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FAQs

For Informed Owners
Here you'll find answers to all your common questions about Scent Training and Mantrailing. It covers frequently asked questions about your dog, and also what you need and how the sessions work.

SCENT TRAINING FAQS

Dog Questions

Absolutely !! Sniff and Trail UK loves to work with all dogs, from large to small, old to young and every other kind in between
Puppies should have completed their vaccination course and be allowed to mix with other dogs and in public areas. Otherwise, there is no minimum age ! Trails are set up for each dogs ability so we can work out what suits them.
Do not panic ! Not all dogs like other dogs, just like not all people do not like other people. We are sure that there is something for you. Mantrailing is where each dog is worked individually so they need not be too close to any other dog. Please drop us a message to let us know about your dogs particular issues and we can be aware when planning the session.
Again, this is no issue for us. All dogs are trailed on a long line and harness. In addition scent work can be completed on line, so there is no issue with recall or being worried about your dog being off lead.
Sure ! If your dog has something such as arthritis, dysplasia’s or any other ongoing condition, please just make us aware. As long as your dog is comfortable enough to move about as suits them, we are happy to work around what suits. If it is something which might be contagious, please do not attend our classes for the safety of all dogs. We could be able to offer other services such as 1-1 or online to work around this. Drop us a message to discuss.
Yes. Unlike mantrailing, you can do scent work on a collar and lead. Please allow for a longer line to give your dog room to move when searching (5-7 meters is a good length). Please do not bring retractable leads. Flat collar and line. If you do not have a long line, we sell the grippy ones we recommend.
Not at all ! In both mantrailiing and scent work we teach you and your dog distinct differences in the game. This helps them work out what is expected. We always set your dog up to achieve, so start with it being simple.
They most certainly can! But why do both ? they are very different games. Mantrailing is using a different unique scent of a human which is trailed. Often this person is a stranger to your dog so it is not something they are familiar with. Scent work is finding a specific scent in their library such as gun oil, cloves or such like, so is the same each time. We can alter the strains of the scent and the environment to make this more challenging for dogs once they are conditioned onto the chosen scent.

Handler Questions

For both scent work and mantrailing there is not lots of kit involved, so once you have the basics, you are good to go!

Scent work requires your dog, harness, long(ish) line or flat collar and lead. Scent to hide and high value rewards. We use clickers to mark the scent
In all honesty we discourage running. This could cause your dog to mistake the game, run out of the scent circle or miss vital pieces of the trail. In scent work there is often less walking than mantrailing, but each trail or hide is set up individually for the dog and handler so it remains in their capabilities.
Do not panic ! Not all dogs like other dogs, just like not all people do not like other people. We are sure that there is something for you. Mantrailing is where each dog is worked individually so they need not be too close to any other dog. Please drop us a message to let us know about your dogs particular issues and we can be aware when planning the session.
Our mantrialing sessions cover West Yorkshire, but we are on the boarder of South Yorkshire so can be found towards Barnsley side too. We focus around Huddersfield, but are happy to travel for great locations.

Scent work 1-1 is currently in Huddersfield. We also run sessions in Hebden Bridge and around Halifax. To see what’s on check out our ‘book now’ area
There definitely is. Whether you want to attend for fun or to work up levels and trial in competitions there is levels for everyone. Our sessions are non competitive, with option for you to add on competitions if you want. Mantrailing has 4 levels which we can assess you for when you are ready. These levels are based on progression for you and your dog, and not pitched against other handler and dog teams.
We do trail all weathers, however if we feel that it is either too hot, or too windy (ie weather warnings, we rearrange these sessions) We give ample notice for this and can re-book you onto another session. If our sessions are indoors, these can go ahead as planned, however outdoor scent work sessions are reviewed at the time.
Unfortunatly without ample notice we are often unable to fill places. If however we do manage to fill your space, we will offer you an alternative date.

