Mantrailing
in Salisbury, Wiltshire and Andover, Hampshire
Let your dog’s nose lead the way
Discover the incredible world of mantrailing with Sit Walk Stay, where your dog learns to follow a human scent trail, solve problems, and build confidence through an low impact activity designed around their natural abilities
Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, easily distracted, or simply loves to use their nose, there is a place for them here and you
Why try mantrailing?
Build confidence
Give your dog opportunities to make decisions, work through challenges, and experience success.
Support anxious and reactive dogs
Enjoy a structured activity with individual support, carefully managed setups, and space to work at a suitable distance from other dogs.
Give busy brains a job
Engage your dog's incredible nose and provide an enriching activity that goes beyond a conventional walk.
Strengthen your partnership
Learn to observe your dog, understand their communication, and work together as a team.
Celebrate what makes your dog unique
From energetic working breeds to nervous rescues and senior dogs, mantrailing can be adapted to suit different abilities and experience levels.
Our INCREDIBLE community
We have a wonderful supportive Mantrailing community where you and your dog are not only UNDERSTOOD but welcomed, and feel at ease.
More than just a walk
Mantrailing gives your dog the opportunity to do something truly special: use their incredible sense of smell to locate a specific person.
A hidden person - known as a hider - leaves a scent trail for your dog to follow. With guidance from you and your instructor, your dog learns to work through the trail and find their person.
Every trail is different, and every dog gets to work at their own pace.
Is mantrailing right for my dog?
Absolutely - you don't need a particular breed, a perfectly trained dog, or any previous scentwork experience.
At Sit Walk Stay, we welcome reactive and anxious dogs, rescue dogs, puppies who are ready for an appropriate introduction, and confident dogs who simply love a challenge.
My approach is force-free and dog-led. I want every dog and guardian to feel safe enough to explore, learn, and succeed without pressure.
If your dog struggles around other dogs or people, this is the class for you
Your first mantrailing experience
Introductory Mantrailing Workshop
Your introduction is designed to give you and your dog the foundations you need to get started.
During this approximately two-hour workshop, you will learn:
- What mantrailing is and how dogs follow human scent.
- The starting routine and how to set your dog up for success.
- How to handle a long line safely.
- How to support your dog throughout a trail.
- How to recognise your dog's communication and work as a team.
- How to build skills ready for future progression sessions.
Your dog will have the opportunity to work on introductory trails with guidance throughout. No experience is necessary, and training is tailored to the individual dog.
Workshop details
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire or Andover, Hampshire
Duration: Approximately two hours
Group size: Maximum of four dogs
Equipment: A suitable harness and a 6–10 metre long line
Booking: Advance booking is essential
What else do I get?
-
Certificate of Attendance upon completion
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Book onto our Progression sessions and progress your dog through our Graded level
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Tea & Coffee available
Book your free discovery call to
discuss further
Frequently asked questions
Does my dog need previous training?
No. Our introductory workshop is designed for beginners, and no previous mantrailing experience is required.
Can reactive or anxious dogs attend?
Yes, we welcome reactive and anxious dogs. Sessions are managed carefully, but please contact me before booking so we can discuss your dog's individual needs
Will my dog need to interact with other dogs?
Mantrailing focuses on the individual dog and their trail. Dogs may be worked one on one or two teams out in different directions depending on comfortability of the dogs and what we are working on. Dogs rest in their vehicles between trails, so they must be comfortable doing so or have a suitable person available to stay with them.
What equipment do I need?
A suitable harness and a 6-10 metre long line are required. Please contact me if you need advice on suitable equipment.
How long is a session?
Introductory workshops last approximately two hours. Progression sessions may differ, so check the details of the individual booking.
Where do sessions take place?
We train at selected locations in and around Andover, Hampshire and Salisbury. The exact meeting location is provided for the booked session.
What if my dog finds it difficult?
Every dog learns differently and has different motivators. I adapt the setup and provide guidance so we can work at a pace that suits your dog, without expecting them to perform perfectly. With this set up, our success rate is 10/10! See your dog blossom in confidence and skill in the first session