When it comes to training and progression in mantrailing, it’s become all too easy to fall into the trap of unrealistic expectations. That’s why I felt it was important to dive a little deeper into this subject.
So, let’s be honest; expecting someone to be an expert at something right off the bat is like handing a person a paintbrush for the first time and expecting them to create a masterpiece or being expected to run a marathon when you’ve only just started jogging. We all need time, often months, maybe even years, to learn how to do something well. So, I hope you’d agree that demanding perfection from the start is totally unrealistic and highly likely to cause frustration.
The Human Ego in Dog Training
Now, let’s take those analogies and talk about mantrailing with our dogs and managing expectations, especially when we are trailing for fun.
Yes, dogs have an instinct to identify and follow scent, however, turning that instinct into a refined skill takes time, patience, and consistent training. But here’s where things can get tricky; sometimes, our own desire for quick results and success can cloud our judgment. Resulting in us wanting or even needing our dogs to excel, not just for their own sake, but also for our own sense of accomplishment.
But is this progression really about the dog’s development, or is it about satisfying our own need to see quick results?
It’s important to remember that while a dog’s drive to work a scent is innate, it still takes a lot of practice for them to learn how to effectively follow a trail, respond to cues, and handle distractions. Just as an artist needs time to refine their craft, our dogs need the same opportunity to grow into their role as skilled and confident trailers, step by step. This process can’t and shouldn’t be rushed, and that’s okay.
The Importance of Building Foundations
Before any real progression can happen, it’s crucial to lay a solid foundation. Just like building a house, if the foundation isn’t strong, the structure won’t hold up. The same principle applies in mantrailing—without a solid understanding of the basics, it’s difficult for a dog to progress confidently and effectively. Building these foundational skills is essential to ensuring that the progression is steady and reliable.
We’ll dive deeper into what these foundations look like in later discussions, but it’s key to understand that without them, pushing for quick progress will inevitably lead to setbacks.
Patience Over Perfection
When we expect immediate perfection from our dogs, we’re not just setting them up for failure; we’re also undermining the joy of the learning process. Progress in mantrailing, or any dog training for that matter, should be measured by the dog’s comfort, confidence, and gradual improvement, not by how quickly they can achieve a certain level of performance. The drive for rapid results can lead to frustration and pressure, which can ultimately harm the dog’s ability to learn and enjoy the work.
One of the most important things to remember is that we’re mantrailing for fun. This activity should be an enjoyable experience for both the dog and the handler. If we focus too much on achieving perfection, we risk taking the fun out of it. Mantrailing should be an adventure, a game, and a way to bond with our dogs. When training becomes too serious or goal-oriented, it can lose the joy that initially drew us to it.
Moreover, it’s crucial to recognize that mantrailing is a non-competitive activity. The community around mantrailing is supportive and encouraging, not driven by the need to “be the best.” There’s no podium, no first-place medal—just a shared love of the work and the joy of seeing our dogs succeed at their own pace. Putting pressure on yourself or your dog to outperform others isn’t just unnecessary; it’s not welcome. Mantrailing is about enjoying the journey, not about comparing ourselves to others.
The Real Purpose of Progression
So, who is this progression really for? If it’s for the dog, then our focus should be on their pace and their learning experience. We should celebrate small victories and understand that growth takes time. The journey is as important as the destination, and pushing too hard too fast can lead to burnout, both for the dog and the handler.
On the other hand, if our push for progress is more about our own ego—about proving that we can train a dog quickly or demonstrating our own competence—then it’s time to reassess our approach. Mantrailing is not about ego; it’s about partnership, trust, and mutual growth. It’s about giving our dogs the time and space they need to develop into skilled trailers, without the pressure of unrealistic expectations.
Conclusion
In the world of mantrailing, progression should be driven by the dog’s needs, not by the human ego. Just as it’s unreasonable to expect an artist to create a masterpiece on their first attempt, it’s equally unrealistic to demand immediate perfection from our dogs. By focusing on patience, practice, and the joy of learning, we can help our dogs become confident, skilled trailers at their own pace. And most importantly, we must remember that mantrailing is meant to be fun, non-competitive, and pressure-free. True progress isn’t about how quickly we reach the finish line—it’s about how much we grow along the way, supported by a community that values the experience over any kind of ranking.
Happy Mantrailing!
Danielle & Frank
The Frank 'n' Scents Mantrailing Team
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