If your bitch comes into season, we trail them last in Mantrailing, but unfortunately cannot accept them in a class. 1-1 sessions can still run as usual. We may be able to offer a catch up session virtually or send out video updates from the class. If it is handler or dog sickness we operate a 48 hour notice period for 1-1’s and class sessions are unfortunately missed.
Yes of course. If your dog is already familiar with odour we can incorporate your learning to fit you into our sessions. As always, places do things differently, so it is probably best to drop us a message with your experience so we can tailor your searches to your dogs ability.
For our introduction classes we will accept a partner to attend as well to spectate, but only teach one handler otherwise it can become confusing and take time away from other participants. However in 1-1 sessions other family members can also be present. Again on workshops please check as there may not be spectator places available depending on location and room. Only one handler per session working per dog. add onto your booking if you plan to bring a partner. We ask that handlers take turns in who trails each session, so we can focus on teaching one person within that class. This also applies in training sessions Due to space, we can accept one other person per booking, unless it specifies a ‘one dog and handler team’
Older children who are responsible are welcome in place of partner on class, however please encourage your children not to go up to other dogs without permission from the owner. Any children brought must be supervised by the attendee and remain with them at all times. Again the one handler working rule applies.
Yes of course. Please let us know in advance as some locations may not be suitable.

Mantrailing FAQS

Dog Questions

Absolutely !! Sniff and Trail UK loves to work with all dogs, from large to small, old to young and every other kind in between
Puppies should have completed their vaccination course and be allowed to mix with other dogs and in public areas. Otherwise, there is no minimum age ! Trails are set up for each dogs ability so we can work out what suits them.
Do not panic ! Not all dogs like other dogs, just like not all people do not like other people. We are sure that there is something for you. Mantrailing is where each dog is worked individually so they need not be too close to any other dog. Please drop us a message to let us know about your dogs particular issues and we can be aware when planning the session.
Again, this is no issue for us. Your dog can remain on a long line and harness at all times.
Sure ! If your dog has something such as arthritis, dysplasia’s or any other ongoing condition, please just make us aware. As long as your dog is comfortable enough to move about as suits them, we are happy to work around what suits and set their trails up accordingly. If it is something which might be contagious, please do not attend our classes for the safety of all dogs.
This can be common. In mantrailing and often in scent work we can be working dogs one at a time. This allows each dog to focus and work without distractions. In turn, it allows handlers to watch other dogs which can also teach us a lot. We take turns to wait with the vehicles so that they are not left alone. It is understandable however some dogs struggle to settle between sets, so feel free to bring along someone to sit with them if they struggle.

As nose sports are very tiring, it is important that your dog rests between their turns, in order to help them settle their respiration rate. If this is of concern for you, perhaps 1-1’s might be more suited to your circumstances. Unfortunately 1-1’s cannot be offered for mantrailing (only scent work)
Unfortunately not. It is not safe for you or your dog. If you do not have a harness for the introduction don’t worry – just pop that information in the booking comments and we can loan you one and advise on any kit you will need for your dog to trail safely. Scent work can be completed on a collar, however we do prefer harness if you have one. Please do not bring retractable leads. Flat collar and line. If you do not have a long line, we can loan you one and sell the grippy ones we recommend.
Not at all ! In both mantrailiing and scent work we teach you and your dog distinct differences in the game. This helps them work out what is expected. We always set your dog up to achieve, so start with it being simple.
They most certainly can! But why do both ? They are very different games. Mantrailing is using a different unique scent of a human which is trailed. Often this person is a stranger to your dog so it is not something they are familiar with. Scent work is finding a specific scent in their library such as gun oil, cloves or such like, so is the same each time. We can alter the strains of the scent and the environment to make this more challenging for dogs once they are conditioned onto the chosen scent.

Handler Questions

For both scent work and mantrailing there is not lots of kit involved, so once you have the basics, you are good to go!

Mantrailing requires your dog, harness, long line, 2 x small pots and soft food, and/or toy. You also require a Mispa (missing person) who will go and hide for you. They require a scent article to leave behind.

Scent work requires your dog, harness, long(ish) line or flat collar and lead. Scent to hide and high value rewards. We use clickers to mark the scent (but marker words can be used also).
In all honesty we discourage running. This could cause your dog to mistake the game, run out of the scent circle or miss vital pieces of the trail. In scent work there is often less walking than mantrailing, but each trail or hide is set up individually for the dog and handler so it remains in their capabilities. Basic degrees of walking is necessary (but this can be adapted for disabled handlers, please make us aware prior to the session if this applies to yourself).
Our mantrialing sessions cover West Yorkshire, but we are on the boarder of South Yorkshire so can be found towards Barnsley side too. We focus around Huddersfield, but are happy to travel for great locations.

