Good line handling is key to man trailing and pet trailing!
Rachel (Nose to Trail) and Marilyn (Companion’s Trail) have run several line handling and junctions workshops now in the Cheshire area, but what do these workshops consist of?
These sessions look a little different to your typical pet trail session. They aren’t 2 hours long line a beginner trail session or even 3 hours long like our advanced session! They are a full day! Usually running from 10am – 4pm.
Don’t be put off though, your dog is not expected to work for all that time. This course is much more about you, the human end of the lead learning to do what you should be doing so that you aren’t the weak link in your trailing team.
We do of course allow you to have a lunch break and many coffee breaks while we chat through the theory on how to handle your line appropriately and what you should be doing at junctions so that as a team you can progress onto more complex trails, and hopefully keep progressing up our assessment levels.
Rachel from Nose to Trail enjoying a coffee with Norma and Samson two of our recent line handling attendees
We go through the mechanics of appropriately and safely using a long line so that you do not inadvertently put your pup off by yanking or checking on the lead if you suddenly need to stop them from crossing a busy road. To help with this, we even spend time practicing line handling skills away from the dogs using fences, and then also each other role playing the “dog” to master the necessary hand actions!
Rachel being the “dog” for Marilyn during a workshop
We also have a variety of different lines with us so you can test them out and find the one you are most comfortable using. This has been an unexpected highlight of the session for many attendees who find a new favourite to come away with, whether it be one of our leather long lines or a biothane line.
After going through the theory and getting used to the mechanics of line handling we then set up some mini junctions of different types (cross roads, t junctions and wide junctions to name a few) for teams to practice on before heading out and putting it into practice on a real trail.
By breaking everything down into components and getting to grips with each piece, staying calm and managing real life junctions becomes much easier.
Don’t just take our word for it either. Here’s a handful of the reviews we have had from these sessions, they speak for themselves:
Our most recent line handling attendees proudly showing off their certificates of attendance
“A great workshop run by Marilyn and Rachel sharing both principles and practicalities of line handling. all of this wrapped up with practical exercises, the ability to try different lines and a lovely cuppa coffee too. Relaxed and friendly with great instruction. Thank you!”
“Thanks for a fab day of training. Really enjoyed it and learned lots!
Lovely to meet everyone ”
“Thank you for a great day. Learned loads, let’s just see if I can put it into practice!”
“I learned so much when I did this.”
“Really enjoyed this thankyou! Feel like we have learned a lot and looking forward to putting it into practice! Lovely to meet everyone and have already ordered a new long line after realising how rubbish my current one is! ”
“This course made such a different to our trailing adventures “
“Good luck to all taking part. It truly is the best thing and will make a real difference ”
“Such a valuable day of training”
If that has swung it for you, and you would now like to take your pet trailing up a notch, then the next line handling workshop may be exactly what you need. Limited spaces available for Friday 27th September are on sale now!
Advert for Line Handling Workshop Friday 27th September
If you have any questions or would prefer to book via invoice then just email admin@thecanineschooloftrailing.co.uk