UK Agility Show Nov21

On 27th Nov we entered 4 classes at the Crooked Oak UKA show. For those who haven't been to Crooked Oak shows before, it's a great place to start if you're new to competing as it's such a friendly, fun and supportive environment. You can enter at your measured height, select height (one lower than your measured) or NFC (not for competition). NFC is a great way to just get some ring experience and train your dog in a new environment with new distractions, we've also entered NFC in the past as a warm-up before our other group classes.

Firstly, a hats off to all the team organising and running the event as thanks to Storm Arwen, there was no power. The start & finish lines were working on a battery but all times and results etc had to be worked out manually with pen & paper which is very time consuming and takes a great deal of concentration. It was also incredibly cold, obviously catering was off and we were pushed for time with daylight but everyone did an amazing job and it all ran smoothly.

We entered 4 classes - (Grade 1) Beginner's Jumping, Beginner's Agility, Beginner's Steeplechase 1 and Beginner's Steeplechase 2. I chose to enter Noddy in the select class this time, so he jumped the 250 height rather than his measured 300 height. Due to work and the dark nights, we'd only had one official training class with our club in over 2 months and I was also aware that since the lockdown break, Noddy's jump style/timing has gone a little crazy. He can take off really early, especially if there's a large gap between obstacles, he flies through the air, at full stretch, almost over extending and way higher than he needs to but this means he can come back down too early and knock poles. He can also land badly and potentially hurt himself so we'll be doing some grid work and are focusing on some tailored conditioning exercises and proprioception to get his style and timing back on track. Because of all this, I entered him in the select class so the courses would be exactly the same but the poles would be slightly lower for him. Of course, he still flew over the jumps with huge scope but his take off timing was much better and he didn't knock any poles, which compared to our last agility show (Kennel Club), was a great improvement. 

Our first class of the day was Beginner's Jumping, this is a course made up of jumps, tunnels and weave poles. No contact equipment. There was a large area between a lot of these obstacles so I was a little worried about Noddy's timing but he actually jumped really well. He didn't knock any poles but we were eliminated as for some reason, he took a right, away from me after taking a jump but tightly wrapped round the pole and took the jump again so we were out. Most of the time it's handler error but just occasionally it can be the dog and in this case we really don't know why he did that but these things happen, they're not robots and they can easily get distracted or confused. He was straight back on track again though, continuing to jump well, he just came out of his weaves a little early before taking the final jump. His weave entry was amazing though which has been a big personal goal for us, he jumped really well and had fun so overall it was a good run and a great chance to warm up.

Our second class was Beginner's Agility, this is a course including all equipment. Jumps, tunnels, weaves and contact equipment, dog walk, A-frame and see-saw. This was our first win of the day and the one I'm most proud of. For us, a clear round in agility is amazing, especially after a break from training and a really long time out of the show ring. Noddy's contacts are generally good most of the time but it's an added risk compared to jumping and steeplechase courses. Weave poles are also a huge risk, especially a full set of 12. Me being on the right of the weaves is our preference, being on the left is still very much a working progress but to our advantage they were set on our stronger side in this course. Whatever side I'm on though, we've been doing a lot of work on the entry, trying to make it smooth from one obstacle to the next and Noddy having more independence. Previously in shows I've had to slow him down or even pause him to line him up for a clean entry, he'd often miss the first pole and go in on the second but on this day he was on fire. He ran from the tunnel, over the following jump and ran straight in to an independent weave entry, at the correct point, without slowing down or needing much guidance from me and he completed the FULL SET! Yes, that's what they're supposed to do but as I said earlier, weaves take a painstakingly long time to perfect and for us, that was a huge personal goal. It feels so good when you see months of hard work and training pay off and I was so so happy with this run. He left the weaves and completed the rest of the course clear, gaining us our first red rosette of the day.

After a fairly short break we were up again, this time for the first of two Beginner's Steeplechase courses. Steeplechase is a course made up of just jumps and tunnels.. That may sound nice but the lack of weaves and contact equipment is made up for with repetitive, circling courses which can be confusing and directional cues are often very important as there can be trick lines where your dog would naturally run forward but you need them to instead take an obstacle to the side. I love steeplechase runs as they're usually nice flowing but it can be a challenge remembering which lap you're on and how many times you've been through that same tunnel and at what point you need to move on. A second red rosette was bagged though, with Noddy jumping clear yet again and me managing to remember my route - not only are these shows great learning for your dog but they're a great learning curve for handlers too.

