Mantrailing is a sport that trains dogs to find people by following their unique scent trail. All dogs have a natural ability to hunt, and therefore, Mantrailing provides them with an outlet to do this in a safe, controlled, and constructive way.
By teaching dogs this fun game, we are tapping into their natural desire to sniff. Sniffing releases good, happy endorphins that are perceived as pleasure in your dog’s brain. We find that when dogs are allowed to use their nose, they have more confidence, less reactivity, and form better bonds with their people. Dogs are designed to work, and this kind of work is fun and low-pressure for both ends of the leash.
We are currently offering Intro to Mantrailing Workshops and drop-in progression sessions to get teams started. Paula, the owner and head trainer of CCA, has been teaching Mantrailing since the fall of 2024 and is a certified Mantrailing Global Instructor as of December 2025.
To get started, please attend an Intro to Mantrailing workshop through Canine Country Academy or another Mantrailing Global Instructor. Then you are eligible to attend drop-in progression sessions.
Intro to Mantrailing Workshop
In this workshop, you will learn how to get started in this fun activity using your dog’s amazing nose. Paula Nowak will be instructing you and your dog through this workshop experience.
Dogs need no prior experience to get started. Those with prior experience in scent activities will have a leg up. Dogs of all ages, from 12-week-olds to seniors, can enjoy this activity. **Dogs with any reactivity must be pre-approved to ensure our set-up is appropriate.
People of all ages and abilities are also welcome, from dog-savvy kids to all ages of adults.
After this workshop, each working team will have a basic working understanding of the Mantrailing game and will be ready to join drop-in progression sessions with their dog.
Mantrailing Drop-in Progression Sessions
These are 2-hour-ish progression sessions (done at parks, urban settings, and private property) for teams who have completed an Intro to Mantrailing Workshop with a Certified Mantrailing Global Instructor. Each team will get to search based on their skills, goals, and search area a few times in the session, unless otherwise communicated. Teams need to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions and terrain. Those in attendance should be prepared to also be a track layer for other teams.
Fee: $60, limited to 4 teams per session
**Would you like to earn mantrailing rewards? We offer positive reinforcement for referrals to our Intro Workshop and for Trail Layers. Check our rewards program.