Introduction to Trailing Workshop (Mantrailing and Pet Trailing)

Does your dog like to sniff?

Are you looking for a calming and fascinating way to enrich your dog's life?

If you are looking for a new, fun and inclusive activity that both you and your dog will love, try mantrailing and book your place today on this introduction workshop where you can learn all you need to start your trailing journey.

Trailing is an exciting activity, and in this workshop, you will learn how to find lost people and dogs by harnessing your dog's superpower - their sense of smell! 

This is what previous attendees had to say (we call each dog and handler a 'team')!

Team Jessie...

"Jessie and I both learned lots ...

"It was a brilliant introduction, really clear and being coached through made all the difference."

Team Bonnie...

"We really enjoyed it. Bonnie has slept all day! ...

"It was a good challenge for her and I think it’s a great way to bond and spend time together." 

Team Fred...

"We thoroughly enjoyed our workshop...

"It was so rewarding for both of us when Fred suddenly understood the concept. We have definitely got the bug!"

Trailing offers many benefits:

🐾Mental and physical stimulation – it works your dog’s mind and sniffing burns off amazing amounts of energy, promotes calmness, confidence, and reduces stress in your dog

🐾Bonding – work together as a team to strengthen the connection between you and your dog

🐾Inclusive – any breed, of any age and with a range of personalities can take part

🐾Fun – an opportunity to have fun, build confidence in your dog and meet like-minded people

🐾Informative – learn about your dog’s amazing sense of smell and see it in action (‘mind blown’!)  

Who is this for?

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, we will teach you everything you need to know to get you started on your trailing journey!

What’s included?

• A roughly 3-hour session including all tuition with two qualified instructors, including practical line-handling skills with a short break included

• Coaching through 3 trails with your dog (they will be exhausted after this!)

• Free long-line loan if required

• A free hot drink from the café

• Lots of fun in a friendly and supportive environment!

What else?

• During the session, you will be instructed and practice line handling. You will also take turns in all roles, so you must be prepared to play the trailer (the searching team), hide (the ‘runner’), and watch, waiting with dogs at the cars.

• Due to the nature of trailing, your dog won’t be working for the full workshop session and should be settled in your car unless under instruction.

• If your dog struggles to settle in your car, you can bring someone along to help or contact us, we’ll find a solution that works for you.

• You won’t need any personal gear other than suitable outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather (this will be run 100% outdoors).

• For your dog, you will need rewards (details will be provided) and ideally a comfortable harness (contact us to discuss if you do not have a harness).

Where and when?

• Cheadle, Stockport area*

• Sunday 13th July 2025

• 0930-1230

*The exact location will be confirmed to attendees by email a few days before the workshop.

Places are limited (last workshop sold out during early bird), so book today and get the:

• 'Early bird' discounted rate of £35 before the end of May 2025 (£40 if booked after). 

Who are your trainers?

Sara Barnes is the founder of Hounds Haven and Laurence James is the founder of Dog Trailing, both are instructors affiliated with The Canine School of Trailing run by leading reward-based behaviourists and trailers.

About Sara

Sara is a trailing instructor trained and affiliated with the Canine School of Trailing. She also runs a secure dog field in Glossop. She has 3 rescue dogs but it was her Cyprus hound cross Olive who first inspired Sara to try trailing. Olive has hip dysplasia and is very high energy, so trailing was perfect for her physical needs but also put to use her amazing nose. Sara was addicted! So much that she also started trailing with her nervous Labrador, Ralph and has seen his confidence really improve as a result. Sara loves being a trailing instructor and being part of an owner and dog's trailing journey.

Link to About Us - Hounds Haven

About Laurence

Laurence is a mantrailing instructor trained and affiliated with the Canine School of Trailing. He trails his dog Samson and also competes in agility, coming away with a second place in agility at Crufts in the Novice ABC finals in 2025. Samson is a Bosnian street rescue; agility and trailing have been great ways to bond. Samson is a tricks champion too! Laurence loves to share his knowledge of trailing as it is such an incredible way to work with your dog.

Link to https://www.dogtrailing.co.uk/about

If you have any questions or specific requirements, please get in touch.