Our fourth and final run of the day was the second Beginner's Steeplechase. Again, this was a course that circled twice in the centre so remembering which lap we were on was a top priority. I could tell Noddy was tiring by this point as I was running quite far ahead of him and he's usually very fast for a little dog but he gave it 110% as he always does and pushed himself round to the finish line. Clear again, I was over the moon and we received our third red rosette of the day. 

Noddy got a lamb's horn marrow from the stall upstairs as a treat for being so amazing and had a good cool down walk and some stretches before we packed up to head home after a long day. Safe to say the following day was mostly spent snoozing! I'd forgotten what a clear round felt like as we've only done one show since a very long lockdown break and we were eliminated in all three classes there, although they were 'good eliminations' and Noddy ran really well, it's been a while since we've had a clear show run. Nothing beats training and running with your dog though, whatever the result it's all about fun and enjoyment. The clears and rosettes are just a bonus but I wanted to log this day as it was a credit to all our training over the past couple of years and it was a reminder to "trust your dog" which my coaches tell me all the time..

Hurtta Monsoon Coat

 Hurrta - For Active Dogs!

The Monsoon Coat by Hurtta is the latest product we're reviewing for Podgy Paws Pet Shop in Keswick. We received the coat in the colour Buckthorn which is an absolutely stunning orange colour. It also comes in three other beautiful colours but I'm absolutely obsessed with this one.

Hurtta say this raincoat is an essential jacket for every dog in rainy, windy or muddy weather and they aren't wrong. The quality of this coat is superb and I'm most impressed with the fit. Our dogs are often in between sizes and a bit awkward to fit with some brands but I can't shout enough about how nicely this coat fits. The size guide is clear and accurate with an easy 'how to measure' guide, for reference, Noddy wears the 30cm. 

"In contrast to previous models, Monsoon's collar seams are vertical, allowing the collar to be taped so that it is fully waterproof.In addition, there is a rain collar made of waterproof tricot around the edge of the collar, preventing water from going inside the coat along the dog's neck.The comfortably soft collar can be tightened up around the dog's neck to protect the chest & neck area." - Hurtta Online UK

I liked the idea of the high neck coverage this coat provides but I was unsure how it would look on Noddy as he's so small. The design and fit once again are brilliant and there are so many adjustment points on this coat, including the collar, getting the perfect fit is really easy. Not only is the neck adjustable but the belly/waist and even the back length are very adjustable too. I've not yet seen another coat that provides such great coverage and nice fit, I keep saying it but I really am in love with the Monsoon coat! 

"The large, attractive reflective prints on the coat's rear hem and the 3M reflector piping on the back improve safety and visibility in the dark. The excellent sizing of the Monsoon coat guarantees a good fit for most breeds. The wide belly flap keeps the coat in place, ensuring that it stays on without restricting the dog's movement, even during boisterous play. The flap covers the dog's belly and efficiently protects it from mud and sand. Monsoon is made of an elastic and silent fabric, so it is comfortable to use and quick to put on." - Hurtta Online UK

The reflectors on this coat really are so bright, the main colour is quite bright in itself but even in daylight the reflective pattern shines. In the dark, when light is shone on the coat it really lights up which is a great safety feature especially at this time of year if you're like us and have very dark walks with little to no street lighting. For a light waterproof coat, it is not at all rustly. It's quiet, soft and comfortable and if you follow Noddy's instagram you'll see him flying around with it on it's not restrictive at all, he's totally happy wearing it. The high neck means it could be slightly awkward to walk your dog on a collar however it is do-able the collar would just be higher up the neck more behind the ears. We prefer to walk on a harness anyway and there is a handy little hole where you can attach your lead, it's well concealed though to keep up with the waterproof properties. The only downside is that this coat is so nice, you won't want to get it mucky 😅

The Monsoon is a lightweight raincoat, in very cold weather or for dogs prone to a chill you could pair it up with the Hurtta bodywarmer or the new razzle dazzle midlayer. Although we've not tested it out in the elements, Noddy has tried on the Hurtta Expedition Parka which is very similar in looks to the Monsoon but it's thicker with a soft fleecey thermal lining if you're after more warmth. The fit and adjustability was exactly the same in both coats and the parka felt so snug and cosy on Noddy, it's another really lovely jacket. 

These products are all available at Podgy Paws and/or their sister business, Hurtta Online UK. The gorgeous Buckthorn colour that Noddy wears is actually exclusive in the UK to Hurtta Online UK so if you love it, I'll drop a link to the website below. Podgy Paws offer a free fitting service in store, in Keswick, Cumbria if you're local or on holiday and want to try some on for size. The staff are all super friendly and more than happy to help in person or via email or phone.

