The Dog Campus

10/01/2025

Here's just some of the many benefits of trailing

Get in touch if you and your doggo would like to start your Mantrailing journey 🐾

☎️ 07942 377 189
📧 [email protected]

5 Benefits of Trailing: Why You and Your Dog Will Love It!

Trailing is more than just an activity it’s a journey of growth, connection, and adventure for both you and your dog. Here are 5 reasons why trailing is a game changer:

1. Encourages Problem-Solving Skills
Trailing teaches your dog to analyse and think critically. They’ll learn to navigate distractions, changing terrains, and shifting scents, making it a fantastic way to engage their mind and boost their problem solving skills.

2. Enhances Handler Awareness
Trailing isn’t just for your dog it helps you, too! You’ll develop a sharper understanding of your dog’s body language and cues, creating a deeper bond and improving your ability to work together as a team.

3. Reduces Stress
This focused, calming activity is like meditation for both of you. Whether you’re exploring new trails or practicing at home, trailing helps reduce anxiety and stress for both dogs and handlers.

4. Accessible Anywhere
One of the best things about trailing is its flexibility. Whether you’re in a bustling city, quiet countryside, or your local park, trailing can be adapted to suit your environment. It’s a great way to explore new places with your dog!

5. Builds Independence
Trailing gives your dog the opportunity to take the lead and work independently. It strengthens their confidence and gives them a sense of purpose and watching them succeed is incredibly rewarding!

Ready to Hit the Trail?
At UK Scent Sport, we offer tailored trailing courses for all levels, helping you and your dog unlock your full potential. It’s time to discover the joy of trailing together sign up today and experience the difference!
Find your closest instructor ⬇️

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1qLLk1E9gVrJLcRbr_u_o4B6IAO866UU&usp=sharing

20/12/2024

What better way to start 2025 than joining us for beginners and advanced UK Scent Sport courses.
Get in touch now to register your interest in our upcoming courses
☎️ 07942 377189
📧 [email protected]

Why Choose a UK Scent Sport Instructor?
When it comes to scent sports, you and your dog deserve the best. UK Scent Sport instructors are not only passionate about what they do, but they bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and qualifications to ensure both dogs and handlers succeed.
• Lantra Accredited Training – Nationally recognised and approved.
• Positive Training Methods – Force-free, reward-based approaches.
• Experience and Expertise – Years of knowledge in scent detection, trailing.
• Commitment to Learning – We continuously improve to offer the highest standard of training.
• Specialised Programs – Tailored programs with ongoing support, ensuring you and your dog progress together.

We are here to help you “Get Your Nose in the Game” whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to advance your skills.

Find out more at https://linktr.ee/ukscentsport.
Let’s make scent sport fun, fulfilling, and successful for you and your dog!

17/12/2024

A huge well done to Barbara Haggan and the terrific Tilly for completing all 13 levels of the UK Scent Sport Rural Mini League 1 with The Dog Campus.
What a fantastic achievement!! 👏🏼⭐

28/11/2024

Who's up for a challenge? 🐾

Join the UK Scent Sport online challenge by commenting below their post with which challenge(s) you'd like to take part in.

Have fun and happy festive sniffing 😊🎄

🎄Festive Fun is Coming to UK Scent Sport! 🎄

Starting the first week of December, join us for our Online Festive Challenge! Each week will feature three fun-filled challenges to get us all in the festive spirit:

🎯 Challenge 1: Kong Detection
🎯 Challenge 2: Catnip Retrieve
🎯 Challenge 3: Match-to-Sample

It’s all a bit of fun to celebrate the season while showcasing your dog’s amazing skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned handler, these challenges are designed to bring some holiday cheer and keep everyone engaged!

🐾 Want to Join the Fun?
Comment below and let us know which challenge(s) you’d like to take part in. Join one, two, or all three it’s entirely up to you!

Let’s make this December unforgettable with some festive fun and training. We can’t wait to see you and your dogs in action!

12/11/2024

Six week training course starting
Saturday 16th November, 9.30am

Covers all the basics of training - suitable from puppies to adults 🐾

Contact us to book your spot, or for more information
📩 [email protected]
☎️07942 377 189

10/11/2024

Six week training course starting
Saturday 16th November

Suitable for all ages 🐾

Contact us for more info, or to book your space
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 07942 377 189

26/10/2024

The Dog Campus Manhunt 🏃🏼‍♀️
Marley was the superstar of the morning session ⭐
1.1km trail and found his trail layer in an incredible 16mins!! What a boy! 🐾

24/10/2024

**Appointments available for this Sunday, 27th October. £40**

The Dog Campus is hosting the wonderful Gill Hornsby from Great & Small Canine Massage+ at our base in Carrowdore.

