Based in Yeovil, Somerset and covering Yeovil, Sherborne and the surrounding area.
Lavender Paws
Mantrailing
Mantrailing is a new but growing dog activity which involves your dog using their natural scenting skills to find a hidden person over natural and urban landscapes, e.g. woods or industrial estates.
It is low impact, calming and relaxing for your dogs and so is suitable for all kinds of dogs, young, old, nervous or confident and excitable.
For humans it offers fun social events getting you out and about in the fresh air.
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How do I start?
Join an Introduction to Mantrailing Workshop. Once you have completed an Introduction Workshop you can trail with any Mantrailing UK Instructor.
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If you have already completed an Introduction workshop please find more information about the locations for current Progression Sessions on FaceBook (Progression dates in pinned post) or go direct to our booking page below.
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Book Introduction and Progression sessions here.
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If none of the current dates work for you please email me (lavenderpaws@outlook.com) and I will add you to my mailing list for future Introduction Workshop dates (this will be 1 or 2 emails a month - I won't email you about anything else (unless you ask me to) and you can ask to come off the list at any time).
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1
Does my dog have to be a certain breed or age?
As a low impact exercise it is suitable for all ages and types of dog. The level of difficulty can be adjusted for each dog according to their abilities so any dog can give it a try.
2
Do I need any specialist equipment?
You will need to have access to a vehicle set up so that your dog can rest safely and quietly in between trails. To trail you'll need a Y-fronted harness (the front part looks like a letter Y) and a long-line (not an extendable). There are long-lines available to borrow until you're hooked and decide you would like your own. If your dog struggles to relax in the car, or wear a harness contact me about training for these issues.
Aside from that you'll just need some sturdy shoes/boots, some outdoor clothing, some food in pots that your dog really likes and a personal item with your scent on (e.g. a glove or hat).
3
My dog is dog/people reactive. Can they trail?
Yes. Mantrailing is great at building confidence in anxious, fearful or reactive dogs as it teaches optimism and resilience. Dogs are taken out of their vehicles one at a time and are always on lead so your dog does not have to socialise with other dogs during the session. If your dog is very nervous of people you can bring your own 'trail layer' (person who hides) or instruct a more experienced trail layer how to reward your dog without distressing them. If your dog has a bite history and needs to be muzzled contact me, we can work around this.
4
What training level does my dog need to be at?
Since trailing is done on-lead it is not important for your dog to have reached any particular level in their training. It will be easier for you, however, if your dog has the following skills:
Able to wait patiently to have harness taken on and off;
Able to get in and out of your car and remain there quietly;
Able to follow basic cues e.g. sit, wait, drop.