#podgypawsambasador

Podgy Paws Pet Shop
4-6 Tithebarn Street
Keswick
Cumbria
CA12 5ED

T: 017687 73737
E: info@podgypaws.co.uk

W: podgypaws.co.uk
W: hurttaonline.co.uk

Hurtta Casual Rope Leash

"This sturdy cord leash is ideal for every day use and activities. The leash feels light and comfortable in the owner's hand, but high quality materials make it very durable and reliable. The product features light but safe aluminium parts at the ends of the cord. Efficient 3M reflectors improve visibility in the dark"
- Hurtta 

This is our latest product from Podgy Paws Pet Shop, sister business of Hurtta Online UK. I was especially excited to try this lead out because I absolutely loved the look of it, I'm a huge fan of the Cinnamon colour, but I don't normally go for rope leads as so many are harsh on the hands, uncomfortable or not great in bad weather conditions.

This lead however is made from a soft-feel double braided cord which feels lovely, it doesn't rub or burn the hands and is comfortable even with a stronger dog. The rope is great in wet weather too, it doesn't soak up water or feel really soggy, it's quick drying and cleans up really well. The aluminium hardware is also gorgeous, in a darker grey colour than chrome which is so commonly used, it's almost a charcoal grey and is super shiny. The hardware really gives the lead that extra wow factor and looks great. The 3M reflectors light up like a Christmas tree which is a great feature for the Autumn/Winter season and darker walks. These reflectors are all over the lead and are another really great touch.   

We have the Cinnamon lead which is paired with a lovely light grey colour, like the Ash collar/harness. It also comes in River/Lingon (red & blue) and Raven/Ash (black & grey) so whichever casual harness or collar you have, there is a lead to match. Note: the Cinnamon leash is exclusive in this country to Hurtta Online UK. When used with the matching harness the lead looks even more awesome but I find the cinnamon/grey colour is so versatile and actually goes with lots of different colours.

This is my new go-to lead for all adventures whether it be a short village walk or a longer hike, we've had it out on full day trips, training sessions and walks in all weathers and it's such a versatile, durable piece. There is also a loose O ring on the handle which is great for attaching a poo bag dispenser/carrier, water bowl etc or for wearing the lead over your shoulder whilst your dog is off.

Stock dependant, this lead is available at Podgy Paws Pet Shop in Keswick and also to order at https://hurttaonline.co.uk

Podgy Paws

4-6 Tithebarn Street

Keswick

Cumbria

CA12 5ED

T: 017687 73737

E: info@podgypaws.co.uk

W: podgypaws.co.uk

Ruffwear Flagline Harness

 Ruffwear Flagline Harness

"The Flagline harness is a fast, light and comfortable dog harness with a handle that keeps dogs in their flow, from scrambling in the backcountry to conquering everyday obstacles. A handle and load-dispersing chest/belly panel make for easy lift and assist in a nimble design good for all day wear. High adjustability and easy on/off make the Flafline secure and accessible, giving dogs a little boost and a lot of freedom when the path ahead is nothing but flat." - Ruffwear

The Ruffwear Flagline is our latest product up for review as part of our Podgy Paws Ambassador role. We've been testing this out over the past few weeks on various adventures and I'm so pleased with it. I was excited to test this out as I'd been eyeing up the Flagline for some time but in the past Noddy has been in between sizes with Ruffwear harnesses and struggled to get a perfect fit. We went to meet Ashley at Podgy Paws for a fitting and went with the XXS which to my surprise fitted brilliantly, either Ruffwear have altered their sizing slightly or Noddy has just grown up in to a more 'normal' size/shape since last time.

Firstly, I think the Flagline looks really smart and we've received quite a few compliments on it already. It's available in three colours currently - Meltwater teal (which I was very tempted by, it's gorgeous), Red Rock which is also very smart and Granite Grey which is what we went for, thinking logically that all of our many different leads will go with it because grey goes with everything! 

Secondly, although it may seem a more substantial harness with the extra belly strap (which is great for 'houdini' dogs as they can't back out of it) the Flagline is extremely easy to get on and off. It has a whopping six points of adjustment for an optimal fit and doesn't require the dog to step in to it or lift legs up which is very handy for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues. The clips are really quick and easy to fasten and all feel sturdy and secure.

