Trailing K9s

01/02/2025

I'm out of the office until Monday down south learning at the SCISCENT Conference.

Time to geek out 🤓

New notebook time 😆

29/01/2025

Still spaces on my handler course for canine professionals and owners wanting to be more clued up.

Practical and hands on!

This course is aimed at canine professionals looking to update their body language skills and reading behaviour of dogs showing aggressive behaviour with real lie behaviour. As well as practical handling skills with these type of dogs.

We'll be able to see in real time dogs behaviour turning from friendly or no interest to potential aggression, spotting the signs and how to de-escalate this behaviour when needed. This is a skill that all canine professionals should have to reduce the chance of injury to themselves or others.

This course is for dog to human aggression cases, not dog to dog but it will be touched upon if there is time.

This is aimed at those working with dogs professionally but who may not have the practical experience with more complex dogs.

All level of training knowledge are welcome as the course is aimed at all levels and skills.

I won't be running another for some time due to other commitments.

Sunday 23rd Feb near Oswestry 10am til approx 3pm

https://bookwhen.com/trailingk9s =ev-sztv-20250223100000

Lunch and snacks provided, as well as a certificate.

27/01/2025

❓ Do Mantrailing Terms Leave You Confused❓

As a mantrailing team, you may often find yourself in situations where the terminology or the instructions you're given leave you feeling lost or unsure of how to proceed.

I've seen a few blank faces in session, and I have a confused on a session 🙃

Mantrailing can feel overwhelming, especially if you're struggling to understand the language being used by instructors or fellow handlers.

The reality is, there's very little structured information available in the UK to guide you through the complexity of this niche discipline.

It’s often just random opinions and conflicting advice, and it is up to you as a student to listen to the ethics and knowledge which resonates with you.

Here’s the problem: Without a strong grasp of mantrailing terms and concepts, you can’t focus fully on your dog's behavior or trust your training sessions.

This leads to confusion, anxiety, and a lack of confidence for both you and your dog on the trail.

But there’s good news!

The Trailing Terms Booklet is here, talking all about the different Mantrailing Terms to provide the clarity and structure you need.

This carefully crafted booklet bridges the gap between practical skills and theoretical learning, allowing you to understand mantrailing terms, techniques, and strategies better than ever before.

With clear definitions, expert insights, and even illustrations, you’ll no longer feel lost during your training sessions.

Just £5 for the physical booklet or £3 for the digital download until the end of February!!!!

Order yours here - https://trailingk9s.com/product-category/booklets/

25/01/2025

😃Don't you love a freebie!

😞Do you feel like you're logging of your trails is a bit haphazard?

🙃Sometimes have no idea what to write?

🤨Want something which helps you build to a goal?

🤓Then check out my new log sheet!

Get your copy of my log sheet for free by signing up to my email list.

I never spam, and only send emails you will love each month.

The PDF of this log sheet is free for you to download and print off.

Use it in sessions and build up your learning to be the best it can be.

Sign up to the email to get your copy here - https://trailingk9s.com/

24/01/2025

Stuck in with the storm?

Now is the time to take in a little theory knowledge and maybe find some gems of information.

Check out the YouTube channel for all my free webinars and content, or join me over on my free group Talking Trailing to catch up on the back catalogue of lives in there.

In these places I talk about my thoughts and opinions on the emotive subject of Mantrailing, based on the hundreds of mantrailing teams I see each year and coach consistently.

YouTube - https://youtube.com/?si=d9iT5YafM3BtURH-

Talking Trailing - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17A4JMkmsk/

Welcome to Trailing K9s an online community offering mantrailing online via videos and webinars. Join Kathryn as she delves into the sport of mantrailing and all aspects of scent knowledge. An experienced Mantrailing Instructor and Canine Behaviourist with a background in Private Security and Detect...

23/01/2025

A year ago today Wesley Visscher from Scent Imprint for Dogs landed in a very cold and wet England. Here to teach me and some fellow Mantrailing Instructors all about Tracking and Trailing.

It was wet, cold and windy as it comes on the coast in Lancashire.

He joined us, probably thinking what the heck had he signed up to!

But I loved every second of it it, my head was filled to the brim with knowledge and skills over five days.

I had the questions which had been bugging me answered, and more questions about how we train pop up ready to push me as an instructor.

I worked the pocket rocket Spaniel and learned not only how to be a better instructor, but a better handler as well.

Wesley set me off on a journey of understanding the trailing dog as an individual, instead of following the book and hitting brick walls.

A year on, I have travelled to Holland to Pass my Scent Imprint Tracking and Trailing Instructor Level 2 and changed the way I train my students. I have started running Scent Imprint Workshops and had the privilege of helping teams stuck in a rut to build their knowledge further and really see their dogs thrive.

