What to expect on your introduction to mantrailing
The aim of this blog is to help those starting out on their mantrailing journey prepare for their introduction session and get an idea of what to expect. if you haven’t booked your introduction yet, you can do so here
Before your introduction you will need to have some things ready; a longline, a harness (that your dog hasn't worn), at least two tupperware (some people like to have 6 prepared) and some rewards, your dogs favorite toys and enough food for 6 rewards. You will also need a scent article, this is an item of clothing (a glove, snood, hat, sock) that belongs to you, wearing it or tucking it inside your top on the journey down will be sufficient, theres no need to wear a sock for a week before coming along. You will also need suitable footwear and clothing, its a good idea to ensure you have waterproofs with you whatever the time of year. You may also want to bring some gloves for handling the longline, especially if your dog is likely to pull.
You should receive an email in the run up to your introduction date containing the location details, this is typically a google maps pin and a What3Words. You’ll notice that no postcode is given, this is because in rural locations the postcode may not take you to the correct location. Take some time before your intro to check the locations and route, leave plenty of time so that you reach the venue ahead of time.
When you arrive, introduce yourself to the instructor/s, get yourself ready (boots on etc) and take some time to toilet your dog. Please keep them on lead and give other dogs plenty of space, mantrailing is an inclusive sport and some of the other dogs might not be comfortable with other dogs approaching them. If there are other dogs out being exercised please check with the handler before getting your dog out of the car.
Once toileted, pop the dog back into your vehicle, the instructor will let you know when they are ready to start. Once all the dogs are away the instructor will introduce everyone and run through the safety brief.
There is then a small talk, explaining what mantrailing is and some theory on scent and how the dogs follow it and how we train the dog.
The instructor will then run through the kit you have been asked to bring along and its function within mantrailing. The instructor may run through a demonstration before people and dogs get their turn.
The instructor will then ask the first person to get their dog, harness, long line and rewards and appoint a second attendee as the trail layer who will need their scent article. The instructor will then guide the handler and trail layer through the process. Once the first team has completed their trail and the dog is safely back in the vehicle the second team will go. Each of the teams keep taking it in turns until everyone has had two turns each
After all the of teams have had their two turns and all dogs are safely back in the vehicles the instructor will run through a quick debrief, informing you on what happens next and how to book future sessions etc.