Next up, the handle! I love having a handle on a harness but so many don't support the dog and they end up almost sliding out of the harness or are uncomfortable whilst being lifted. Because of the third belly strap and placement of the Flagline's handle, dogs of all sizes can be lifted safely and securely whilst their weight is well supported evenly. The handle for Noddy has been great for lifting him in and out of the van, out of water or helping him whilst swimming and for lifting him over obstacles whilst out walking such as large rocks, fallen trees, walls, stiles etc. The handle would also be great for helping dogs with mobility issues, post-op etc. This is something I'll touch on further at the end, in comparison to the Ruffwear Webmaster. 

Water.. Noddy loves water and can't resist lying down in any river, stream or even puddle he finds. We also get rather a lot of rain living in the Lake District but the Flagline doesn't seem to soak up much water and dries out really quickly. Most times it's dried itself out by the time we get home and if not, we just hang it up to air dry and it doesn't take long at all. We've seen no kind of water staining, it dries good as new.

Additional Features

• Lightweight
• 3 Leash attachment points
• Debris-resistant liner
• Reflective trim for visibility in low light conditions
• Light loop for attaching 'The Beacon'
• 6 Points of adjustment
• Allows balanced and comfortable lifting

Flagline vs Webmaster: so one of the reasons I was excited and intrigued by the new Flagline is because our beloved Mastiff, Mia, wore the Ruffwear Webmaster which is a very similar but older design with the 3 straps and handle. The Webmaster was so great for Mia, it was a strong and secure harness for a large strong dog, it was durable and lasted years (it's still in perfect condition now despite an inner layer of dog hair), it was especially good for supporting her post-op after various orthopaedic surgeries and was also fantastic for her to do treadmill hydrotherapy in. Mia could be a bit dog reactive and the handle was great for some extra control as well as being super secure, I had total peace of mind she couldn't get loose. Again it was great for helping her in and out of the car and supporting her weight evenly when she needed assistance. The Flagline seems a new and improved version of this so I'd be confident to say all of the above attributes could also be said about the Flagline although I've only used it on little Noddy, the same features are still there along with the same quality. The Webmaster however was a bit bulkier and on very small dogs like Noddy it felt a bit overkill to me and just didn't look quite as comfy as the Flagline does. Absolutely brilliant on a larger dog but for Noddy and Tess it felt a bit much. The Flagline is so much more lightweight and the design although almost identical has been altered a little, especially around the strap area, it's less bulky and is comfortable for Noddy as a small dog and he's more than happy to do everything he'd normally do whilst wearing it. This is one of the biggest points for me, the level of security and safety whilst being lightweight, comfy and allowing free, natural movement.

Mantrailing (searching to find missing people) is one of Noddy's regular activities and he's been testing this harness out here too. I find the flagline is a great choice for Mantrailing when fitted correctly (as all harnesses should be) because it's strong, secure, easy to get on and off, it has the handle to help over any obstacles and has multiple leash attachments. The one further down the back of the harness is sometimes my preference when trailing whereas on normal walks I'd use the more central metal attachment. This harness is also great in all weathers which is very much needed in mantrailing as you never know quite where you'll end up, or when.

Overall I can't fault the Flagline at all, any minor reservations I had initially were gone almost immediately after our fitting and first walk. It really is a great improvement and I would 100% recommend to any active adventurer or anyone who needs that extra security and support for whatever reason. Being so well suited to both active dogs and those who need some extra assistance with restricted mobility, this is a harness I believe could be a life long essential for most dogs and if it's anything like our other Ruffwear harnesses (the Front Range and Webmaster) it'll never need replacing. It may seem pricey but it's an investment that will last and is totally worth every penny.

Podgy Paws have a great range of harnesses and stock all the best brands, if you're interested in buying the Flagline you can visit them in store for a free fitting or order via their online shop. The team will always be happy to help you online or over the phone if you're not local and need some extra advice. Also feel free to drop us a message about our personal experiences if you have any further questions, would like us to do any specific testing or would like more photos/videos etc.

Big thanks to Podgy Paws and Ruffwear for providing Noddy with a new wardrobe staple which will join him on many more adventures. 

Podgy Paws Pet Shop

4-6 Tithebarn Street

Keswick

CA12 5ED

T: 017687 73737

E: info@podgypaws.co.uk

W: podgy paws.co.uk

Chuckit! Breathe Right Ball

Run Further, Fetch Longer 

Chuckit! have been my favourite dog ball brand for a long time now. Not only are they really bouncy and lots of fun, they are really strong and durable too. Even with our Mastiff and Bull Terrier being strong chewers, our current collection of Ultra Balls have lasted years and are still good as new. 

Note: no toy is totally indestructible, our dogs only have supervised ball play and aren't left to just chomp on them for long periods of time.

This month Podgy Paws very kindly gave us a Breathe Right ball to review so here we are and I honestly cannot fault it..

