So what is mantrailing?
Mantrailing is similar in some ways to search and rescue or tracking. It is the dog using it's nose to follow a specific individual scent to locate a person. It allows the dog to follow the scent in a more natural way than tracking, sometimes following scent in the air as well as scent on the ground.
Why would you train this?
It is great fun for both human and dog. Although the dog is doing the hard work it does take knowledge and understanding on the handler's part, so both sides have to work together as a team. We have to learn to have faith that the dog knows what they're doing because when it comes to scent they are the experts for this reason it is great for building your relationship with your dog.
It is a fantastic outlet for the dog allowing them to fulfill some of their natural needs of both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs whose needs are properly met will be calmer, happier and more fulfilled and often behaviour problems will disappear. If your dog is hyper and it feels like you can't tire them out then sports like trailing will often do the trick.
It can be a great way to build confidence even in reactive dogs. The dogs are worked individually and have to move away from their handlers, working independently. They often stop seeing their triggers as they become engrossed in their exciting new task. Dogs that would usually stop to bark at other dogs or people will stick to their trail and not worry about those triggers. Dogs that are nervous around people can also become more confident as finding that person always results in an amazing reward, so in the dogs mind people become associated with positive things rather than being a source of worry.
Who can do it?
Pretty much any dog as long as the have a nose although some will be better at it than others. To start with we will be building motivation so even the least likely dogs can do it. I've trailed with a wide variety of dogs German shepherds, rottweilers, boxers, Jack Russell's, cockapoos, livestock guardian breeds as well as cross breeds. You're dog will probably surprise you.
It is low impact and to start with trails are very short so very young puppies through to old dogs can do it too.
There is walking involved so handler and dogs need to be physically able for it.
What you will learn
You will learn a bit about scent and how it behaves as well as how the dog perceives scent.
Line handling
I'll demo a trail with one of my dogs
Each dog will then get to run 2 or 3 trails. You will all be working one at a time
You will need a dog!
A harness is essential! The Y shaped ones that come between the front legs rather than across the chest, are best. If you walk your dog on a harness that will do fine for the time being.
The harness is essential and you won't be able to take part using a collar.
30ft long line if you have one but I'm more than happy to let you borrow one.
The very best reward!
Do not bring dry crappy biscuits bring the very best treat chicken, liver, hearts, cheese, sausages or the favourite toy, whatever fires your dog up. The eventual goal is for your dog to follow a trail over a great distance, which could take hours and the scent could be hours or even days old. This is extremely challenging and the dog has to feel that there is something in it for them or else they will just quit. This is why we use their ultimate reward. Eg For a big dog a reward for each leg of the trail would be 3 cocktail sausages.
A scent article in a Ziploc bag
This could be anything that smells of you. A glove or hat would be good or even just a cloth that you've wiped all over your body. It does not need to be reeking of BO.
A dish of water.
Trailing is thirsty work and the dog needs to be properly hydrated to be able to take odour effectively.
Your dog also needs to be comfortable waiting in the car as each dog will be working individually.
As the class will take place outdoors it will be weather permitting so it may need to be rescheduled at short notice.
| Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
1 Dog + handler
Please note that there are no refunds for the course if cancelled within 7days of the start of the course. There will be a 50% refund for cancellation within 14 days of the start of the course.
|
£30.00 |
Stranraer Academy
McMaster's Road
Stranraer
DG9 8BY