We are proud to be able to offer the British Mantrailing Academy sports levels.
The six levels have been designed to allow you to show your progress and achievements in trailing and are assessed by qualified British Mantrailing Academy instructors.
You will work progressively through each level as you gain skills and confidence as a team. Certificates and pin badges are given at each level with a trophy for achieving a level 6 pass.
To find out more either email mantrailingdogswales@gmail.com or call one of the instructors. Their contact details are on the home page.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Level one is about creating a strong foundation for dog and handler. We will assess the team in a low distraction environment by looking for a good start to the trail, the handlers ability to read the dog and a clear indication on finding the misper.
Single Blind
200-400m m long
fresh
1 change to the travel direction
Rural environment
20 Minutes for completion
Level two will assess the team on a slightly aged trail with additional turns. We will again be looking for the quality of the start from dog and handler, the handlers ability to read the dog, their line handling skills and a clear indication on finding the misper. These skills will continue to be assessed throughout all the following levels.
Single Blind
400-600 m long
30 minutes aged
up to 3 changes to the travel direction
Rural
30 Minutes for completion
Level three objective is to demonstrate scent discrimination skills by requiring the dog to select the correct path when presented with an alternative. Handlers must observe and
interpret changes in body language in order to support the dog.
Single Blind
600-800 m long
1 hour aged
3 to 5 changes to the travel direction, split trail
Rural
45 Minutes for completion
Although on the surface level 4 appears technically simpler than level 3, the added challenge and pressure on the handler of a double blind trail will test their ability to remain calm, still work with the dog and truly rely on the dog's nose to successfully complete the level.
Double Blind
300-500 m long
30 minutes aged
2 changes to the travel direction
Rural
1 support allowed
45 Minutes for completion
At level five the objective is to assess the team’s ability to work in environments containing both rural and urban scent challenges which may include distractions from human activity, traffic, and hard surfaces.
As such, it demands more skills from both you and the dog not encountered on the previous levels.
Single Blind
500-750m long
1 hour aged
3 to 5 changes to the travel direction
45 Minutes for completion
1 support allowed
Semi Urban
Level six is your chance to demonstrate trailing expertise as a team. We will assess your ability to work a longer, more aged trail across multiple surface types and in varying
environmental conditions. Handlers must demonstrate effective line handling, situational awareness and confidence in interpreting the dog’s trailing behavior. The dog should work confidently with minimal handler input, showing a strong start and clear indication of the misper at the end of the trail.
A true test of how you and your dog can work as a team in any environment.
Single Blind
800-1100 m long
1.5 hour aged
3 to 7 changes to the travel direction
Urban to Rural
1 support allowed
1 hour for complete