As with most of the Chuckit ball range, there are 4 different sizes to choose from. Choosing the right sized ball (or any toy) for your dog is so important for their safety. Again, we only advise supervised play but dogs can very easily choke on a ball that is too small for them, especially if playing fetch, catching or running. A ball that's too big could also be a struggle for your dog so having different size options is great.

That being said, if the worst was to happen, the Breathe Right ball is designed to allow airflow which acts as a safety feature as well as being very practical for active pets. The Breathe Right is a high performance ball designed to facilitate breathing and airflow in to the dog's lungs whilst running and fetching. Therefore, this is going to be a firm favourite for us during the hotter Summer months especially and has already proved to be a great reward for Noddy at his Hoopers and Agility training. In our experience the Breathe Right ball also floats on water which is very useful if your dog, like Noddy, likes to make a big splash and it also means this ball is great for incentive to swim during hydrotherapy (which Noddy does for fun & fitness).

Although Noddy is a fairly small dog, approx 6kg, he has the Medium sized Chuckit balls which are the same size as standard tennis balls and fit in to most ball throwers (not that we recommend repetitive shuttle running but there's a subject for another time). The Small size is suitable for Toy breeds and very small puppies, the Large size would be suitable for Medium-Large breeds and the XL suitable for Large-Giant breeds. Chuckit also make launchers in different sizes to fit most of their ball types.

Just a few other Chuckit toys to check out:

• Breathe Right Fetch Stick
• Ultra Tug Toy
• Ultra Ball
• Ultra Ring

A huge thank you to Podgy Paws in Keswick for giving us such a fab toy, make sure you check out their shop or website to browse more awesome Chuckit products - a brand we 100% honestly recommend and have used for a long time. We're excited to try more of their ever-growing range, there's nothing from them so far that Noddy hasn't been totally obsessed with.

Podgy Paws Pet Shop

4-6 Tithebarn Street, 

Keswick, 

Cumbria, 

CA12 5ED

T: 017687 73737

E: info@podgypaws.co.uk

W: podgypaws.co.uk

Podgy Paws, Keswick

 

 We were recently given the absolutely awesome news that we're the first ever ambassadors for Podgy Paws pet shop in Keswick, Cumbria. This is still such a shock as there were so many amazing entries but we're absolutely over the moon and so excited to share our adventures and favourite products with you.

A lot of our followers have visited Podgy Paws whilst on holiday or we may have referred you on to their online shop but for those who don't know, Podgy Paws was created in 2006 by Peter & Chris and was inspired by their own beloved dogs. They stock all our favourite brands - all the best adventure gear and a whole range of toys, treats and food too. Dogs are very welcome in store and can even take advantage of the free fitting service provided by the friendly, knowledgable staff.

As part of our ambassadorship, we'll be testing various products and providing photos and honest reviews but for now, here are a few bits we already have, use regularly and totally recommend..

 DOG Copenhagen Comfort Walk Pro Harness

Once Noddy was pretty much fully grown, we took him to the store to get his first proper big boy's harness and this is the one we chose. As he's a small dog, the chest plate on some harnesses were a bit too wide for him, this could rub and cause discomfort or cause him to move abnormally. The DOG Copenhagen harness however is such a great shape and really adjustable. They look so stylish, they're durable, quick drying and comfortable. The little handle is also a really handy detail for helping him over large rocks, walls, stiles etc whilst out exploring. There's a great range of colours to choose from and matching leads & collars are also available.

Hurtta Casual Y Harness

So we got our first Hurtta casual Y harness for Tess, in Lingon red, I wanted a well fitting, comfortable harness suitable for Dog Parkour training and this fit the bill perfectly. In fact, I loved it so much that Noddy got one too in River blue. At first Noddy used his for mantrailing but it soon became his regular walking harness too as it's just so well fitting and is the quickest drying harness we've ever used which is very helpful with Noddy being such a water baby. As if 2 wasn't enough, we now also have this harness in the new Cinnamon colour (along with the matching training lead) and wow - I just absolutely love this colour so much! 

                                         

Ruffwear Web Master Harness

The Ruffwear Webmaster is one of my all time favourites. We sadly lost our Mastiff Mia, my heart dog, in March 2021 but this harness was so so helpful with her. Mia had a range of orthopaedic issues, she'd had multiple big operations on both cruciate ligaments, both knees, she had mild elbow dysplasia, severe arthritis and a bulging disc on her spine but this harness was such a great fit and so easy to put on despite her restrictions. Because of the 3rd belly strap, it's so secure (very well known for helping owners of 'houdini dogs'), it also means that when the handle is used the dog's weight is distributed evenly unlike some other handled harnesses where the dog almost tips out. The handle and support provided by this harness was such a huge help for handling Mia when she was recovering from operations and to help lift her in and out of the van etc. It's so strong and durable with 5 points of adjustment - perfect for all kinds of adventures.