Scent work 1-1 is currently in Huddersfield. We also run sessions in Hebden Bridge and around Halifax. To see what’s on check out our ‘book now’ area
There definitely is. Whether you want to attend for fun or to work up levels and trial in competitions there is levels for everyone. Our sessions are non competitive, with option for you to add on competitions if you want. Mantrailing has 4 levels which we can assess you for when you are ready. These levels are based on progression for you and your dog, and not pitched against other handler and dog teams.
We do trail all weathers, however if we feel that it is either too hot, or too windy (ie weather warnings, we rearrange these sessions) We give ample notice for this and can re-book you onto another session.
Unfortunately without ample notice we are often unable to fill places. If however we do manage to fill your space, we will offer you an alternative date.

If your bitch comes into season, we trail them last in Mantrailing, but unfortunately cannot accept them in a class. 1-1 sessions can still run as usual. We may be able to offer a catch up session virtually or send out video of the class. If it is handler or dog sickness we operate a 48 hour notice period for 1-1’s and class sessions are unfortunately missed.
Yes of course. With Mantrailing UK anyone who has completed an introduction with any of our instructors is welcome. If you have completed trailing elsewhere, but not Mantrailing UK we would still want to ‘catch you up’ as there could be some differences. Therefore an introduction with us can be booked prior to you attending a follow on class. Drop us a message as often this could be completed prior to the follow on class starting, so you can join in with regular training sessions sooner.
Family is welcome in Mantrialing we always appreciate extra Mispa’s. Please add onto your booking if you plan to bring a partner. We ask that handlers take turns in who trails each session, so we can focus on teaching one person within that class. This also applies in training sessions. Due to space, we can accept one other person per booking, unless it specifies a ‘one dog and handler team’
Older children who are responsible are welcome, however please encourage your children not to go up to other dogs without permission from the owner. Any children brought must be supervised by the attendee and remain with them at all times. Please ensure children are noted on the booking form and have sensible clothing/footwear.
It is up to you. If you love the sessions (which we hope you do) you are welcome as often as you like. However there is no pressure and every session we welcome people who come weekly and those who have not been for a while. Each trail is set up individually for your dog, so it doesn’t matter if you have not been recently, we will be just as happy to see you.
Yes of course. Please let us know in advance as some locations may not be suitable.
Your Dog Will Love It!

Mantrailing

Mantrailing is a fast growing, exciting new dog sport which teaches you and your dog to find a missing person.

Your dog has an incredible nose with up to 300 million olfactory receptors. With their skill alongside our training we will teach you to work as a team to hunt them down in the amazing game of ‘mantrailing’
Mantrailing
Would You Like...
to turn your pet dog into a ‘detection dog’?
to work as a team and have a great bond with your dog?
to come along to fun, engaging workshops or trials?
Well look no further…….. Scent work covers all of these.

Our Services

Classes
Classes are for small groups. Dogs who attend classes which are indoors may be expected to be worked alongside each other. The information will be given specific to each venue.
Workshops
These could be longer classes or one off events. Information about the environment for learning will be within each description, so dogs who may be more reactive could also take part (please check the booking specifics).
Trials
Events which can offer a competitive element, but dogs are still worked individually – allowing reactive dogs to take part in timed, managed events – check out bookings for these.
Training
Half day or full day sessions focused on specific aspects. These can be hosted via our head trainer Victoria, or guest trainer who comes along to our chosen venue. Times and prices will be depending on location and trainer.
1-2-1's
These are suitable for all dogs. We can work individually with each dogs training needs and cater solely for them without distractions. These often work well for clients who struggle with class timings or locations.

Meet Your Trainer

Head trainer, Victoria Hoole, runs Sniff and Trail UK.

Victoria is qualified and registered with :
Mantrailing UK - Instructor & assessor
UK College of Scent Dogs
Scent Work UK - Levels 1-8
City and Guilds Qualified Scent Work Handler and Instructor
UK Sniffer Dogs - Bronze & Silver
Dog Parkour UK
Canine Hoopers UK Instructor
Qualified Play Instructor
In 2022, Victoria is also working toward her Gundog Trainers Academy (GTA) qualification which is accredited by the ABTC. This is force free gun dog training for pet dogs. Keep your eyes peeled – sessions coming soon!!
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Victoria Hoole fell in love with dogs as a child. Pet ownership has since turned into a full time career having chosen to leave her previous role as a Probation Officer and work with dogs full time. In 2017 she opened House of Hound Hydrotherapy having retrained as a Canine Hydrotherapist.

Hosting Us

If you are a dog trainer or Pet Professional and are thinking of hosting Sniff and Trail UK at your venue, please send us a message to see how best we can help you.
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