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Another day, another blog post. Today I am thinking about what type of dogs might struggle with mantrailing initially, and which dogs may instantly feel super confident at understanding the task. Generally, people seem to think that some breeds should be better at it than others, with the preconception that some dogs are smarter or more driven than others. Smarter… yes, bigger dog, bigger brain… but that doesn’t mean that every GSD instantly gets it, or that every Chihuahua n

When people first start mantrailing, it can feel almost magical. The dog sniffs the scent article, puts their nose down, follows a trail, and finds the person. The owner is handling the long line, the dog is doing some sniffing, everyone is having a nice time, and it feels like the dog just gets it. We know dogs already know how to use their nose. They already know how to follow scent. We are simply putting a cue on something they are naturally capable of doing. But for the h

As I’ve recently become a Mantrailing Global Assessor, I wanted to take the opportunity to explain a bit more about what these assessments involve and how you can get started on your own journey. Why take part in Mantrailing Global assessments? Working towards an assessment is a fantastic way to test both you and your dog as a mantrailing team. It gives your training a clear sense of direction and purpose. Along the way, we’ll identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing

The idea for this workshop actually came to me while walking one of my client’s dogs. We were out on our walk and I could feel the weather warming up, the park getting busier… more people, more dogs, more kids everywhere. We did some training to engage her brain, I gave her a good run, burned off that pent-up energy… and then I had that moment of “ahh… wouldn’t it be nice to just chill under a tree now?” Just sit, watch the world go by, be still for a bit… while the dog relax

Your guide to keeping your dog safe in warmer temperatures Yes, we will be mantrailing in the summer. However… be prepared for early sessions. No offence, but I will not put any dog at risk because you prefer a lie-in 🙂 Why this matters more than people think From my experience as a dog walker, many owners hugely underestimate just how dangerous heatstroke in dogs actually is. Most dogs are brilliant at keeping themselves warm in winter. Cooling themselves down in summer? No

The basis of mantrailing is simple: your dog is following the scent from a specific scent article to a specific person, not just finding any person in the environment. The Biology Behind the Scent Every second, we shed thousands of tiny scent particles. These particles carry bacteria, which can grow, change, and degrade depending on the environment. Each of us has a unique “cocktail” of bacteria, hormones, skin cells, sweat, and other compounds. This combination is what makes

Mantrailing is great fun, but it can come with a lot of new terms! Don’t worry, I know it can be confusing at first, so I’ve put together this glossary to help you understand the language I use during mantrailing sessions. 🔹 Getting Started... The Starting Ritual Every trail begins with a starting ritual. This includes a scent inventory, where the dog and handler walk around the area and cover all exit points. It’s a great opportunity for your dog to: Take in the scents of t

If you share your life with a dog who has a strong hunting instinct/prey drive, you’ll know how challenging it can sometimes be. Chasing wildlife, fixating on scents, pulling on lead the moment they catch a whiff of something... It can feel like you’re constantly battling against your dog’s nature. What is in the dog, will come out of the dog. You can try to suppress those instincts all you want, but chances are, they’ll find a way out, often in ways you don’t want them to. I

Dogs are contextual learners. They learn best when the situation, environment, and cues around them are consistent with what they’ve...

As dog lovers, we all want the best for our dogs. We try to feed them the right food, take them for walks, buy them toys, and give them plenty of love. We tell ourselves we're doing our best, and most of the time, we truly are. But sometimes, our best needs to be challenged. Because a dog's world is only as big, rich, and fulfilling as we allow it to be. Your dog doesn’t get to choose when they go out, where they go, or what experiences they have. Their entire universe is sha

…and how mantrailing can be a total game changer. Working breeds were quite literally born to work. Whether it’s herding sheep, flushing birds, or guarding property, breeds like Spaniels, Collies, Malinois, and (my personal favourites!) German Shepherds thrive when they have a job to do. When we bring them into our homes as pets without a purpose, they don’t just switch off those instincts. If we don’t give them a job, they’ll go self-employed, and that often means creating t

Heading to your first Mantrailing workshop? You're in for an exciting adventure! Mantrailing is an incredible activity that taps into your dog’s natural scenting ability, helping to build confidence, focus, and an even stronger bond between you. To help you and your dog get the most out of the experience, here’s a handy checklist of what to bring with you to a Mantrailing Introduction Workshop. High-Value Treats Your dog is going to be doing some serious sniffing, so bring ou

Owning a reactive or nervous dog can sometimes feel really limiting. Walks can be stressful. Group training classes might not feel like an option. And it can be hard to find activities where your dog truly fits in. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? There are activities designed with dogs like yours in mind and mantrailing is one of the very best. What is Mantrailing? Mantrailing is a low-pressure, scent-based activity where your dog learns to follow a