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Our Bull Terrier Maddie wears the Ruffwear Front Range in Campfire Orange, she's had it for at least 6 years and it's still in great condition. It's a sturdy, padded harness with 2 lead attachments, one of which is on the front chest piece. It has 4 points of adjustment, a reflective trim and is foam padded. Maddie is a strong, barrel chested breed but this harness is great on her. She wears this harness on walks, runs and for mantrailing too. 

                                         

Chuckit! Ultra Balls

The Chuckit toy range is one of our favourites, these balls are so strong and long lasting and designed for demanding use. Even with Maddie and Mia being very strong chewers, these balls held up so well and we've had our collection for a good few years now. Note: we don't leave them out all the time, our dogs only have supervised play with balls or use them as training rewards. They may seem a little pricey for balls but honestly, they are totally worth it. The Ultra Tug Toy (ball on a handle) is Maddie's favourite and is her reward for mantrailing as she can't have many treats/food items due to kidney disease. The Ultra Ball and the Ultra Ring are some of Noddy's favourites so far. 

Feelwells Healthy Natural Training Treats

We use a LOT of training treats but these are some of our favourites. They're specifically designed as high value training treats and come in cheese, liver or grain free chicken flavour which are both a big hit with our dogs. They're semi-moist so easy to break up if needed but are already a handy small size for reward treats. They contain no wheat or gluten and are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.

A few more of our favourites include

• Kong Wubba dog toy
• Carnilove dog treats
• The Innocent Hound treats
• Anco natural treats and fusions
• Kong Tugger Knots toy
• Ezydog Snakpak treat bag

If you'd like to learn more or browse some of the selection head to podgypaws.co.uk or find them on Facebook or Instagram. Tel: 017687 73737 open 7 days a week.

We really are so chuffed to be on the team for the rest of 2021 and can't wait to share even more exciting items with you. Feel free to drop us a message any time if you have any questions about any of the products we have, local beauty spots or if you'd like more info about reaching the shop. 

All about Mantrailing UK

What is Mantrailing UK?

Mantrailing UK is the first and only accredited Mantrailing International Training Centre in the UK, teaching dogs and owners an action packed dog sport and search & rescue skill - to hunt down a missing person.

Just a few of the many positives:

Build the relationship and bond with your dog

Increase dog's confidence

Spend time together in the great outdoors

Fun, social aspect with fellow dog enthusiasts

Gives an excellent outlet for high drive, working breeds 

Can be easily adapted to suit all dogs including reactive dogs and those with physical limitations

Regardless of the breed/type, age, behaviour, physical ability, Mantrailing UK strives to be accessible to everybody.

Maddie's mantrailing experience, as an old reactive rescue dog

This is the first activity/dog sport that our rescue Bull Terrier Maddie has been able to join in with. Maddie didn't have the best start to life and came to us with severe fear reactivity towards other dogs, she could be nervous in some settings and noise sensitive too. She was over 10 years old when she started mantrailing, not so much dog reactive by then, but still nervous of unknown dogs and a dog who needs reasonable space from others. Because dogs are worked one at a time, reactivity/nerves are not an issue at training. Initially we chose only private training venues where we definitely wouldn't encounter random dogs but we have recently trailed at a public venue too. It's often found that reactive dogs are actually so focused on their job once they've 'got the game' that they can, with time, trail past other dogs and even on normal walks their reactivity can be reduced. Maddie is now over 11 years old, she has recently been diagnosed with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) which is a bit like doggy dementia, she also has a little bit of arthritis setting in and can't do anywhere near as much physical activity as she used to. Mantrailing however is a low impact sport which means there isn't too much pressure/stress on joints and bones. The length of each trail is decided upon the individual dog's needs and capabilities and it provides so much mental stimulation, using their amazing olfactory senses, that even with shorter trails they get a great mental workout. Another flexible factor is the reward - whatever works best for your individual dog. You may have seen our food pots but due to kidney issues, Maddie has always been on a strict renal diet and can't have many treats. She's not very food motivated so she works for her ball. Some dogs work simply for the fun of the game or for a free run at the end. It makes me so happy to see Maddie joining in with something, having fun and being absolutely awesome. It's the best feeling.

