Mantrailing FAQs

No prerequisites whatsoever! Mantrailing is unique because it requires ZERO obedience training. In fact, many handlers find their dogs love mantrailing more than traditional training because the dog is in charge.

Your dog doesn't need to know:

• ✗Sit, stay, come, heel or any commands
• ✗Loose-lead walking
• ✗How to behave around other dogs
• ✗Any previous training whatsoever

Many of our most successful mantrailers are dogs who "failed" traditional obedience training or who don't enjoy being told what to do. In mantrailing, the dog makes all the decisions – you just follow!

Puppies can start from around 12-16 weeks old and senior dogs can continue well into their golden years. There's no upper age limit!

For puppies: Mantrailing is excellent socialization and confidence building. Short, simple trails keep it fun and age-appropriate. We adapt the difficulty to match your puppy's attention span and energy level.

For senior dogs: Mantrailing is perfect low-impact mental exercise. Even dogs with mobility issues can participate because they work at their own pace. The mental stimulation keeps senior dogs sharp and engaged.

Initial investment is very reasonable:

• •Workshop fee: See our workshop page for current pricing
• •Y-fitting harness: NZD $50-120 (we can lend you one to try first)
• •8-10m long line: NZD $30-70 (we can lend you one to try first)
• •Treats/toys: Whatever your dog already loves!

Total equipment investment: NZD $80-190 – and we can lend you equipment for your first session so you can try before you buy!

Most dogs understand the basics within 1-3 sessions, but mastery is a lifelong journey – and that's part of the fun!

Remember: Progress isn't linear. Some sessions will feel like huge breakthroughs; others might feel like steps backward. This is completely normal in any scent work discipline!

For beginners: Weekly workshops are ideal for the first 4-6 weeks. Consistency helps you and your dog build skills and confidence quickly.

For intermediate trailers: Every 2-3 weeks works well, with practice sessions with friends in between.

For advanced trailers: Monthly workshops to maintain skills and challenge yourself with new scenarios, plus independent practice.

Pro tip: The more you practice (whether in formal workshops or with friends), the faster you and your dog will progress. We encourage regular practice between workshops once you know the basics!

Yes and we strongly encourage it! Practice is how you and your dog improve. After your first few workshops, we'll teach you how to set up safe, effective practice trails.

What you'll need for practice:

• •At least 2 people: one to be the "missing person," one to hold your dog at the start
• •A scent article (t-shirt, hat, cloth that the "missing person" has worn/touched)
• •A safe area to trail (parks, quiet neighborhoods, etc.)
• •Your harness, long line and rewards

Many handlers form practice groups with other workshop participants. This way, you can take turns being trail layers and handlers and your dogs get to work different trails and find different people!

Plateaus are completely normal and happen to every dog-handler team. Sometimes your dog needs time to consolidate what they've learned before moving forward.

When progress stalls, try:

• •Go back to basics: Do some easy, confidence-building trails
• •Change environments: New locations provide new challenges and interest
• •Take a break: Sometimes a week or two off helps dogs process and return refreshed
• •Video review: Record your trails to spot patterns or handler errors you might be missing
• •Work with an instructor: Fresh eyes can identify subtle issues

Remember, mantrailing is not a race. Progress at your dog's pace, celebrate small victories and enjoy the journey together!

Absolutely! Mantrailing is EXCELLENT for reactive dogs. In fact, many of our most successful mantrailers are dogs who struggle with traditional group training or regular walks.

Why mantrailing works for reactive dogs:

• •
  One-on-one work: Your dog works individually with you in controlled environments. We can completely avoid other dogs if needed.
• •
  Mental focus: The intense concentration required for scent work helps dogs learn to manage their arousal levels and redirect reactive energy.
• •
  Confidence building: Success in mantrailing builds overall confidence, which often reduces reactivity over time.
• •
  Positive association: Being out in the world while focused on a fun activity helps create positive experiences in environments where dogs might otherwise be reactive.

Let us know when booking if your dog is reactive. We'll structure the workshop to ensure they have space and don't feel overwhelmed. Many reactive dogs show dramatic improvements after just a few sessions!

Yes! Mantrailing is fantastic for building confidence in anxious dogs.The activity gives them a "job" to focus on, which helps them cope with fear and anxiety.

Benefits for anxious dogs:

• •Using their nose is calming and confidence-building
• •Success experiences build self-assurance
• •The dog is in control, which empowers nervous dogs
• •We work at your dog's pace in low-stress environments

We've seen incredibly shy, fearful dogs blossom through mantrailing. The transformation can be remarkable – dogs who once cowered become confident problem-solvers who willingly explore new environments!

Mantrailing is perfect for dogs with disabilities! Because it relies on the sense of smell (which is rarely impaired), dogs with hearing, vision or mobility challenges can excel.

Mantrailing gives dogs with disabilities a chance to shine and do what they were born to do: use their incredible nose! It's wonderfully inclusive.

Yes! Mantrailing is perfect for high-energy dogs. The mental exhaustion from scent work is more tiring than physical exercise alone.

Why it works for high-energy breeds:

• •Mental stimulation: 20 minutes of mantrailing = 1 hour of walking
• •Problem-solving: Dogs have to think, which is exhausting
• •Fulfills working drive: Gives working breeds a real job
• •Variable intensity: Can increase difficulty as your dog improves

Many handlers of Border Collies, Malinois, Kelpies and other high-drive dogs say mantrailing is the only thing that truly tires their dogs. The mental workout is intense!

Mantrailing happens in almost all weather conditions! Rain, wind, heat and cold all affect scent differently, providing valuable learning experiences.

Real-world preparation: In operational search and rescue, dogs work in all conditions. Training in varied weather makes you and your dog more skilled and versatile!

Mantrailing is surprisingly time-efficient! Because the work is so mentally demanding, sessions are relatively short.

Time-efficient fitness: Because the mental stimulation is so intense, many handlers find they can reduce regular walk time on trailing days. A 20-minute trail often leaves dogs happily exhausted!

Yes, children can be great helpers in mantrailing! They often love being the "missing person" or helping lay trails.

Guidelines for children:

• •Children must be supervised at all times
• •Older children (10+) can help be trail layers
• •Younger children should stay safely distant from working dogs
• •Children should understand basic dog safety rules

Many families enjoy mantrailing together! It's a wonderful way to teach children about dog behaviour, responsibility and teamwork. Just please let us know when booking so we can plan accordingly.

Yes! But each dog needs to work individually. Dogs cannot mantrail together as a team – each dog must follow the scent independently.

If you have multiple dogs:

• •Each dog will take turns trailing (one at a time)
• •Other dogs wait safely in your vehicle or with a helper
• •Consider bringing a friend/family member to help manage multiple dogs
• •You may need to book longer sessions or multiple sessions

Please let us know when booking how many dogs you plan to bring so we can allocate appropriate time for each dog to work.