Mantrailing NZ

23/10/2025

We have been asked recently why the difference in training styles:
Like any dog sport, there are a few different ways to approach Mantrailing — and that’s one of the things that makes it so fascinating!

Some teams train off-lead, working in higher arousal states and encouraging the dog to work more independently. It’s a great way to build drive, confidence, and speed — especially for dogs who love the thrill of the chase and handlers training in large, safe areas. Watching a dog trail freely, fully following its instincts, is an incredible thing to see.

👉 Operational purposes & pros:
• Mirrors search and rescue work, where speed and independence can be vital in life-or-death situations.
• Builds a dog’s ability to commit to scent without handler input, strengthening trust in the dog’s instincts.
• Can help develop confidence in young or softer dogs.
• Encourages handlers to step back and observe, deepening understanding of their dog’s natural trail style.

At Mantrailing NZ, we train on-lead, focusing on foundations, teamwork, and accuracy. We work on learning to really read our dogs — noticing small shifts in body language, focus, and line tension that show when they’re on scent, problem-solving, or needing help.

👉 Operational purposes & pros:
• Reflects law enforcement and operational mantrailing, where dogs must work safely through urban and high-risk environments.
• Builds strong communication, control, and trust between dog and handler.
• Promotes accuracy and detailed scent work, helping handlers interpret their dog’s trail style in real time.
• Allows teams to train safely and consistently, no matter the environment or distractions.
• Welcomes a wider range of dogs, including those not suited to working off-lead — keeping the sport inclusive without compromising quality.

At the end of the day, there’s no one “right” way — it’s about choosing what suits your dog, your goals, and your training environment. Whether you’re trailing with full freedom or in partnership at the end of a line, it’s all about celebrating the amazing scenting abilities of our dogs and the bond we share with them. 🐾

18/06/2025

I am super excited for November...
I am SUPER excited to visit

This will be the first course of its kind over there, and my first time putting all the knowledge and skills I have learned over the past 6 years back into a course designed for setting you up as a mantrailing sports instructor. (Don't worry UK people, there are things in the pipelines for 2026.....)

I won't call it an instructors course, as I don't think you can learn everything in just five days but instead you can gain the foundations in so many aspects of mantrailing and learn more as you go.

Dog training is about experience and it's important to gain a good foundation, and then expand your knowledge as you go.

There is too much to know about mantrailing to really learn it all in one go, you need to experience it as well as know the theory.

It's why this course is called the foundation course... It's to teach you how to start off mantrailing teams, progress them on with lots of exercises, provide them with support, build strong teams ready to face anything and really get them off to the best start in mantrailing.

This course isn't a walk in the park, it is fast paced and jam packed full of knowledge to get you started as a mantrailing business and support to help you thrive. Which is why after the course you get 6 months of 121 mentoring with me for free, as well as the supportive community in NZ.

Couldn't you be the start of something amazing for all dogs.

Check you the application link: https://form.jotform.com/251080452689057
Link to the video chat with Mantrailing NZ: https://youtu.be/QwoM5BKm02w?si=ZAO7cBcd01a1ljl1

This course was fully booked but due to changes in circumstances a space has become available.

24/05/2025

Join me, Amber and Kylie from to chat all things Mantrailing!

Mantrailing isn't just a sport where your dog finds people for fun, it is a sport to build your bond together and hone their sniffing skills.

This sport is accessible to many dogs as it is reactive dogs friendly and an excellent outlet for higher drive breeds who need an outlet for the hunt.

This live is a chance to speak to me and the girls about whats happening in New Zealand in November as well!

Join us live to talk all things mantrailing!

We will cover:
What is Mantrailing? It’s more than teaching dogs to find people?
Why is it good for your dog? The brain chemicals which make it great for dogs!
Why should you get started in Mantrailing?
The upcoming “Mantrailing Foundations Course” held in Wellington, NZ.
Q&A about the topic

So join us live!

Date: 25th May 2025
Time: 7pm Auckland Time (8am UK Time)
Where: Online on Zoom (Link in comments and stories)

You can join us from anywhere in the world :D

This will be recorded for those who cannot make it live and upload to view online after.

28/04/2025

28/04/2025

Mantrailing in NZ: A Ground-Level Opportunity

Mantrailing has exploded in popularity across the UK, becoming one of the fastest-growing dog sports—and now it’s gaining momentum here in Aotearoa. This scent-driven activity taps into your dog’s natural instincts, offering so much more than just a walk around the block.

Why Mantrailing?
• Builds confidence in nervous or reactive dogs
• Provides intense mental stimulation
• Offers safe, structured exercise
• Deepens the bond between dog and handler
• Suitable for all breeds, ages, and fitness levels
• Fun and fulfilling for both dog and human!

For dog trainers and canine professionals:
Now is the perfect time to get involved. Our Mantrailing foundations Course is a chance to join this growing sport from the ground up in NZ. Whether you’re looking to expand your services or bring something new to your clients, this course is your starting point.

Let’s shape the future of Mantrailing in NZ—together.

Check out the course pinned 📌! And fill out our expression of interest form! Link 🔗 in Bio!

20/04/2025

🔔Calling all dog professionals🔔

Mantrailing NZ are excited to announce for the first time in New Zealand a five day Mantrailing foundations course with Kathryn Jones of Trailing K9s UK.

www.trailingk9s.com

Currently taking expressions of interest for the full five day working.

Date: 8-12 November 2025

Location: Wellington region
Price: $3000.
Application form:
https://form.jotform.com/251080452689057

Fully immerse yourself in all things Mantrailing. Small working group means more one on one time picking the brain of one of the UKs top Mantrailing instructors. The instructor of instructors.

With a behavioural background and over 10 years experience in the canine industry. Kathryn has an FdSc in Applied Animal Behaviour, was an NTIPDU Instructor and Handler for Detection and Protection dogs, was previously a Mantrailing Global Instructor and is currently a Level 2 Scent Imprint for Dogs Tracking/Trailing Instructor, and continues to pursue in person learning at workshops and through online education to stay ahead with the latest advancements in the science behind how dogs process scent and the teaching ethics.

While this course has a set criteria for each day. Mantrailing is not a one size fits all and the days will be tailored to meet each individual team’s needs for the highest chance of success.

What will you come away with?

- An understanding of human scent and how it preforms in the environment
- An understanding of how to lay trails and teach exercises
- A foundational understanding of how to teach Mantrailing as a non operational, fun sport
- An understanding of how to read a dog’s body language on the trail
- An understanding of how to problem solve
- Advice on how to incorporate Mantrailing into your existing business.
- Practical and theory learning, including an evening seminar with Kathryn Jones
- Six months of one on one mentoring with Kathryn Jones
- ongoing support from Mantrailing NZ community

And much more. It’s really up to each team to make the most of and squeeze every bit of information out of Kathryn as you can 🤪

There are a limited number of working spots for this course and is best suited to people already in the dog industry with experience in training dog and people. Although all dog professionals are welcome to apply!

An evening of geeking out on human scent, talking about human scent and the science that is out there, will be available to anyone interested in scent. Whether you're into scent sports or dog training, this is an amazing chance to geek out on scent theory and pick the brain of one of the UK's top trailing instructors Kathryn Jones!
Details and booking information coming soon — stay tuned!

If you're interested, please submit your forms by Sunday 11th May, as that is when we will begin reviewing them. Any forms submitted after this date will only be considered if spaces remain.

01/04/2025