Tess' mantrailing experience, as an anxious rescue dog

Tess is our 8 year old Terrier (working lakeland mix). She came to us at around a year old with little to no training, no recall, not house trained, nothing. She had never really been given any mental stimulation and was left alone for long periods, as a high drive working type dog this wasn't great for her and she was very anxious when she came to us. Like Maddie, Tess was also an older dog when we discovered mantrailing and although she's the same breed type as Noddy, they're very very different. Tess isn't massively food or toy motivated and due to her more shy/nervous personality she had absolutely no incentive to approach the 'misper' (missing person). She trailed beautifully from the start but would find her misper and then not go near them. This is another time where the fabulous instructors will step in to make sure the dog's are happy and tailored to. We started with the misper just throwing the food out to Tess (after some trial and error to see what she really loved), it only took a couple of runs for her to 'get the game', gain confidence and approach her missing person for a clearer indication. Scent work in general has boosted Tess' confidence so so much and again, it's so rewarding to see her enjoying herself, loving having a job to do and growing in confidence. All dogs have so much potential, you've just got the help them shine.

Noddy's mantrailing experience, as a high drive, excitable working breed

As Noddy's the first dog we've had as a puppy and being the newest family member, he got in to mantrailing at a much younger age and he also had the foundations of general puppy training, confidence building etc on his side. As with everything, Noddy through himself in to his mantrailing introduction workshop and did absolutely amazing. He was interesting to train with as a working Terrier he worked very much with his eyes and would watch the misper disappear, charge after them and then quickly get lost as he wasn't using his nose, just trying to remember where he saw them go. Because of this, we progressed very quickly to scent article starts where he doesn't see the person leave at all, he has to pick up their scent from a dropped article and then use his nose to follow that scent to the final destination. He very quickly started to use his nose more in all situations, whether we're mantrailing or not he always uses his nose more now  - not always helpful when you're trying to genuinely hide a toy out of reach for example as he'll always know where things are hidden - but overall it's a great skill to have and he really enjoys his scent work. Again, as a working bred dog he loves having a job to do and mantrailing is such a good outlet for his natural drive. Since starting, Noddy has filled his first booklet and is now working through his new progression booklet (this is totally optional). He was booked in to do his Level 1 assessment in November 2020 but this was cancelled due to lockdown, we hope to achieve this at some point this year. He has absolutely blown me away with the progress he's made and the challenging trails he's done. A whole range of scent articles, long distance trails, working in difficult conditions, high finds, walking finds, split trails, decoys to this week trailing in to and through water it's just incredible what dog's are capable of when given the opportunity. 

Want to learn more or find an instructor near you?

Head over to mantrailinguk.com or there is also a facebook and instagram page. From the website though, you can select the 'find an instructor' tab which will show you a map with all qualified instructors plus their contact details. 

If there isn't anyone near you at the moment, don't panic. When we started out we had to drive at least an hour each way to a session, now however we have at least 6 instructors within that travel time, if not more, and even one in our little village. There are new instructors qualifying all the time, the mantrailing obsession is growing rapidly so keep checking the page for people near you. Some instructors will travel further afield if you have a group of people interested in your area so that's another option to look in to and

also, once you've done an introduction workshop, you can trail with ANY instructor so if you can plan some short breaks away, mantrailing holidays are a great option too!

Our DM's are always open if you have any questions or need a hand with anything. I'm more than happy to share honest opinions and experiences and want to help as many people discover this amazing sport as possible because it really has been amazing for our dogs.

No walks this week!?

Enrichment deck by Calm Dog Games

Enrichment toys from Calm Dog Games

That's right, no walkies!

Why? - It's too damn hot.

Wednesday night we did go for a swim at around 9pm but otherwise the dog's haven't been out. Some struggle more than others and although Noddy is a small breed and currently hand stripped/short coated, he really struggles in the heat. I'll share some Summer specific enrichment activities shortly but if I'm honest we've not even done an awful lot of that. The dogs are like restless zombies, not themselves, sleeping lots and don't have the same energy levels as normal. They're more than happy resting and they've chosen to do so even though various toys and other options are available.

A dog's normal body temperature is 38.5 degrees celsius, it only takes a tiny 2 degree increase for heat stroke to kick in. At 43 degrees, a dog's organs can begin to fail, it only takes 15 minutes for a dog to die of heat stroke. They DO NOT die from not being walked. There's also the risk of burnt paws too, if you can't stand bare foot on the ground, don't make your dog do the same. Don't take the risk, it's not worth it.

Serious stuff out of the way, here are some of our favourite enrichment/mental stimulation activities that are great for hot days as they don't take much physical exertion..

