I get it, I really do. You step into your first mantrailing session, and the first thing you hear is “this is not an obedience exercise” or “pulling is good” and suddenly, visions of your beautifully trained dog turning into an unhinged lunatic start flashing before your eyes.
Take a deep breath! Let’s unravel this concern and see why mantrailing won’t turn your dog into an uncontrollable maniac but might just make them even more balanced and confident.
Mantrailing: The Ultimate Permission to Be a Dog
Yes, mantrailing is pretty much the opposite of obedience training. It’s a dog-led activity where they get to make their own decisions and follow their instincts. But think about it—how often does your dog truly get to make their own choices?
99.9% of the time, their lives are dictated by our commands, expectations, and structure. Sit. Stay. Heel. Walk nicely. Don’t eat that. Don’t sniff that. For the love of dog, don’t roll in that!
Mantrailing gives them a space where they can just be a dog. They get to use their superpowered nose, engage their problem-solving skills, and experience the pure joy of independent decision-making—all while still working within the parameters of the game. This mental and physical fulfillment is a huge win for their overall well-being.
Will Mantrailing Ruin My Loose Lead Walking?
One of the biggest worries owners have is, “Will my dog start dragging me around on every walk?” The short answer: No, not if you set it up correctly.
Mantrailing Has Its Own Gear – Your dog wears a dedicated mantrailing harness and long line, which signals “work mode”. This helps them distinguish between trailing sessions and regular walks, where normal lead manners apply. Dogs are pros at context cues, so give them clear signals, and they’ll adapt quicker than you may think.
Distinct Cues for Trailing vs. Walking – Just like obedience training has “sit” and “stay,” mantrailing has its own pre and post-trail rituals and commands. These help dogs understand when it’s time to work versus when it’s time to settle into their everyday routine.
Balance Is Key – If you only did recall training and never practiced loose-lead walking, would you expect your dog to magically be good at both? The same logic applies here. If your dog only ever practices mantrailing, you may see those behaviours carry over more. But if you mix in your regular training, you’ll keep a great balance.
Is My Dog Sniffing More, or Am I Just Paying More Attention?
One of the most common things owners report after starting mantrailing is that their dog seems to be sniffing more on walks. But is that really the case? Or are you just finally noticing how much your dog actually sniffs?
Dogs experience the world primarily through scent, so they’ve always been gathering information through their noses. The difference now is that, as a handler, you’re paying more attention to it! You’ve started seeing your dog’s nose in action during mantrailing, and now, suddenly, you’re aware of all the times they engage in this natural behaviour during daily life.
Sniffing is essential for mental well-being - It’s like reading the news or scrolling social media for us. Dogs process an incredible amount of information through scent, so allowing them to sniff actually helps them feel more secure and engaged in their environment.
A good sniff session can reduce stress - When dogs use their noses productively, it encourages calm and focus. Structured sniffing through mantrailing often leads to a dog that is more relaxed in other areas of life.
Sniffing doesn’t mean disobedience - If anything, encouraging your dog to use their nose in an intentional way makes them more engaged and attentive to you overall. They aren’t ignoring you—they’re just being dogs!
So, before you assume your dog has become an unstoppable sniff monster, take a moment to appreciate the incredible skill they’re using. Lean into it, let them explore, and enjoy the fact that they’re using their brain and body in the most natural way possible.
The Unexpected Perks: How Mantrailing Improves Everyday Life
Instead of worrying about negative side effects, let’s talk about how mantrailing actually makes your dog better behaved in all areas of life!
Confidence Boosting - Dogs that are fearful, nervous, or unsure around new people and places often transform through mantrailing. Why? Because suddenly, new people = a fun game and a big reward! Over time, they start to see unfamiliar environments as exciting instead of scary.
Emotional Stability - The structured problem-solving in mantrailing helps dogs develop better emotional control. Instead of reacting impulsively to distractions or stressors, they learn to focus and work through challenges calmly. That means less frantic reactivity and more thoughtful engagement in everyday life.
Stronger Handler-Dog Bond - Since mantrailing is a team sport, your dog learns to work with you, not just for you. The result? A dog who naturally checks in more, engages with you more, and values your partnership—even outside of training.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance
Let’s be honest: If you only do mantrailing and never reinforce other training, of course, those behaviours might carry over. Just like if you only taught your dog agility and never worked on recall, you might have a dog who constantly hurdles furniture.
The key? Balance.
Keep up your basic training. Use different equipment and cues for different activities. Let your dog enjoy the joy of trailing without worrying it’ll ruin everything else.
Because honestly, watching your dog search like a pro and come home happy and fulfilled, makes it all worth it.
Happy Mantrailing!
Danielle & Frank
The Frank 'n' Scents Mantrailing Team
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