Gill has worked on a number of our clients dogs, as well as our own dogs, with incredible results ✨🪄🐕
If your doggo has any aches or pains, or if you just want to keep their muscles and joints in good condition, get in touch to book an appointment.
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 07942 377 189

01/10/2024

We have a space left on our next Perfect Pet 6 week course

🐾 Starts 9.30am, Saturday 5th October 🐾

Suitable for dogs of all ages

Contact us for more info, or to book the space
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 07942 377 189

12/09/2024

Let's debunk those Mantrailing Myths!

Debunking the Myths Around Mantrailing

Mantrailing, the fascinating sport of having dogs track human scent, has been gaining popularity in the last 10 years. It combines a dog’s natural ability with human teamwork, creating an exciting and rewarding experience. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths surrounding mantrailing.
❌ Only Certain Breeds Can Do it:
One of the biggest myths is that only specific breeds, like bloodhounds, are capable of excelling in mantrailing. While bloodhounds are well-known for their strong sense of smell, all dogs have incredible scenting abilities. From small terriers to large retrievers, virtually any dog can participate and enjoy mantrailing. What matters most is the dog’s motivation and interest in following a scent, not its breed.
❌ Mantrailing Is the Same as Search and Rescue
Though mantrailing and search and rescue (SAR) share similarities, they are not the same. Mantrailing as a sport is a controlled, recreational activity aimed at building a dog’s ability to follow human scent for fun and training purposes. SAR, on the other hand, is a critical emergency service requiring specialised training to locate missing persons in real-life situations.
❌ It’s Only for Highly Trained Dogs:
Another misconception is that mantrailing is reserved for professionally trained dogs or that it requires advanced obedience skills. In reality, mantrailing is open to dogs of all training levels. Many dogs pick up the sport quickly because it taps into their natural instincts to sniff and follow trails. It's an excellent way for dogs of any background to bond with their owners and develop focus.
❌ Mantrailing Is Too Easy for Dogs
Some people believe that mantrailing is too simple and doesn’t challenge a dog mentally or physically. This couldn't be further from the truth. While dogs are naturally inclined to follow scents, mantrailing requires them to stay focused for extended periods and navigate complex environments. It’s mentally stimulating and physically demanding, as the dog must work through various distractions and terrain changes. For both the dog and the handler, mantrailing provides a rewarding challenge.
❌ Mantrailing Is Only About the Dog
Mantrailing is often thought of as a dog-centric activity, but it’s truly a partnership between the handler and the dog. Handlers need to learn how to read their dog’s body language, understand scent dynamics, and provide the right encouragement during the trail. Success in mantrailing comes from the teamwork and communication developed between dog and handler, making it a fulfilling activity for both.
❌ It’s Just a Game of Hide and Seek
While mantrailing might seem like a simple game of hide and seek, it’s much more nuanced. Dogs are trained to follow specific human scent trails over various distances and in different environments, from forests to urban areas. Mantrailing involves understanding wind patterns, scent dispersion, and terrain effects, making it a complex and strategic activity.
Want to know more? Find your closest instructor

01/09/2024

Holy Moley! August has been another very busy month for our Mantrailing teams doing their UKSS Mini League assessments. UK Scent Sport

Congrats to..

🐾 Team Judy & Zoe
🐾 Team Doreena & Alfie
for passing their Level 2 - Rural at Linear Park in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Doreena & Eddie
for passing their Level 3 - Rural at Linear Park in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Barbara & Tilly
for passing their Level 4 - Rural at Linear Park in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Nicole & Cassie
for passing their Level 2 - Rural at Castle Ward ⭐

🐾 Team Annette & Esme (no pic)
for passing their Level 1 - Urban at McKee Clock in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Doreena & Alfie (no pic)
for passing their Level 2 - Urban at McKee Clock in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Annette & Esme
for passing their Level 2 - Rural at Grey Point Fort in Helens Bay ⭐

🐾 Team Avril & Amber
🐾 Team Cherry & Jessie (no pic)
🐾Team Michael & Woody (no pic)
for passing their Level 1 - Rural at Rowallane Gardens ⭐

🐾 Team Janet & Benji
🐾 Team Colin & Penny (no pic)
for passing their Level 2 - Rural at Rowallane Gardens ⭐

🐾 Team Doreena & Eddie
for passing their Level 4 - Rural at Rowallane Gardens ⭐

🐾 Team Doreena & Alfie
for passing their Level 3 - Rural at Bangor Wetlands ⭐

🐾 Team Avril & Amber
for passing their Level 2 - Rural at Bangor Wetlands ⭐

🐾 Team Brenda & Jess
for passing their Level 4 - Rural at Bangor Wetlands ⭐

🐾 Team Ashleigh & Poppy
🐾 Team Mairi & Sakura
for passing their Level 2 - Urban in Millisle Village ⭐