Taking the learning and applying to build success on a individual level has been so much better for me as an instructor, as someone who works with dogs across the globe.

I cannot wait to see what 2025 brings! But for now, no more instructor courses. I need to spend time practicing what I preach and getting good at it.

22/01/2025

Due to someone accidentally booking two spaces on the seminar, there is a last minute space available.

They absolutely get the reward for most keen mantrailing addict! 🤣

I only caught the mistake yesterday when I was filling out certificates.

So the space is up for grabs for THIS SUNDAY.

This seminar will run from 10am til approx 4pm, and include lunch and the all important tea/coffee in the price.

There will be goodie bags!

What will I be covering?

This seminar will be different from the previous year in content, but still cover:

🤓The latest in scent science from the latest publications

🤓Video analysis and deconstruction to help you read dogs behaviour in real time

🤓Mantrailing geekery and tips to help you become a better team

🤓Planning your progression as a team, instead of waiting for others to work it out for you

🤓More mantrailing knowledge than you can shake a stick at.

The day will be jam packed with knowledge, but have opportunities to ask questions along the way.

Book the space last minute for just £40 with the code TRAILINGK9S

👀 You'll also be the first to see my new project 👀

https://bookwhen.com/trailingk9s =ev-smjh-20250126100000

20/01/2025

Are You Stuck in Your Mantrailing Journey?

Learn, Progress, and Thrive with Expert Guidance

❓Are you a passionate mantrailing handler feeling frustrated, stuck, or uncertain about how to improve?

❓Do you often find yourself questioning your dog’s behavior on the trail, unsure if you’re training them in the right way, or struggling to understand the science behind scent work?

❓Want to learn more about mantrailing but feel cornered into one method over another?

❓Finish mantrailing sessions with more questions then when you started?

❓Feeling confused about your dogs progression?

You're not alone!

Mantrailing is an exciting and rewarding sport, but it can be difficult to find reliable, structured resources to help you deepen your understanding.

Many handlers, especially in the UK, are navigating a landscape where information is scattered, opinions vary, and comprehensive resources are rare.

That’s where I come in, Kathryn Jones Trailing K9s Owner and Mantrailing Addict!

As a seasoned mantrailing instructor and mentor, I’ve created an online membership platform designed to fill this gap, my mantrailing addicts Patreon.

This is a space where you can access experience-based knowledge, practical training tips, and real-life video analysis to boost your mantrailing skills.

Through monthly webinars, in-depth video content, bonus interviews with experts, and quarterly Q&A sessions, I’ll help you solve your training challenges, learn how scent works, read your dog’s body language, and ultimately become a better handler.

This isn't just about theory—it's about real-world, actionable knowledge that you can apply to your training immediately.

It's time to stop feeling stuck and start making real progress.

Let’s take your mantrailing team to the next level, but don't just take my word for it. Check out the reviews.

👏Monthly Pre-recorded Webinars
Delivered on the first Tuesday of every month, these webinars focus on various aspects of mantrailing, including scent theory, handler skills, and dog behavior. Available for on-demand viewing at your convenience.

👏Bonus Content
Get extra value every month with bonus content such as interviews with dog training experts, real-life video analysis of mantrailing dogs, and detailed explanations of specific exercises.

👏Quarterly Live Q&A Sessions
Every few months, join me for a live Q&A where we dive deep into topics, troubleshoot common issues, and you can ask me anything about your training. These sessions are open to all members and encourage a community-driven approach to learning.

👏Unlimited Access to a Growing Video Library
With over 18 months of content and new videos being added regularly, you’ll have a wealth of material to study. Whether you want to watch videos of dogs on the trail or gain a deeper understanding of scent dynamics, it’s all here.

👏Access Across the Globe
This online platform is for everyone, no matter where you live in the world you can watch the videos when you want at a time to suit you. You don’t need to wait to join the Live sessions, you can jump on and learn online from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world. Accessing expert knowledge even when you can’t get out with your dogs.

Join here - https://www.patreon.com/c/TrailingK9s/membership

Use the code TRAILING to get the first month for just £5! If you sign up now that will include a recording of the Mantrailing Geekery Seminar after the 26th January.

20/01/2025

New Booklet Going LIVE SUNDAY!

18/01/2025

Yesterday me and Dee from Dee's Dogz Trailing & Scentwork met up at the The British Ironwork Centre to eat cake, and discuss the Human ID Tracking course plan.

We are both super excited for this course, and cannot wait to guide 8 amazing handlers and dogs through the learning. Guided by Master Instructor Ilkka Hormilla of K9 IlMa Global, an expert in his field.

