Let’s dive deeper into the incredible world of mantrailing shall we? An activity where dogs use their extraordinary sense of smell to follow a “missing” person’s unique scent trail and locate them. Just think.. Sherlock Holmes, minus the hat and pipe, that’s a mantrailing dog.
What is Mantrailing?
Mantrailing involves training dogs to follow the specific scent trail of a “missing person” or in our case “a person well hidden somewhere on purpose and absolutely not missing at all” AKA a Trail Layer. It’s not just for the working dog breeds, the “well behaved”, the young, the healthy or the search and rescue associations. Mantrailing is an incredibly fun sport for everyone, allowing you and your dog to enjoy the experience together. So, fancy an extreme game of hide and seek?
The Science Behind the Scent (some of it at least)
Even when we’re standing still, humans emit substances like skin cells, oils, and hormones. Basically, we're all walking scent factories… Gross. Scientists are still scratching their heads over which specific scent bits our dogs are picking up on or prefer to focus on when they trail. But what we do know is that dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors compared to our measly 5-10 million. So, while we’re struggling to remember where we left our keys, dogs are detecting scents in parts per trillion.
As we move, these compounds disperse into the air and settle on surfaces, creating a trail that dogs can follow accurately. Each person's scent is unique, allowing dogs to distinguish between individuals even in a crowd. It’s like they have a built-in “Find That Human” app.
The Process of Mantrailing
Dogs rely on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from our bodies, which vary based on factors like diet, emotions, and health. A dog’s nose is perfectly designed to detect these VOCs, enabling them to follow a trail even if it’s old. So, even if you’ve been binge-watching Netflix for the past three days, your dog can still find you. Think you’ve got a “dumb dog”.. Just wait, they’re preparing for world domination!
Why Try Mantrailing?
Mantrailing is more than just an activity; it’s about bonding with your dog. And here’s why you should try it:
Mental Stimulation with Light Physical Exercise: It challenges your dog’s mind far more than it’s body, meaning even those with mobility problems can take part. Forget the gym – Let’s have a productive stroll instead.
Building Confidence: Successful trails boost your dog’s confidence. Suddenly, they’re strutting around like the top dog they are.
Strengthening the Bond: Working together on trails enhances communication and trust. You’ll finally understand what all those little cues mean and what your dog needs.
Enjoyable Activity: It’s a fun way to explore new places and overcome challenges as a team. Plus, you get to wear that cool outdoor gear you bought.
Getting Started
Ready to start your mantrailing adventure? Here’s how:
Join a Session: Check out our upcoming sessions. It’s time to meet some like-minded dog enthusiasts!
Equip Yourself: Your instructor can advise you on appropriate equipment that doesn’t need to break the bank. All you need is a quality harness, a long line and that all important reward for your dog. And then you’re ready hit the trails!
Trust the Process: Be patient and celebrate all successes. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a master mantrailer. But what I can assure you is, with practice, your progression will come on in leaps and bounds right before your eyes.
Stay Positive: Use treats, praise, and play to motivate your dog. Bribery works wonders, or so I’ve heard.
Conclusion
Mantrailing is a remarkable activity that taps into your dog’s natural abilities and strengthens your bond, especially when doing it for fun, it’s an adventure you and your dog will love. So, grab your gear and get ready to unleash your dog’s inner detective. But be warned.. It’s addictive!
Happy Mantrailing,
Danielle & Frank
The Frank ‘n’ Scents Mantrailing Team
My name is Sandra, and I’m a mantrailing addict! I have been mantrailing with my 2 dogs, Pepsi and Blue for just over 3 years and I am still absolutely baffled at how amazing dogs are at this activity, how fast they learn, and the unlimited progression possibilities available to us as a mantrailing team. Danielle is such a passionate and knowledgeable instructor.