Frequently Asked Questions
Classes
Can my partner/parent/child attend training classes with me?
Yes. Within reason: ‘the more the merrier’. It is really important that those involved with the dog/puppy are on the same page in regards to training so it helps if you are both in attendance and invested in the classes.
I’ve selected my start date, do I need to book the rest of the dates of my course?
No, you do not need to book any further dates. Once you have selected your start date you are automatically enrolled on the full course with classes taking place each week unless specified on the website class page.
How can I tell when regular weekly classes are not happening?
Very occasionally weekly classes will not go ahead due to venues not being
available, or staff holidays. All the dates are published on the website on the
class booking page so that you can calculate the weeks of your course before
booking.
If I miss a class can I add another one onto the end of my course?
Unfortunately, no. Our classes are thematic each week meaning you cannot return beyond your original end date as the class will be full, and you will end up just repeating a theme you have already done.
How long is each training session?
All of our classroom training sessions last for 45 minutes.
What age can my puppy/dog start classes?
For puppies, the sooner the better! We except puppies from first jabs and onwards – we recommend discussion with your vet as each practice will have its personal recommendation (some are happy for pups to book in after first jab, others prefer to wait till second). They can join up until the age of 24 weeks at the start of the course.
For teens, dogs can be aged anywhere between 5 months and 3 years at start date.
Do I need to book?
Yes, booking confirms your space. You can do this online via the website. Or get in touch if you are struggling.
Do you ever cancel groups?
Generally we go ahead every week and rarely cancel. We are very lucky with
our wonderful venues that they are suitable come rain or shine! Occasionally, extreme heat may cause us to make alternate plans – your classes will go ahead via our online video-conferencing software instead so that you can be in the safety of your home but still get all the training due to take place!
Mantrailing
What is mantrailing?
Mantrailing is a scent-based activity where a dog is trained to find a specific person using their unique scent trail. It builds on a dog’s natural hunting and
tracking instincts in a controlled, structured way. It is not the same as general scentwork or tracking – it is focused solely on locating a missing individual.
How can I get started trailing?
First you must do an Introduction Session with us, or any other Mantrailing
Global Instructor. Then you can join on our regular Progression Sessions!
Or, if you are a member of our online Scent Club then you will be able to do your Intro within our in-person Scent Club Days.
Is mantrailing suitable for all dogs?
Yes, mantrailing is suitable for most dogs regardless of age, breed, or size. It
is particularly beneficial for dogs who are energetic, lack confidence, or require mental stimulation. It is also perfect for golden-oldies with limited mobility as it is a low impact sport and we can adjust trails accordingly.
However, dogs with significant mobility issues or severe aggression towards humans may not be suitable without individual assessment.
How is a mantrailing session structured?
- Two trails per dog in a session.
- You’ll be actively involved in reading your dog and managing their line during the trail.
- Dogs trailing individually while others are safely rested in cars.
- You will take it in turns to hide out for other participants dogs.
Is mantrailing a competitive sport?
While mantrailing can be pursued recreationally or professionally (e.g., for search and rescue training), our sessions focus on recreational mantrailing.
There are no competitions, but dogs and handlers can progress through different levels of difficulty and earn recognition through external assessment schemes if desired.
Can reactive or nervous dogs do mantrailing?
Absolutely. In fact, mantrailing is often an excellent confidence-building activity for nervous or reactive dogs. Dogs work one at a time and are not
required to interact with other dogs or people. We take great care to manage the environment and hider choice accordingly.For teens, dogs can be aged anywhere between 5 months and 3 years at start date.
Does my dog need to wear a harness for mantrailing?
Yes. Dogs can only trail in appropriate harnesses (general purpose Y-shaped or trailing-specific harnesses). You will not be able to attend mantrailing sessions unless your dog is happy and comfortable in a harness.
Does my dog need to be okay to settle in the car alone?
Yes. Between trails dogs are required to be in your vehicles. This is important ‘processing’ and rest time and is vital for the dogs to have this break. This is also vital because we welcome reactive and nervous dogs to trailing, it is an inclusive sport, and these dogs must feel safe to take part.
At times you will be required to leave your dog in the vehicle whilst you hide out for another person dog. If your dog is unhappy settling in a car you can bring enrichment for them, or have someone tag along to keep them company.
There is always somebody back with the cars to keep an eye on all the dogs – they are never left unattended.
How often do I need to attend?
Once you’ve done your Intro you can come as little or as often as you like!
Some trailers come weekly (or more) whilst others come every couple of months. It’s up to you!
One-To-One
What is a 1–2–1 session?
A 1–2–1 training session is a private appointment between you, your dog, and one of our qualified trainers. These sessions are entirely tailored to your needs – whether you’re working on specific behaviours, building foundational skills, or addressing complex challenges.
