We all know that our dogs are simply amazing and what they can do with that nose of theirs is awe inspiring. But, what if I were to tell you your dogs success in mantrailing isn’t solely reliant on their sniff-abilities? Nope, it's about you too. Yes, you—the human on the other end of the lead, not just holding on for dear life while your dog drags you through the wilderness.
So, if you thought your job as a handler was simply to act as an anchor, gripping the lead for all it’s worth, I’m here to inform you, your role has so much more value than that. Let’s dive into why handling your dog during mantrailing is more than just hanging on and hoping for the best, and how developing your mantrailing skills as a handler will only enhance your progression and overall experience
The Myth of “Just Holding On”
First things first, yes, your dog is leading the way in mantrailing. That’s why we call mantrailing a “dog led” sport, because, let’s face it, they’re the ones with the superior sniffing equipment. But being “dog-led” doesn’t mean you, the handler, should just check out and hand over all of the responsibility to your dog. You’re not just a passenger; you’re an active participant, support and partner on this epic adventure.
Step 1: Keep Calm and Have Fun
Mantrailing is fulfilling and adds value in so many ways, but what’s the point if you don’t enjoy it? Everything you learn and achieve at every step should be a celebration, not a stress. Dogs are emotional sponges, soaking up whatever vibe you’re putting out. If you’re stressed or nervous, they’ll pick up on that and start second-guessing themselves. Stay calm and composed, trust the process and have fun!
Step 2: Learn to Read Your Dog
Now, this part will have it’s own blog post as there’s a lot to cover, so I’ll just touch on the basics here. Dogs can’t exactly tell us when they’re on the scent or when they’ve gone rogue, so it’s your job to learn their subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) body language. This is something that will be a constant focus within your sessions, as your instructor walks you through step by step what is happening along the trail.
A key part of being a great handler is learning to recognize the unmistakable signs that your dog is definitely on the scent. When they’re fully engaged with the trail, you’ll notice a few telltale behaviours: Often in a steady, focused motion, their pace may become more purposeful and confident, and their body language will exude determination—tail up, eyes forward, and an overall sense of being "in the zone."
Once you can identify this “on the trail” behaviour, it becomes much easier to spot when things shift—like when they lose the scent or get distracted by something unrelated. Recognizing these behaviours allow you to step in when needed, whether it’s to reposition, offer guidance, or simply let them work through a challenging section. It also helps you differentiate between when your dog is truly trailing, or those times when your dog is, let's say, more interested in that squirrel from earlier.
At some point, your dog will lose the trail. No dog is perfect. As the handler, you need to keep your cool and help them reset. The key is to recognize when they’ve lost it—stopping, whining, more eye contact with you, or just aimlessly wandering are all signs. Give them space to figure it out, or gently guide them back (cast) to where you last saw that confident on trail behaviour. Don’t panic. You’re their teammate, not their overbearing boss.
Step 3: Hone Your Observational Skills
Although watching your dog is mega important, there’s other things to be aware of all at the same time. Pay attention to environmental factors like wind direction, weather changes, or potential distractions. These external elements can affect the trail, and knowing how they impact your dog’s performance and behaviour will help you better understand when to step in or let them work through challenges.
Step 4: Master the “Almost There but Not Quite” Moment
There’s nothing quite like the thrill (or confusion) of your dog hitting proximity. When this happens, you’ll notice a distinct shift in their behaviour—they may become a bit more erratic, pulling harder as they enter the scent pool of their trail layer. That’s fantastic news—you’re almost there!
Sometimes, dogs get so caught up in following the scent that they forget to “activate their eyes,” a phrase you might have heard me say if you’ve trained with me. They’re buzzing with excitement while circling around like they’re at a party but don’t quite know anyone. This is where your patience becomes crucial. Encourage them without interfering, and resist the temptation to shout, “They’re right there!”. Instead, view this as a valuable problem-solving opportunity for your dog—one that can lead to a quick and satisfying win for both of you.
Step 5: Build Trust Through Training
There will be moments when you’re convinced your dog has veered off course and is no longer following the right trail. At times like these, you might think, “What do I know? I’m just a mere human”. Here’s truth of it; trusting your dog’s nose is wonderful, but let’s be clear: that level of blind faith can only happen after you’ve built some rock-solid foundations.
You can’t just hand your dog a degree in mantrailing and say, “Trust your instincts and sniff your way to victory!”, that would be too easy right? They first must have those foundations and confidence finding their trail layer without leading you to a squirrel they seem to think is more important. Once you know they will (for the most part) prioritise the fun task at hand over anything else, you're ready.
So, go ahead and trust their nose—but only after you’ve made sure they know what they’re doing! With solid training, you can confidently lean on their instincts, even if it feels like you’re heading into the wilderness. Once they know their stuff, they’re usually right. Just don’t forget their reward—you’ll need , it and your dog has earned it.
Step 6: Line Handling—It’s an Art, Not a Tug-of-War
The long line can be considered your main line of communication between you and your dog, but it shouldn’t feel like you’re competing in a tug-of-war contest. Keeping tension helps your dog know you’re working with them, often giving them more confidence. You lose that connection when you drop the line and can also give inadvertent corrections when you snag or tug on the line. Your goal is to manage the lead like it’s an extension of you—responsive and ready to adjust based on your dog’s movements.
Step 7: Develop Spatial Awareness (aka Don’t Fall Over)
Pay attention to your surroundings. Tripping over a tree root or stepping into a muddy ditch isn’t going to win you any points (or keep you dry). Learn to be aware of where you’re going so that you don’t end up the one in need of a rescue mission.
Step 8: Use Your Voice Wisely
Communication is key in mantrailing, but that doesn’t mean you should be shouting directions left, right and centre. Use your voice to encourage your dog when they’re doing well, and to help refocus when they need it. A calm, upbeat tone goes a long way in keeping your dog motivated and focused. Plus, yelling “NO, NOT THERE!” isn’t exactly helpful.
Step 9: Reflect and Review After Each Trail
After every session, take time to reflect on how things went. What did you notice about your dog’s behaviour? How did you manage the long line and your positioning? Did you stay calm and supportive? Reflecting after each trail, and reviewing with your instructor, helps you learn from mistakes, improve your teamwork, and ultimately become a better handler.
Step 10: Celebrate the Wins, Big or Small
Every trail your dog completes, whether flawlessly or with a few hiccups, is a win. Celebrate those moments. Whether they find their trail layer immediately or need a bit of assistance, they’re learning, and so are you. Mantrailing is a partnership, and progress is worth celebrating—preferably with lots of treats (for both of you).
Conclusion: You’re Far More Than a Lead Holder
Mantrailing might be dog-led, but that doesn’t mean you’re just there for the ride. Your job as a handler is crucial—reading your dog, keeping them focused, managing the line, staying calm, and, of course, knowing when to step back and let them do their thing. So next time you’re out on the trail, remember: you’re not just a lead holder. You’re a vital part of the team, and with these 10 steps, you’re on your way to becoming a mantrailing force to be reckoned with.
Happy Mantrailing!
Danielle & Frank
The Frank ‘n’ Scents Mantrailing Team
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