1. Treat bobbing

Whether you have a paddling pool, a normal sized water bowl, a bucket or washing up bowl - sprinkle some treats (whatever your dog likes) in to some shallow water and let your dog go treat bobbing. This must always be a supervised activity!

2. Frozen lick mats

Fill a lick mat with your dog's fave snack and pop in the freezer for a cool, lasting treat. If you don't have a licki mat then Kongs, Zogoflex toys etc can also be used and if you have no toys at all you could always fill an ice cube tray or similar. For a fully edible version you can even de-core an apple or carrot and then stuff the inside with something tasty - cool, long lasting, tasty AND healthy!

3. Calm/Settle and boundary games

'Settle' is such an important and handy behaviour to have in the bag, the hot weather is a great time to help your dog's switch off. If your dog isn't yet at the stage of mentally switching off for a period of time, basic boundary games are also great. Pop a treat on your dog's bed, blanket, mat etc every time they interact with it, even if it's just one paw initially. They'll soon learn that it's a place of value and it's good to chill out and stay in place. Noddy will now automatically lie down on his 'boundary' and wait there until released. Not only is it helpful for keeping still and cool, it's great for a whole range of situations such as having guests over, taking your dog to a cafe or training class, not dashing out of the door etc.

4. Snuffle mat/towel/puzzle toy

Scent games are a firm fave in our house, with all the dogs. Snuffle mats are fantastic but if you don't have one you can use a rolled up towel (this can be a damp towel in hot weather) and hide treats inside it so the dog has to snuffle around and unravel the roll. Interactive puzzle toys are also great - Nina Ottoson and Outward Hound are some of our favourites but there are lots out there. Again, if you don't have any of these toys just get creative - you can use old toilet roll tubes, cardboard boxes, empty bottles etc as treat dispensers to provide a fairly low level exercise that your dog will love.

For a great range of puzzles, training games and enrichment ideas we cannot recommend Calm Dog Games enough. This is an amazing small business now based in the Lake District and the card decks are a must-have in my opinion, you'll never be stuck for something to do again and a lot of the games will also aid various aspects of training whether you're wanting to work on calmness, bond, focus, owner value, recall, there is something for everyone. 

You can save some pennies storewide at Calm Dog Games by using code 'NODDY' at checkout, there is a link to their website on our Instagram and Linktree page. https://www.calmdoggames.com

Why a Terrier?

So those who know me (Amy) will know that I love my big dogs. Danes, Bullmastiffs and Bull Terriers are some of my favourites. I love Dobermans, Rottweilers, Staffies too. So you many be thinking, why did you get Noddy who is such a small dog!?

Well...

Our girls all came out of rescue, I absolutely love having a 'project dog' NOT that all rescue dogs need work but I enjoy the ones that do need that extra helping hand, it's so rewarding and I just love that bond which is like no other. For a change though, just once, out of interest from a trainer point of view more than anything, I wanted a blank canvas, a clean slate to start from scratch with. I was looking for something very specific, a dog who would be able to go everywhere with me, a dog with fairly high energy levels who loves being active and likes having a job to do. I also wanted a dog who'd be a great lapdog for those days at home, who was up for anything but also likes a cuddle. I wanted a high drive dog as I knew I wanted to progress in various dog sports, agility especially. I wanted something small and easily portable but hardy and confident. We'd had Terrier family pets my whole life, Jack Russels and JRT mixes and I just love their quirky personality and how feisty they can be despite their small size and cute faces. I say they're like big dogs in little bodies as they're just bursting with character and cheekiness. 

Of all the working Terriers the Patterdale/Lakeland/Fell type just fit the bill perfectly and so the search began. I had in mind a chocolate smooth coat Patterdale but I believe everything happens for a reason and we were meant to have Noddy - a fuzzy ginger. 

I saw the litter advertised by a local breeder, I showed the photo to Andy and asked which pup he'd choose - he picked Noddy (who's litter name was Crag), after enquiring it turned out that he was the only pup left not reserved. We went to see him the next day and fell in love, we met his parents who were both perfect looks and temperament wise and although we spent a lonnnng time talking and thinking it over, being sensible, there was no way we could turn him down. I actually went prepared with the deposit payment in my bag! 🙊

Terriers aren't everyone's cup of tea and I can totally see why. They're not easy, they're not for the faint hearted, they're bred to chase and kill and they need an outlet for that natural drive. BUT in the right hands, given the opportunity to shine they are the best little all rounders. They'll rise to anything, give everything their best effort, they'll make you laugh (and cry, and pull your hair out) but they're SO much fun.