Mantrailing is an incredible sport for dogs, including reactive and nervous dogs. It builds confidence, strengthens bonds, and provides an outlet for both mental and physical energy. But behind every successful mantrailing team is trail layer (a.k.a. the "missing person").
Being a trail layer is so much more than being told where to go, finding a tree, and hiding behind it. In fact, it’s fair to say that the trail layer is one of the most valuable assets to a successful mantrailing session, right up there with the dog’s reward. A good trail layer is not just someone who hides. They’re a cheerleader, a strategist, and, most importantly, someone who prioritizes setting the dog up for success. This applies to dogs of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.
Let’s explore why being a thoughtful, understanding, and adaptable trail layer is so crucial and how you can become the best possible partner for your dog teams.
More Than a Trail: Setting the Tone for Success
A trail layer’s job goes beyond simply walking a path and finding a place to hide. You’re not just laying a scent trail—you’re creating a positive experience. The goal is to make the dog want to find you more than anything else in the world. That means you need to be aware of the dog’s personality, needs, and “quirks”.
For example, a confident dog may not bat an eyelid at their trail layer hiding in full camouflage, while a nervous dog might need something a little less surprising to build their confidence up to full camo level. Understanding these nuances helps you tailor your hiding strategy, ensuring the dog leaves the trail feeling successful, motivated and wanting to come back for more.
Get to Know the Dogs: Quirks and Perks
It’s important to remember, we are working with pet dogs, and we are trailing for sport, this means fun! It also means these pet dogs come with quirks—some endearing, some baffling, and some that might make you want to laugh (or cry).
Is the dog reactive to other dogs? Are they nervous around people? Do they have an irrational fear of feathers (yes, it happens!)? Picture this: You’re the trail layer, and you’ve picked what you think is a brilliant hiding spot—only to realize too late that it’s near a pigeon’s moulting zone. For the dog who believes that feathers are the equivalent of Gandalf yelling, "You shall not pass!", that hide just became an insurmountable challenge.
This is why environmental awareness is critical. Your hiding spot should always consider the dog’s sensitivities and strengths, ensuring that the trail is challenging but achievable. The goal is to build confidence whilst avoiding unnecessary obstacles where possible.
Humans Matter Too: Remember The Handlers
As much as us dog folk tend to focus on the dogs and dogs alone—humans be damned—it’s important to remember that handlers are part of the equation, too. While it’s easy to get caught up in making sure the dog is set up for success, the person holding the lead matters as well.
Not all handlers are eager to be dragged through dense bramble or thrown face-first into a muddy ditch by their enthusiastic dog. Some handlers may have mobility limitations, previous injuries, or simply no desire to take on dense woodland. This means your choice of trail needs to be mindful of their physical comfort and safety.
Think about the terrain: Is it full of steep hills, rocky paths, or tangled undergrowth? For a handler who struggles with balance or joint pain, a flatter, clearer route is going to make their experience much more enjoyable—and much safer. Good communication is key here. Before laying a trail, check in with the handler or instructor. Ask if there are any physical concerns or limitations to consider.
Ultimately, setting the handler up for success is just another way to ensure the dog is set up for success. A handler who’s confident and comfortable can focus on supporting their dog rather than worrying about twisting an ankle or getting stuck in a bush. It’s a win-win for the whole team.
Follow The Plan: Going Rogue Never Ends Well
Mantrailing is a team effort, and communication between the handler, the instructor, and the trail layer is essential. As a trail layer, you need to follow the directions provided by the instructor or handler to ensure the exercise meets the goals for that specific dog. This isn’t the time to go rogue and pick a hiding spot that you think is fun or challenging if it doesn’t align with the plan.
If you’re unsure about something—whether it’s where to walk, where to hide, or how to reward the dog, ask questions. It’s always better to clarify than to assume. For instance, if the handler mentions the dog is nervous around loud noises, confirm that your hiding spot is away from busy roads or construction zones. This kind of attention to detail makes a world of difference. By asking questions and seeking clarification, you demonstrate your commitment to the team’s success and ensure the experience is as rewarding as possible for the dog.
Remember, your role is to support the team, and following instructions helps ensure a positive outcome for the dog and handler team.
Fire Them Up: Read The Room
Another crucial aspect of mantrailing is how we motivate the dog at the start of the trail, especially when working on intensity or delayed starts. As the trail layer, you need to ensure you’re firing up the dog in a way that works for that specific dog. The goal is to begin their experience on the right foot/paw!
If the dog is confident and loves high energy, some playful movement or excited verbal cues can work wonders. But if the dog is nervous, getting too close, staring intensely into their eyes, or bouncing around in their personal space is more likely to freak them out than motivate them. Instead, a calmer approach, using encouraging words or gentle gestures, might be the key to firing them up effectively.
Understanding the dog’s comfort level and energy needs will help you create the right kind of anticipation and drive, setting them up for a successful trail.
Set the Dog Up for Success: Create an Experience
A good trail layer knows that success isn’t just about the dog finding them—it’s about creating an experience where the dog feels like a superhero. This means choosing a hide that matches the dog’s skill level and emotional state.
For a beginner, this will mean intensity starts and hunting trails with the trail layer being fully hidden but not too challenging to find. For a more experienced dog, you can introduce more complex trails and environments. But at every level, the goal is the same: end the trail with the dog feeling like they’ve just conquered the world.
Remember, the trail layer’s role is to support the dog, not trick or challenge them unnecessarily. Success builds confidence, and confidence leads to better performance.
Reward the Dog: Not Yourself
When the dog finds you, the reward is everything. This is their "jackpot" moment, and it needs to be perfect for them. Different dogs have different preferences, and communication with the handler is key to getting it right.
Take Frank, for example. If you know our story, you know that Frank’s journey with mantrailing started as a way to help him overcome his fear of people. Mantrailing has worked wonders, but Frank still has boundaries. He’s comfortable finding strangers, but he’s not interested in a celebratory cuddle afterward. His reward is food, and he loves working for it.
If a trail layer were to ignore that and go in for a pat on the head or a hug, it wouldn’t be a reward—it would be a punishment. So, when Frank finds you, resist the urge to reward yourself with a snuggle. Give him his food and let him enjoy his win.
This applies to all dogs: Reward them the way they want to be rewarded. Whether it’s treats, a favourite toy, or enthusiastic praise, make it about the dog’s happiness, and your happiness will follow.
Conclusion
A good trail layer isn’t just a "missing person" in a game of hide-and-seek; they are the foundation of a successful mantrailing experience. By understanding the dog’s quirks, following directions, asking questions, and setting them up for success, trail layers help build confidence and trust. Their patience, awareness, and adaptability can make a world of difference to the dog and their handler.
So step up, stay mindful, and cheer on those amazing noses—because in the world of mantrailing, the trail layer truly makes all the difference.
Happy Mantrailing!
Danielle & Frank
The Frank 'n' Scents Mantrailing Team
Comentarios