Wainwright's Canine Academy
SCENTWORK & MANTRAILING
Every dog is born with an incredible gift - their nose.
When they’re allowed to use it with purpose, confidence grows, worries fade and curiosity replaces caution.
Introduction To Scent Detection - Bronze Level
Scentwork lets dogs do what they were born to do: use their nose to solve problems, make decisions and work with you as a team.
Just one session can unlock a calmer mind, better focus and a dog who finally gets to express who they truly are.
You will see it with your own eyes:
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The moment they pick up the scent, their whole body switching into instinctive working mode
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The intense sniffing and faster, more purposeful movements
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The pure determination as they map out scent cones and work out exactly where the source is
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The pride on their face when they find it
THE POWER OF NOSEWORK IS ENDLESS. Once you have watched your dog drop into their natural sniffer mode, you will understand exactly why we love this work so much!!
It is rewarding, confidence building and deeply bonding for both dog and guardian.
Mantrailing
Mantrailing is an exciting search and find activity where your dog learns to follow a scent trail to locate a person. It feels like the ultimate version of hide and seek and gives your dog a clear purpose that taps into their natural instincts.
In every session, you will watch your dog:
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Pick up the trail with total focus
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Track the scent with problem solving and determination
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Navigate junctions, distractions and changes in direction
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Commit to the search and celebrate when they make the find
It is suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds and confidence levels.
Nervous dogs grow braver. Energetic dogs find an outlet that truly satisfies them. Reactive dogs get a controlled environment to thrive.
And every dog walks away feeling like a hero.
Mantrailing is fun, confidence-building and incredibly addictive to watch. Once you see your dog work a trail, you will be hooked.
FAQs
What is the difference between scentwork and mantrailing?
Scentwork focuses on finding a specific scent source, such as an item. Mantrailing teaches your dog to follow a trail to locate a person. Both activities use your dog’s incredible sense of smell but offer different types of challenges. Many dogs enjoy doing both.
Do you offer one-to-one sessions or classes?
Yes. We offer one-to-one scentwork packages for personalised support, as well as scent detection classes and mantrailing sessions for dogs who enjoy working in a group. You can choose whichever option best suits your dog’s needs and confidence level.
Is scentwork and mantrailing suitable for my dog?
Yes. Scentwork is suitable for all ages, breeds and ability levels. It can be adapted for puppies, adolescent dogs, rescue dogs, elderly dogs and dogs who struggle with confidence or reactivity. Because it relies on natural instinct rather than physical ability, every dog can enjoy it. Mantrailing is a much more physical sport, so we must take into consideration their physical abilities.
Is scentwork suitable for elderly dogs?
Yes. Around 80 percent of dogs over the age of eight experience some level of pain, and scentwork is a low impact activity that allows them to use their brain without putting stress on their joints. It keeps their mind active, supports cognitive health and helps them stay mentally enriched as they age.
Can reactive dogs take part?
Yes. Reactive dogs often benefit the most. Scentwork gives them a clear job to do, which helps them feel safe, focused and calmer around triggers such as other dogs. In a controlled environment they can succeed, grow in confidence and begin to change the way they respond to stressful situations.