Mantrailing – What is it?
Mantrailing is a fab new dog sport, in fact it is the fastest-growing dog sport in the UK. But don’t let the word sport put you off, it’s all done at a walking pace and the dog is on a long line, so you don’t even have to worry about not having a good recall.
Mantrailing is finding a person for fun! It’s like an Adult and Dog game of Hide & Seek!
Who is it for?
Humans – Anyone can take part, although you do need to have a dog! I have clients in their 20’s all the way to their 80’s
Dogs – Small, large, young and old, I have clients with pups starting at 20 weeks of age and my eldest dog is well into their teens! They do obviously need to come with a human!
So to sum it up. Mantrailing is for anyone with a dog that wants to have fun, build a great relationship with them, meet other people and spend time in the fresh air!
Don’t worry if your dog is nervous or reactive, the dogs are worked individually, and never pushed out of their comfort zone and you will see them become less nervous and less reactive as their noses take over and they do what they love to do…. sniffing!
Your dog does have to wait in the car between turns so if this will be difficult for them, you may need to bring someone to sit with them to start with if you think it will be a problem.
How do I get started?
Firstly you need to find a Mantrailing UK instructor…. well done … you have found me!
However, there is a list of instructors on the Mantrailing UK website (www.mantrailinguk.com) and lots of other great information. Once you have completed your Mantrailing UK Introduction course you can trail with any instructor around the country, so you can even play if going on holiday!
First, you need to book on to a Mantrailing Introduction Workshop. See the link here for my booking options – https://www.meltaylordogtraining.co.uk/book-session
What happens on the Introduction Workshop?
This is all about teaching you and your dog the Game of Mantrialing.
All you need to come is a dog, a harness, a longline (although these can be borrowed and bought on the day), two small pots to put food in, food to put in the pots, something that they will really want. a toy if the dog is very toy motivated and last but not least, an article of clothing, such as a hat, scarf or glove, in a sealed bag or glass jar, that a dog can take your scent from.
Introductions workshops are typically 3 hrs long and comprise of around 3/4 hrs theory and then practice getting to learn the game with your dog.
At the end of your introduction, you and your dog will understand the game, be able to play it safely and you will hopefully have found out what really motivates your dog.
You can then book any trailing session with any Mantrialing Instructor but of course, I would like you to join me and the lovely people and dogs that already trail with me.
What happens on a trailing session?
You meet at the designated location. Typically they last for three hours and usually up to 5 dogs per session.
Everyone takes turns doing the different things that need to be done.
Someone hides, someone trails with their dog to find the person that has hidden, someone looks after the cars, and the others can chat or follow the trailers if they want to. Dogs are never left unsupervised in cars.
Usually, you will get two to three trails each, depending on how long they are.
How often do you need to trail?
This is entirely up to you, but the more you do it, the better your dog will become. Sessions are always mixed ability groups and the trails are laid to suit each dog and handler as a team and the level that they are at. Some people trail weekly, others twice a month and others monthly.
How much does it cost?
Each instructor varies slightly but at the time of posting this blog (Oct 22) by prices are as follows.
Introduction Workshop – £60 per dog
Trailing sessions – £25 per dog
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mel Taylor
meltaylordogtraining@gmail.com
07818427876