What kind of issues can be addressed in a 1–2–1?
We cover a wide range of training and behaviour topics, including:
o Basic obedience (recall, loose lead, stay)
o Confidence building
o Focus and engagement
o Jumping up, barking, overexcitement
o Puppy support and socialisation
o Reactivity (to dogs, people, noises)
o Separation anxiety
o Scentwork or trailing foundations (privately)
For complex behavioural cases, we may recommend an initial consultation
followed by a structured programme.
Who is a 1–2–1 session suitable for?
Anyone. These sessions are ideal for:
o New dog or puppy owners
o Dogs who don’t cope well in group settings
o Owners wanting personalised support
o Dogs with specific behavioural challenges
o People wanting to progress in a specific sport or skill at their own pace
Where do the sessions take place?
All initial sessions are done as a home-visit, but progression sessions could take place at any predetermined location or our training venues. We will agree on the most appropriate location based on your goals and your dog’s needs.
What happens in the first session?
The first session often includes:
o A discussion of your goals and concerns
o An assessment of your dog’s behaviour and environment
o Practical training exercises
o A short-term plan or strategy
You will leave with actionable steps and advice tailored to your dog.
How long is each session?
Each session last one hour.
Can more than one person attend the session?
Yes. In fact, it’s often beneficial for all members of the household (who regularly interact with the dog) to attend, so everyone receives the same
information and guidance.
What training methods do you use?
We use science-based, force-free methods that prioritise your dog’s welfare and learning experience. Our goal is to build a cooperative, trust-based relationship between you and your dog using positive reinforcement.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your goals and your dog. Some clients need just one or two sessions for a specific skill; others benefit from a longer programme for more ingrained behavioural concerns. We’ll always be transparent about progress and recommend only what’s needed.
Can I combine 1–2–1s with group classes or other services?
Absolutely. 1–2–1s can complement:
o Group classes (if you want to prepare beforehand or build confidence)
o Mantrailing or scentwork (for personal coaching)
o Behaviour work (before entering social environments)
We’ll help you create a path that suits your dog’s needs and your schedule.
What’s the difference between training and behaviour work?
Training focuses on skills: recall, lead walking, focus, etc.
Behaviour work addresses deeper emotional responses: fear, anxiety, reactivity, or compulsive behaviours.
If you’re unsure, we can assess during the first session and guide you accordingly.
Scentwork
What is scent detection training?
Scent detection is a structured activity where dogs are trained to find a specific target odour (e.g. kong, gun oil, or catnip) and indicate its location to
the handler. It draws from working detection dog practices but is adapted for fun, enrichment, and sport for pet dogs.
How is this different from mantrailing or tracking?
Unlike mantrailing (which involves locating a person using their scent trail), scent detection focuses on identifying a specific odour hidden in an environment. The dog must find and indicate the exact source of that odour, often in complex or cluttered search areas.
What are the benefits of scent detection for my dog?
- Mental stimulation and a sense of fulfilment
- Confidence building, particularly for nervous or anxious dogs
- Doing what they are designed to do!
- Teamwork and communication with the handler
- Low-impact enrichment, suitable for dogs of all sizes and ages
- Problem-solving skills, which can reduce frustration behaviours at home
What kinds of dogs can do scent detection?
All breeds, sizes, and ages can benefit from scent detection. We welcome puppies, seniors, and everything in between. Dogs with physical limitations or sensitivities often thrive in this calm but focused environment.
Does my dog need previous training to start?
No prior training is required. We begin at the dog’s level, starting with basic scent pairing and search games before building toward more advanced
detection skills. Many clients begin scent detection after completing life skills or other enrichment classes.
Your dog, however, must be able to cope in a class-scenario with other dogs (i.e. not bark, try to play or get distracted by other dogs in the room). We take four dogs per group. If your dog is going to be unable to cope in a group setting please get in contact and I can inform you of the alternatives so you can begin your scentwork journey in a way that will suit your dog!
Is there a progression system or assessments?
Yes. While our scent detection training is primarily recreational, we follow structured progression based on national frameworks (e.g. UK Scent Sport, or WSDA). You can earn titles and awards or simply progress for personal development.
Can I train for scent detection at home as well?
Absolutely. We will teach you how to safely practise at home using common household setups. As your dog becomes more skilled, we can advise on how to hide scent more creatively and increase search difficulty.
Can I do both mantrailing and scent detection?
Yes – many dogs benefit from doing both. They use different elements of scent work and activate different problem-solving strategies. Alternating can keep dogs well-rounded and engaged.
If you love both, do consider joining our online Scent Club – your one-stop space for all things scentwork!!