10 Handy Pieces of Kit That Can Make Your Mantrailing Sessions Easier

When you think about Mantrailing equipment, you'll probably think about the essentials: A harness, long line, rewards, etc...But what about all those other bits of kit that can make life that little bit easier when you're out trailing?

We asked some of our dog and handler teams to share the handy pieces of equipment they take along to sessions, and some of their recommendations are things you might never have thought to pack!

Here are ten handy pieces of kit worth considering for your Mantrailing bag:

1. Aluminet: Shade for your vehicle

During warmer weather, providing shade for your dog while they're waiting between trails is important, particularly when natural shade isn't available.

Aluminet is a reflective shade material that can be used to provide shade over vehicles while still allowing air to pass through. It's lightweight, flexible and can be a really useful addition to your Mantrailing kit when you need to create a shaded area.

Of course, shade material is not a substitute for proper temperature management, ventilation and regularly checking your dog's comfort. Never leave a dog in a vehicle if conditions could become unsafe.

2. Sailing gloves: Protect your hands

If you've ever handled a long line with a strong dog, you'll know that keeping a good grip isn't always easy!

Sailing gloves are a useful addition to your Mantrailing kit because they're designed to provide grip while allowing you to move your fingers freely. They can help you handle your dog's long line more comfortably, particularly when conditions are wet or your dog is putting some power into their trail.

Look for gloves that offer a good balance of grip, comfort and flexibility, so you can still handle your equipment effectively.

3. Telescopic seat: Somewhere to sit when hiding

Mantrailing sessions can involve quite a bit of waiting, either between trails, or when laying trails, especially when you're working with several dog and handler teams.

A pop-up telescopic seat is a handy little addition that gives you somewhere to sit while you're waiting for your turn or watching another team work. They're generally compact, lightweight to carry and collapse to make them easy to store and transport in your vehicle, making them useful when you don't want to lug around a full-sized camping chair.

4. Gardening kneeling pad: For low ground hiding

Sometimes you need to get down to ground level during a Mantrailing session when hiding, and a gardening kneeling pad can make this much more comfortable for sitting of kneeling.

It's a simple piece of kit, but if you've ever spent time kneeling on wet, muddy or uneven ground, you'll understand why it's worth having!

5. Bungee extension: To help with sudden jerking

This is a particularly useful addition for anyone with a strong, fast trailing dog.

A short, sturdy bungee extension can be attached between the dog's harness and long line, providing some extra give in the connection. This helps absorb sudden changes in tension, helping reduce the impact of those sharp jolts on both your dog's body and your own!

However, it's not something every dog and handler team will need and they should be used with caution. Any bungee section should be good quality, suitable for the dog's size and strength, securely attached and used with appropriate equipment. It should never compromise your ability to maintain safe control of your dog or replace good long-line handling.

Always follow the manufacturer's guidance and your Instructor's advice on whether this type of setup is appropriate for your team.

6. Disposable hand & foot warmers: To keep you warm

When you're spending time outdoors during colder months, keeping warm can make a big difference to how comfortable you are during a Mantrailing session.

Disposable hand and foot warmers are small, lightweight and easy to pop into your kit bag. They're particularly useful when you're standing around waiting for your turn, as fingers and toes can get cold surprisingly quickly when you're not moving much.

Hand warmers can be slipped into gloves, while foot warmers can be used inside suitable footwear, following the manufacturer's instructions.

They're inexpensive, take up very little space and are well worth having available for those really chilly training days.

Just make sure they're kept away from your dog and cannot be chewed or swallowed.

7. Waterproof notepad and pen: For recording trails in wet weather

If you like keeping track of your dog's progress, a waterproof notepad and pen can be a really useful addition to your Mantrailing kit.

Mantrailing sessions can take place in all sorts of weather, and ordinary paper doesn't always cope particularly well with rain, damp hands or muddy conditions! Rather than risking your training logbook getting soaked, use a waterproof notepad and pen to jot down observations while they're fresh in your mind. You can then transfer your notes into your logbook when you're back somewhere warm and dry.

8. Canine First Aid kit: Be prepared for the unexpected

Hopefully, you'll never need it, but having a canine first aid kit available is a sensible precaution when you're out training.

Mantrailing can take you through a variety of environments, including woodland, fields, urban areas and uneven terrain. As with any outdoor activity, there's always the possibility of minor injuries or unexpected incidents.

Make sure you know what's in your kit, check that supplies are in date and familiarise yourself with basic canine first aid.

9. Waterproof socks: Keep your feet dry

When Mantrailing in wet grass, muddy fields, damp woodland or sometimes even straight through water (literally!), waterproof socks could be a godsend!

They provide an extra layer of protection against moisture and can be worn with suitable outdoor footwear. They're particularly useful if your usual walking boots aren't completely waterproof or you're regularly training in conditions where your feet are likely to get wet.

10. Heated vest: To keep warm between trails

If you've ever spent a winter Mantrailing session doing an aged trail for a dog, you'll know how quickly the cold can creep in!

A heated vest can be a really useful addition to your outdoor kit to provide extra warmth. They're particularly handy when you're standing still for long periods, rather than actively walking and keeping warm.

Look for one with adjustable heat settings, a rechargeable battery and a comfortable fit that allows you to move freely when handling your dog.

Love learning about Mantrailing? Join our Online Mantrailing Club for in-depth training, video lessons and on-going support

👉 Learn more here: https://www.mantrailingglobal.com/mantrailing-membership

Want to turn your passion for Mantrailing into a career? Our Mantrailing Global Instructor Course gives you the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to teach Mantrailing to others.

👉 Discover more here: https://www.mantrailingglobal.com/instructorcourse