You'll always hear me say mantrailing is an all-inclusive sport. But what does that truly mean? For me, it means that no matter the experience, temperament, size, breed, or age, all dogs should be able to take part. It’s essential to understand the daily challenges dog owners face to ensure their dogs have a happy, healthy life and incorporate that into their mantrailing journey.
This is the story of a very special girl, April, rescued from the streets in Bosnia. April and her wonderful family light up any session they attend with positivity and understanding, whilst April continues to grow in confidence and provide us with some very heartwarming and entertaining moments. I took a moment to chat with April's owners, and this isn't just her mantrailing story; this is her life so far.
Deciding to Adopt
In 2022, a family decided it was time to welcome a dog into their home. Given the surge of abandoned pets post-COVID, they felt compelled to adopt and provide a loving home to a dog in need. Additionally, they wanted to skip the exhausting puppy stage, characterized by sleepless nights and constant care, like looking after a newborn.
They began their search in local shelters in Switzerland but found that most dogs required an experienced owner or someone who could be home full-time—neither of which fit their situation. This led them to expand their search to shelters in neighbouring France and Germany. During this time, they discovered Dog's Angels, an adoption agency with a strong reputation within the Swiss dog owner community. They began checking the site regularly.
Bringing April Home
After a few days of diligent searching, they came across a photo of April on the Dog's Angels' website. Instantly, they felt she was the one. Her white face stripe, black snout spot, fluffy tail, and floppy ears won their hearts. April resembled a border collie, their favourite breed, though they had initially ruled out adopting one due to their high energy needs.
To ensure she would be a good fit, they contacted the shelter. The staff assured them she had a calm temperament suitable for a family. They decided to reserve her, but another family was also interested, so nothing was guaranteed. After a few days of anxious waiting, they received the exciting news that April was reserved for them. They spent the following weeks preparing for her arrival, their excitement growing each day.
First Experiences with April
April's arrival into the family was both joyful and challenging. Initially, she seemed larger than expected and displayed passive, friendly behaviour. However, it became evident within the first hour that she was anxious and uncomfortable. She stayed by the door and refused to enter the house for three days. Outdoor excursions were also stressful; she was jumpy on the lead and nervous about everything.
The second day with her was particularly tough. A walk was cut short by the chiming church bells and a passing train, both of which terrified her. The daughter's confidence took a hit in handling April, and the family began to worry about their ability to manage her. Fortunately, Dog's Angels didn’t hesitate to connect them with a canine behaviourist who provided valuable advice on building April's confidence and helping her adjust to new sounds. This guidance was a huge turning point for them.
After three weeks, they attempted "doggy adolescent training classes," but April was too nervous to participate. Instead, they turned to YouTube for positive training methods and began training her themselves. Over time, she started to show signs of comfort and playfulness. After three months, she did her first zoomies in the garden, and after six months, she began playing with toys. Although she still has her anxieties, she has made significant progress in the 1.5 years they've had her.
April at Her Best
April is undeniably adorable. Her ears, tail, and soft fur make her a beautiful dog. Personality-wise, she is very chilled, rarely barking or whining. She enjoys meeting people, especially in small groups, and is eager to please. Training her has been relatively easy, which is ideal for the family as first-time owners, making her an absolute joy to have around.
Challenges with April
Despite her many charms, April remains an anxious dog. New places make her nervous, and she dislikes busy areas and large vehicles, which limits the family's ability to take her on certain adventures. She also avoids kitchens, which can be problematic when traveling. Additionally, April has a fear of other dogs, especially larger ones. This fear once led her to run away when a big dog approached her suddenly. Because of her anxiety, they can't leave her in a dog hotel, so they've had to adapt their holidays to include her.
Mantrailing: A New Adventure
When I first met April, it was clear she wasn’t too sure about mantrailing, and her initial attempt appeared unpromising for her family. April seemed disinterested and preferred staying by the car. She became overwhelmed very quickly, so it was important to take things nice and slow with her. We knew right away that the first reward, despite being cheese and egg, probably wasn’t going to help.
In mantrailing, April's handler is a mother-daughter duo, which was perfect for her first session. Having someone she was most comfortable with pose as her Trail Layer made a significant difference. This was the moment she came alive and started not just trusting mantrailing but enjoying it too. Mantrailing has helped April manage her interactions with other dogs and people, building her confidence and providing her with a sense of purpose.
I know every session they come to will be a great one.
April's Journey and Milestones
April has come a long way from her initial timid self. She now gets excited when the family prepares for mantrailing and has become more confident in her abilities. Through their training and activities, they’ve learned to understand her better and improve their handling skills. April’s progress has been marked by numerous milestones, from her first zoomies, trailing with passing trams nearby, to her growing comfort in new environments.
That nervous and overwhelmed dog I met back in May of 2023 seems miles away from the dog I have the pleasure of working with. She greets people with such confidence and loves to present her butt for some scratches.
April’s family just took her on a beach holiday. They said last year was a big struggle due to her anxiety in new environments, but this time it looks like April and her family had a wonderful experience, running and digging in the sand and chasing waves along the shoreline.
While speaking with April’s family, they told me April is the star. While I agree, the love and commitment they provide to change April’s life has been unwavering. In my opinion, both April and her family are the stars of the show, and this should be celebrated! Teamwork at its finest.
Celebrating April
April’s continuous improvement, increasing confidence, and her sweet, calm nature are truly worth celebrating. She continues to transform from a nervous rescue dog into a cherished member of the family. Her journey and challenges remain ongoing, but her journey should remind everyone of the rewards of patience, love, and dedication in helping a rescue dog find its place in a new home.
In the final words of Aprils family, "to sum it all up; April went from Poor Mutt in Bosnia to Rich Bitch in Switzerland!" - What a life!
Thank you to Aprils family for sharing their story with us.
Happy Mantrailing,
Danielle & Frank
the Frank 'n' Scents Mantrailing Team
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