Ready for a new challenge?
- northolthounds
- May 6
- 2 min read
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 me to support you with tailored guidance to help you progress.
Most importantly, it encourages you to develop one of the most valuable skills in mantrailing:
Learning to truly read your dog.
That deeper understanding is what transforms good teams into great ones. During the actual assessment, there will be no help from me, so throughout your training, my focus is on helping you become confident and independent in interpreting your dog every step of the way.
The assessments aren’t just about testing your current ability, they are about helping you grow. I design assessments not only to evaluate your skills, but to gently push you beyond what you think you and your dog are capable of.
A structured path to progress:
There are six levels in total, each building on the last.
With every level you pass, you’ll receive a certificate, badge, and rosette to mark your achievement, something to be genuinely proud of.
You’ll also be published on the MTG results table with your title.
If you’d like to learn more, head to the “Level Assessments” section on the Mantrailing Global website.
This is where you can also find the full criteria for each level.
Getting started is straightforward:
Purchase your Level 1 logbook via the Mantrailing Global website
Begin logging your training sessions (with me or any Mantrailing Global instructor)
Work consistently towards building strong foundations and a reliable mantrailing team
I’ll guide you through this process, setting up appropriate trails and helping you prepare step by step. Working towards an assessment will motivate you to become a better trailing partner and to continue strengthening those essential foundations.
Once you’ve completed at least 20 sessions, we can start looking ahead to your assessment day.
What to expect from an assessment:
Assessments cost £75 and include much more than just the assessment itself. You’ll receive:
Tailored preparation and support beforehand
A mock assessment to build confidence and readiness
A structured, supportive environment on the day
The goal is to set you up for success, not to catch you out.
What does Level 1 involve?
To give you an idea, Level 1 includes:
A single-blind trail (the trail layer is hidden before you get out of the car)
A trail length of 200–300 metres with one 90-degree change of direction
Aged for 30 minutes to 1 hour
Set in a rural environment
The trail layer will be standing, sitting, or lying down at the end of the trail
Comments