What you should know...
You'll need to be prepared to join in and take part! During a trailing session, we all play a role, from 'finder' to 'runner'. You'll also need to be able to leave your dog safely in your car (we'll never leave dogs unattended so don't worry about that).
Other than that you'll need very little but here are the basics.
The harness
Ideally, you will use a suitable harness for your dog — most everyday harnesses are fine. It's important that your dog is comfortable wearing it and ideally not a 'pulling' harness (designed for canicross etc). A fixing point just behind the dog's shoulders is perfect.
Ask if you need advice or don't have a harness but still want to try.
The long line
When trailing, the search team are connected to their dog by a fixed long line around 7-10m long.
This allows the handler to receive information from the dog and importantly, the dog gains reassurance that the handler is following.
You are welcome to borrow a line if you don't have one and please ask for advice as not all lines are suitable for trailing.
Finder's reward
Our dogs work hard to find the lost person or dog when trailing. They are rewarded with a 'finder's reward' that is a super-high value reward (usually food) — some lovely wet type food (dry and standard rewards are not suitable) — often the smellier the better!
How much food is used for each reward?
This depends on the dog, but make it worth it! Remove some food from their daily allowance to avoid adding too many calories.
Reward pots
What makes a suitable container for a mantrailing finder's reward?
The most commonly used are small, leak-proof food containers — a variety are available and something pocket-sized is perfect. You can even use recycled pots, although sometimes these can be tricky to open when you've been found!
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What breeds are good for Mantrailing?Pretty well any dog can turn to Mantrailing so it's not really about which ones are good or not. Although classically bloodhounds were thought to be best the evidence is that any breed can excel. As with any training, dogs advance at different rates but pretty well all breeds trail and dogs with reactivity issues and other challenges such as blindness or deafness can also participate. Even short-nosed dogs have successfully trailed.
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How fit do I need to be?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.
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Is Mantrailing good for dogs?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!
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How long is a session?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.
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My dog walks nicely to heel - how will trailing affect this?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.
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What age can dogs start Mantrailing?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?
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Can I get a group together and make a private session?Yes, no problem! We just need to agree the time and place - get in touch so we can work out the details.
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How much food should I use for each reward?This depends on your dog but works differently from general training when we are providing lots of smaller rewards for small actions. Our trailing dogs need to feel finding the person or pet was worth it — they will generally only do 2 searches per session so the reward needs to be a 'bingo' reward. So, don't bring their full meal but definitely make it more worthwhile than a standard treat! You'll work out what's right very quickly so on your first session just brings what you think is right and perhaps consider having some spare with you to adjust after discussing with the instructor.
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When is it too hot or cold, or too wet, or too windy?Whilst we might be happy to trail in 'all' weathers we don't risk the wellbeing of our dogs, so they are our priority. Below freezing and above 24C we will cancel the session. Below 4C and above 21C we will consult booked attendees and ask about your dog - you know their needs best. If you have any concerns for their welfare your session will be cancelled and you will be able to book another date. If a Yellow or above warning is issued by the Met Office within 20 miles of our trailing location, the session will be cancelled. Yours and your dog's safety are of paramount concern!