Cailin, our Mantrailing Instructor and Reactivity Specialist
Throughout my life, I’ve tended to go ‘all in’ on things I love. School wasn’t a place I enjoyed, so I left at 16 and went to work full time. I moved through a few different jobs, never quite finding my passion, until I started working with SportScotland teaching multi-sports to children and young people. I gained multiple teaching and coaching qualifications and started studying with the Open University, achieving a BSc with Honours in Psychology. I then began working for Midlothian Council, teaching swimming, and later gained a pool lifeguard qualification, eventually becoming a lifeguard trainer.
Growing up, we always had animals. When I was born, my parents had Boo, an Old English Sheepdog. After Boo passed, we had hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs. When I left home, I had a cat named Petra. It wasn’t until 2020 that I got my very own dog. I wanted a miniature Dachshund, but they say you get the dog you need, not the dog you want. At the end of November 2020, I brought home an 8-week-old GSD puppy, Serge. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best time to get a dog! You’ll no doubt remember, we went back into lockdown on Boxing Day that year. So, no puppy training classes, no traveling away from home, and no socialization.
That ‘all in’ approach came in handy. I researched countless videos, tutorials, and information on training, focusing on anxious dog training methods. I completed the AbsoluteDogs ProDog Trainer programme, the British College of Canine Studies Level 3 Diploma in Canine Behaviour, Diploma in Canine Health and Nutrition, and a Canine First Aid course.
As the weeks went on, I started noticing things with Serge. That puppy gangliness wasn’t changing; he seemed unsteady on his feet and was falling over. A trip to the vet left us with more questions than answers, and we scheduled x-rays. The diagnosis? Severe, bi-lateral (both hips) Hip Dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and a partially dislocated left hip. He was only around 9 months old. Now I had an adolescent, high drive, high energy working breed on restricted exercise—only on lead.
I went all in again, teaching him scentwork and MANTRAILING! Mantrailing was something we could do on lead; it worked his body in a suitable way but, importantly, it also challenged his brain. Mantrailing is fantastic for building focus and teamwork and is suitable for any dog with a nose. This was especially important since Serge was now extremely dog reactive. Mantrailing allowed us to engage without the need for dogs to interact, which is crucial in reactive dog training.
We also started working with a brilliant new trainer, the one and only Nick at Esk Valley Dog Training! Through Nick, I developed and expanded my understanding of canine body language and psychology, and the interplay between reactivity, pain or health concerns, and past experiences.
I’m delighted to now be joining the team, bringing Mantrailing and my reactivity experience to help and support other owners struggling with their anxious dog training.
Trail on! 🐾
Cailin and Serge
Cailin supports owners through mantrailing and reactivity-informed training, specializing in anxious dog training and dog training in Dalkeith. Her work focuses on helping dogs: • build confidence • regulate emotions • improve focus and engagement • work safely on lead • develop calm coping skills in real environments. Mantrailing is especially valuable for many reactive dogs because it provides meaningful mental work without dog-to-dog interaction, making it an excellent approach within reactive dog training.
Check out this great video
Mantrailing is one of the most rewarding activities you can do with your dog. It taps into a dog’s natural scenting ability, allowing them to use their nose to follow a human trail and locate a hidden person. For many dogs it is incredibly engaging and satisfying, providing both mental stimulation and a constructive outlet for energy.
All dogs work one at a time, which means our mantrailing sessions are particularly suitable for dogs who may be reactive or need a little more space around other dogs. There is no pressure for dogs to interact with each other, and each team works independently, creating a calm and supportive environment where dogs can focus on the job in front of them.
Our sessions take place in a variety of Midlothian locations, giving dogs the opportunity to work in different environments while gradually building confidence and focus.
Mantrailing can also bring wider behavioural benefits. The activity encourages dogs to think, problem-solve and regulate their arousal levels in a healthy way, which often carries over into everyday life. Many owners find their dogs become calmer, more confident and more able to cope with the world around them.
Sessions are led by Cailin, who is also one of our reactivity specialists. While the focus of the sessions is always on the fun and learning of mantrailing, Cailin is very happy to offer behavioural observations and point you towards training approaches that may help your reactive dog if you would find that useful.
For many dogs and owners, mantrailing quickly becomes a highlight of the week.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. Privacy Policy
Click here to get a one off discount code for Mantrailing in March
Build your reactive dog's confidence