mantrailing
Mantrailing is the fastest growing sport in the UK, involving dogs using their nose to follow a particular person’s scent (their ‘missing person’ or misper) and track them down. It is one of very few dog sports in which our dogs make the decisions and take charge (despite what some agility dogs think…) and it is incredibly empowering and confidence boosting for them. Unlike other sports you can very easily dip in and out of mantrailing, meaning you can pick up slots whenever you want without having to commit to a weekly or even monthly training session!
During mantrailing sessions only one dog works at once, with the others stationed safely in their vehicles, so it’s perfect for dogs who need space! Trails can easily be adapted for younger or older dogs or anyone else who may need less of a challenging route; it’s a lovely accessible sport.
Our sessions are led by instructor Sophie Smith, qualified via Mantrailing Global.
what & where
You will need a well fitting, non-restrictive harness (so no anti pull harnesses or harnesses with material in a bar across the chest), a long line, VERY high value rewards for your dog (wet cat food, tinned fish and peanut butter are some of our dogs’ favourites!) and two small tubs for rewards to go into (these must be small enough to go into a pocket, but wide enough for your dog to eat their reward from). You’ll also need a scent article – something that smells of you that you don’t mind putting on muddy ground, into puddles, and potentially being picked up and/or slobbered on by a dog!
We train from a variety of locations around Burnley & Pendle, utilising both rural and urban spaces to provide different challenges for your dog to navigate!
eligibility
In order to attend mantrailing sessions, your dog must:
- Be able to take food from another person – if your dog is nervous of strangers, it is your responsibility to bring someone trusted by the dog along to sessions to be their misper
- Be comfortable waiting their turn in your vehicle without you – if your dog needs someone in the vehicle with them, it is your responsibility to bring that person; as you will need to hide for other dogs too
- Be physically and medically sound; with any pre-existing conditions being treated appropriately
If you need help with any of these first, please feel free to contact us to see how we can help.
prices and booking
Our introduction sessions are £40, and typically last around 3 hours.
Our progression sessions are £30, and typically last up to 2.5 hours. You can also add on the introduction element to most of our progression sessions for just £10, just check with us via email by contacting info@nutterdogs.co.uk before you book.
You can view our dates and get booked in at any time.
You are also very welcome to join our Nutter Dogs Mantrailing group on Facebook, in which dates and locations are advertised, photos are posted and training tips and extra information are available.