🐾 Team Barbara & Tilly
for passing their Level 5 - Rural at Castle Park in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Jola & Marley
for passing their Level 4 - Rural at Castle Ward ⭐

🐾 Team Mairi & Sakura
for passing their Level 1 - Rural at Castle Ward ⭐

🐾 Team Mandy & Reggae
🐾 Team Nicola & Pickles
🐾 Team Bruce & Molly
for passing their Level 1 - Urban at Bangor Industrial Estate ⭐

🐾 Team Sharon & Hudson
for passing their Level 2 - Urban at Bangor Industrial Estate ⭐

🐾 Team Doreena & Eddie
for passing their Level 5 - Rural at Linear Park in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Nicole & Cassie
for passing their Level 3 - Rural at Linear Park in Bangor ⭐

🐾 Team Nicole & Cassie
for passing their Level 2 - Urban in Ballywalter Village

🐾 Team Mairi & Sakura
🐾 Team Doreena & Alfie
for passing their Level 3 - Urban in Ballywalter Village ⭐

Well done teams 😊👏🏼

17/08/2024

✨NEW✨
Beginners Mantrailing Course

Starts..
Tuesday 27th August, 7pm. Carrowdore

A fantastic 4 week foundation course (plus a bonus Webinar) to get you started on your Mantrailing journey 🐾

Hurry!! 🏃🏻🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️ Get in touch now for more info and to secure your space

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 07942 377 189

15/07/2024

It's been Mantrailing Mini League assessments galore at The Dog Campus! 🤩 UK Scent Sport

Congrats to..

🐾Judy and Zoe
🐾Sharon and Hudson
for passing their Level 1 - Urban in Millisle Village

🐾Annette and Esme
🐾Nicole and Cassie
for passing their Level 1 - Rural in Bangor Wetlands

🐾Doreena and Alfie
for passing their Level 1 - Urban in Bangor town centre

🐾Hannah and Maggie
🐾Doreena and Alfie
🐾Doreena and Eddie
for passing their Level 1 - Rural in Grey Point Fort

🐾Barbara and Tilly
for passing their Level 2 - Rural in Grey Point Fort

🐾Colin and Penny
🐾Janet and Benji
for passing their Level 1 - Rural in Rowallane Gardens

🐾Brenda and Jess
for passing their Level 3 - Rural in Rowallane Gardens

🐾Doreena and Eddie
for passing their Level 2 - Rural in Bangor Wetlands

🐾Barbara and Tilly
for passing their Level 3 - Rural in Bangor Wetlands

🐾Hannah and Freddie
for passing their Level 1 - Rural in Delamont Country Park

🐾Hannah and Maggie
for passing their Level 2 - Rural in Delamont Country Park

Well done teams 😊👏🏼

14/07/2024

Well done to the super duper stars at The Dog Campus UK Scent Sport Assessment Workshop ⭐ UK Scent Sport

Congrats to..
🐾Alicia and Ola
🐾Nicky and Keefa
🐾Nicky and Bobbi
🐾 Christopher and Mac
🐾Mairi and Sakura
for passing their Kong Search - Novice Level 1 assessments at The Campus

🐾Sandra and Laoise
🐾Alicia and Ola
🐾Lezah and Vee
🐾Mairi and Sakura
for passing their Scent Match - Novice Level 1 assessments at The Campus

🐾Sandra and Laoise
for passing their Kong Search - Advanced Level 1 assessments at The Campus

Well done teams 😊👏🏼

11/07/2024

https://youtu.be/WwiNulPWU_I?si=Sf6HxLZlQyK0tFcK

The Dog Campus was honoured to be asked by National Trust to take part in the Mourne Mountains "Dogs on Leads" campaign.

Our Instructor, Gareth with his doggo Tippi and two of our wonderful members - Mairi with Sakura and Sharon with Hudson headed off to the stunning Mourne Mountains to help highlight the importance of keeping dogs on leads during your walks.

The Mournes are home to livestock, various wildlife and delicate ecosystems that need our protection. Please keep your dog on a lead to keep them safe and to help protect The Mourne Mountains.

This Saturday, 13th July, Gareth will be at the Castlewellan Show. Look out for the Mourne Heritage Trust gazebos. He'll be giving lots of advice on great games you can play to keep your dog enriched while walking on lead. Pop along and say hello! 🐾

See open letter from Mourne Conservation Graziers..

09/07/2024

UK Scent Sport

📢📢 Calling All Scent Instructors in NI 📣📣

If you want to take your scent sports to a new level and join a recognised, accredited organisation, this is your chance! A Lantra-approved Instructors Course in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on October 23rd, 2024, is exactly what you need. 🐾

Enhance your skills, gain accreditation, and become part of a friendly network. Plus, enjoy an exclusive 30% discount!
Payment plans available

Visit. https://linktr.ee/ukscentsport

to find out more.