheelchairs have successfully trailed their dogs, making adjustments to how we might usually do things. Just ask for advice and let's see if we can make it work for you.

Mantrailing builds a great working relationship between the handler and their dog. It's fun and for the dog, taps into their most important sense, smell. This can be more tiring than physical activities and gives the dog a 'job' to do which ultimately gives them purpose. So, yes, trailing is good for dogs!

Most standard sessions are about 2 hours long. You won't be trailing for all this time as you will participate in hiding and other activities of the session. Sessions with 3 dogs will run shorter and advanced sessions typically run for 3 hours.

In trailing we teach our dogs to lead and to be independent and trusted. They switch onto this when trailing so that in other 'modes' they will return to other behaviours, including 'heel' so you won't break this through trailing but gain many additional benefits of independent thinking and bonding. Read our blog about this topic for more information.

Dogs can start Mantrailing as soon as they are safe to go outside. So, puppies that have had their vaccinations can start Mantrailing! The only consideration for younger puppies is about how distracted they might be so this might be a consideration when laying a trail. Puppies may become incredibly absorbed in the small stick or leaf that they find but ultimately can still 'get the game', meaning that it's perfectly possible for them to understand that they get a reward when they find their lost person. Aren't dogs amazing?

Yes, no problem! We just need to agree the time and place - get in touch so we can work out the details.

Dogs with a variety of disabilities, from physical to sensory, have successfully trailed. As long as they can smell, we're prepared to adapt and give them a go — a dog's primary sense is smell, and we love enabling them to benefit from using this in a positive way. Some of the most emotional trails are with dogs who we thought might be too challenged. Older dogs, too, can trail very well. It's worth discussing any particular needs, so get in touch if your dog might need some adjustments.

It's important to stay comfortable and relaxed and cold hands won't help, so by all means wear gloves. Ideally we trail without, as we get better feeling through the line. So, the best gloves for that purpose would include gym or golfing gloves. They aren't particularly warm though, so dress appropriately!

Yes, trailing is excellent for reactive dogs because it provides mental focus, controlled environments, and confidence building. Dogs are not introduced and are worked separately.

Dog Trailing UK offers trailing sessions across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and surrounding areas.

Just a harness, long line, and high-value food rewards — guidance is provided in sessions. Don't worry if you don't have a harness or line for your first session.