12/07/2025
If you're thinking about starting Mantrailing but haven’t quite made up your mind, here are some FAQs that might help put your mind at ease and give you that final nudge to give it a go.
1. What exactly is Mantrailing?
Mantrailing is a scent-based activity where your dog learns to follow a specific person's scent trail. It’s like hide-and-seek, but with their nose doing all the work!
2. Do I need a special breed or type of dog to do Mantrailing?
Nope! Any dog with a nose can take part, big or small, young or old, pedigree or Heinz 57. Some may take to it faster, but all dogs can learn to trail.
3. What equipment do I need to start?
You’ll need a mantrailing harness, a long line (5–10 metres), and some mega high-value treats or a favourite toy as a reward. A water bottle and good shoes are a bonus too!
4. Is Mantrailing suitable for reactive or anxious dogs?
Yes, absolutely! Because dogs trail one at a time and it's low-pressure, it’s perfect for dogs who need space or struggle in busy environments. It builds confidence and gives them a job to do.
5. How is Mantrailing different from tracking or scentwork?
Mantrailing focuses on following the unique scent of a specific person, often through different terrains and environments. Tracking looks at ground disturbance, and scentwork usually involves searching for a specific odour like clove or gun oil.
6. How does my dog know who to find?
At the start of each trail, your dog is given a “scent article”, something that smells like the missing person, like a sock or glove. That’s their target to follow!
7. Will my dog run off or be out of control on the trail?
Nope! You’re attached to your dog via a long line and harness. They lead the way, and you follow behind, learning to read their body language and signals. There will bet some free trailing involved to build their confidence and commitment but only when it's safe to do so, you could also use longer longlines if your dog hasn't got good recall, I always carry a 50m one with me.
8. Can I do Mantrailing just for fun, or is it only for working dogs?
Totally for fun! While it’s a valuable skill for working dogs (like search and rescue), it’s also an awesome hobby that mentally and physically stimulates your pet and builds handler and dogs bond.
9. How long does it take to teach my dog to trail?
Dogs pick up the basics quickly, often within one or two sessions. The real learning is in building stamina, handling different environments, and improving your own skills as a handler.
That's why after the foundations workshop you can join our foundations plus on a weekly basis amd progress from there.
10. Where can I start Mantrailing?
Join a foundations workshop with a qualified instructor (like us at K-9 Enrichment , Enigma Canine Trusted Instructors ). We’ll guide you and your dog through each step safely and supportively.
For further information, contact Paul at K-9 Enrichment on WhatsApp 07561 058269 , visit www.k-9enrichment.co.uk, or pop a message in the comments below, we’re happy to help!
At K-9 Enrichment, we believe in more than just obedience — we believe in a deeper bond between handler and dog. Specialising in Search Dog Training and