We'll be advertising limited spectator spaces closer to the time, but if you want to save the dates in your diary then here they are:

26th to 28th Sept 2025 - Theory and Ilkka Joining us for the course
17th to 19th October
21st to 23rd November
23rd to 25th January 2026
20th to 22nd March
15th to 17th May - Assessment Days

Over the months we'll be focusing on building the dogs knowledge on scent matching, tracking on hard and soft, read their dog, problem solving and then finally if they practice, then passing the handler assessment.

It's going to be super exciting. Me and Dee cannot wait to take people on this journey with us.

Save the dates and this post, so you know when is best to join us!

We've both completed the course in 2024, and learned A LOT.

15/01/2025

❓Is your dog over aroused when Mantrailing❓

Over arousal can really hinder a dog's progress as they quickly hit a point they cannot work effectively as they are too excited or stressed about finding their trail layer.

We’ve all had sessions where the dog has seemed totally unable to focus or progress, and it feels like a set back. But really it is a mismatch of arousal and focus in the dog while problem solving.

There are lots of solutions to this issue, which can be found in my blog - https://trailingk9s.com/arousal-in-the-mantrailing-dog/

1. Look at if your dog needs the intensity start or trail.
2. Add obedience as part of your starting ritual to help get the dog in the right frame of mind.
3. Look at if the environment is helping or hindering the issue.
4. Add in tracking to help the dogs understand the scent better, and be able to problem solve in a calm frame of mind.

❓Do you have an over aroused mantrailer, tell me in the comments❓

In mantrailing we often make the mistake to think that working with lots of intensity is the best way to create success, but this means arousal and over

14/01/2025

I've got a load of offcuts ready to be posted out made up into lines.

These are at a discount to clear the off cuts and support the dogs.

They are all with a brass heavy duty clip and 3 rivets on the join. No handle on them but it can be added. Some are over the metres stated, none are short.
1.5m Purple x 3 Orange x1 , Red x 1- £10
2m Blue x 1, Red x2 - £11
3m Orange x1 Blue x2, R, -£12
4m Green x1 - £13
5m Orange x 1 Red x1, Purple X1 - £14
6m Blue x2,, Purple X1 - £15
7m Pink x1 -£16

Grab handles £8 which is a clip and a loop of rubber grip.

The rubber grip is 19mm wide.

Postage is £2.90 even if you order multiple items.

Had a handle to any line for £2

Other line colours all due in stock now - https://trailingk9s.com/shop/

Comment to grab yours and I'll ping over the details to pay, and get your address. Nothing will be posted until you pay, and if you don't pay within 24 hours I'll release the item back to sell.

09/01/2025

Mantrailing Mastery Spaces!

Today has been a funny old day, and I've ended up with three spaces on two previously sold out workshops.

Due to handler illnesses and change of events I have spaces come up on the previously sold out Mantrailing Mastery workshops.

These mantrailing mastery are three days of focusing on a specific part of mantrailing each day.

With just 5 handlers on each workshop this is the perfect opportunity to work on specific aspects of trailing and really skill up as a handler.

Aimed at people really wanting to increase their skill level and mastery of more complex aspect of mantrailing. The subjects will be organised closer to the date, but suggestions are welcome.

This is your opportunity to geek out and ask as many questions as you can think of. There is so many aspects of mantrailing we can focus on and learn more from, the chance to deep dive into an aspect of it helps us progress as handlers.

We do tracking as well as mantrailing, and you get opportunity to focus on the aspects you want to focus on. Really getting to the nitty gritty of the sport and leaving ready to plan your own progression and skills.

These events usually sell out months ahead, so to have spaces is very rare!

There is a space on the first one of the year

Feb 28th - March 2nd - FILLED

And in April

April 25th - 27th there are two spaces.

https://bookwhen.com/trailingk9s/e/ev-sd8s-20250425000000

£100 deposit now and then further £250 due 28th Feb (8 weeks prior to the event)

Follow the links to book your space or drop me a message

These won't hang about so grab a rare spot.

Oswestry locations

08/01/2025

🛑YOU HAVE UNTIL TOMORROW TO BOOK🛑

There are the last three spaces and you have until tomorrow to book your space on the seminar.

After that they are gone.

You'll miss the opportunity to be there in person 😲

It's a full day of geekery to do with Mantrailing as well as video analysis and up skilling.

You'll be learning a lot!

You'll also get some goodies 👀

📖Including my newest project launch

🧾Copy of the brand new log sheet I've just launched

🖊️Merch!

🍠Dog Treats

It's not to be missed!!

Go on, this is your last chance.

Grab it!

https://bookwhen.com/trailingk9s =ev-smjh-20250126100000

(I will be aiming to record this seminar and it will be available to purchase after the event)

07/01/2025

👀👀👀

The exciting project is almost done!

Counting down the days til I can show you my big project 👀

I've been marinating on it for some time, and finally bitten the bullet to get it done 🙌

It'll launch on the 26th January at my Seminar. So those coming will be the first to see it and get a copy of it 😍

*Cue happy dance*

The rest of you will see it on the 27th January once it goes live online or you can order your own copy 😮

I love the fabulous illustrations and designs from

You won't be disappointed guys 🥳

06/01/2025

❓Did you know❓

The Mantrailing dog uses a mixture of scent in the air known as air scent and scent which has settled on the ground, known as ground scent as well as ground disturbance.

They use a combination of both to navigate their way to the trail layer.

🌿Ground Scent
This is where the scent from the trail layer has settled on the ground and is likely where they physically walked the trail.

🍃Air Scent
This is where the scent/odour from the trail layer is in the air.
This means the scent can be moved in the air.
It can be moved hundreds of metres from the trail layer. Depending on the environment and weather it can linger in pockets or be moved.

This scent is blown from the source, the trail layer, and decreases in concentration the further away from the trail layer it is.

🌱Ground Disturbance
This is the odour created when the human foot comes into contact with the ground and disturbs the ground surface. This can include crushing vegetation and insects, disturbing the bacteria in the surface of soil or on tarmac.

❓Different breeds can be more inclined to use air scent vs ground scent depending on their breed traits.

Gundog are more likely to use air scent as they are bred to follow their air scent to the birds which have been shot.

Whereas Hound breeds are more likely to use ground scent as they have been selectively bred to follow the trail theprey has taken.

You will encounter air scent, ground scent and ground disturbance in every environment. The concentration of scent is affected by the temperature, contamination and other scents in the environment.

You can get even more geeky over on the blog - https://trailingk9s.com/what-are-mantrailing-dogs-finding/

05/01/2025

No fillers, no music.

Just two rescue dogs who wouldn't have seen 2025 if amazing people like you didn't support what I do.

Grimm (GSD) and Josie (Dutch Herder) are with me because they were pulled from death row.

They both have different back stories with bites, meaning they'll never be "public dogs".

But they do play a vitale role in my behaviour business helping rehabilitate dog reactive dogs. They are also being the main part of my practical behaviour course.

They are used to educate dog professionals in all walks of the industry and dog owners on the behaviour of aggressive dogs, in a safe manner.

These guys would have been dead if I'd not had the support for the course starting up again in 2024.

With a huge rise in the number of dogs displaying aggressive behaviour, and dog people with a lack of practical experience this course looks at the behaviour in real time, and gives you strategies on how to keep yourself safe out in the real world.

Initially designed for dog warden training, this course was adapted and evolved into a course which will help you as a dog owner or dog professional.

I've had trainers, behaviourists, dog walkers, groomers and sports training instructors join the group, and they've all left with new knowledge.

When you book a space you directly support these two and their forever home with me.

I'm not in the position to take any more rescues on currently as these guys take up so much of my time, because they deserve it.

If you want to join me on the 23rd February fora jam packed day of practical dog behaviour knowledge then follow the booking link.

https://bookwhen.com/trailingk9s =ev-sztv-20250223100000

You can also support them by purchasing a long line. We're low on stock currently, but we're working get the colours back in as soon as we are able.
https://trailingk9s.com/shop/

02/01/2025

Naughty Dog?

Teenage pup driving you mad?

Working breed who wants to hunt things, but is chasing things they shouldn't?

Then come MANTRAILING!

Mantrailing is a fun and exciting way to get your dog some exercise and mental stimulation.

In mantrailing, your dog follows a specific human scent trail.

The trail can be laid by anyone, and the goal is for your dog to find the person who laid the trail.

They use their super sniffer to follow the scent left behind by the person, and find them.

Mantrailing is a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically active. It’s also a great way to teach them new skills. And, of course, it’s a lot of fun!

The benefits of mantrailing:
🐾Exercise for both you and your dog.
🐾Challenging activity that will keep your dog entertained.
🐾Bond with your dog and build their confidence.
🐾Teach your dog new skills and have some fun.
🐾Helps over excited dogs calm down or reactive dogs deal with stress better.
🐾Become part of a community of like minded people ready to support you.

You can start mantrailing from any age. Puppies and golden oldies can do it as well.

Hunting breeds are really good at it!

To get started all you need is a dog and some tasty treats!

I'll provide the equipment!

Join me on any session in Oswestry in January or February to get started - https://bookwhen.com/trailingk9s

Just £40 to get started with the code GETSTARTED

January 11th at 10am
February 14th at 10am
February 16th at 10am
February 19th at 6pm

Once their gone their gone!

I run introductions throughout the month and can accommodate newbies any time.

Read more here - https://trailingk9s.com/how-to-get-started-with-mantrailing/