What Is Trailing?
Trailing is the art and science of harnessing your dog’s natural scenting ability to follow a specific trail – human or animal. Trailing taps into your dog’s instincts — giving them purpose, freedom and fulfilment while deepening the connection between you.
At The Canine School of Trailing, we use ethical, reward-based techniques to teach dogs how to locate hidden people and animals using scent alone. It’s fun, accessible and empowering — for both dogs and their handlers. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, meet like-minded people or simply give your dog a job they love, trailing offers something truly special.
Trailing is also a game-changer for dogs with behavioural quirks. Sessions are tailored to each individual dog, with one dog working at a time, making it ideal for dogs who are reactive, anxious or overwhelmed in traditional group settings. By allowing dogs to work calmly and independently, trailing builds focus, confidence and resilience — without pressure or conflict.
Our training is suitable for all breeds, ages and experience levels — and it’s more than just a hobby. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle and, for many, a powerful path to personal and professional growth.
Meet some of the amazing dogs who have trailed with us and see the incredible changes it has made to their lives.
Case Study:
Peanut – Proof You’re Never Too Old to Trail
Peanut, a spirited Staffy cross, was 14 years old when she first discovered trailing — and she never looked back. From her very first session, she was a firm favourite with everyone she met. Peanut took to the game immediately, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to scentwork.
At first, she had a few classic senior moments — pausing mid-trail to stare off into the distance, before snapping back to attention and continuing like nothing had happened. But something remarkable happened the more she trailed: those moments became fewer and farther between. Her focus improved not only on the trail, but at home too.
Peanut especially loved trailing through town centres, confidently weaving through crowds and navigating with purpose but always with time to stop and get a fuss on the way! She developed her own unique style — including a habit of body-blocking her handler, Kirsty, if she tried to suggest a direction Peanut didn’t agree with!
Sadly, Peanut passed away in 2024, but she’s remembered with huge affection by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through her younger brother Derek, who’s now taken up trailing himself — adding his own flair, sass and sense of fun to every session.
Kirsty says “As Peanut was in a multi pet home it was nice to do something just me and her, our little time together away from the world where we could just enjoy each others company and “play a game”.
Peanut’s story is a powerful reminder that older dogs still have so much to give. Trailing offers a safe, low-impact way to keep their minds sharp, their confidence high and their sense of adventure very much alive.
Got a golden oldie at home? Let them show you what they’re still capable of — one scent trail at a time.
Case Study:
Indy – Finding Calm, Confidence and Connection
Indy is a clever, sensitive soul who sometimes finds the world a little too much. When she feels overwhelmed, she can be reactive towards other dogs and people — which can make life a challenge for her handler, Emma.
But then they found trailing.
From the very first session, things began to change. Trailing gave Indy a purpose and a focus, and gave Emma a way to support her without pressure or conflict. Working one at a time, with plenty of space and understanding, Indy could relax, sniff and learn at her own pace.
Even more powerful was what it gave to Emma — a safe, non-judgemental community of people who simply get it.
As Indy’s confidence has grown, so has their bond. She’s learning that people, dogs and new environments aren’t always scary — and Emma is learning just how much her dog is capable of. Team Indy are now planning their very first trail camp — something they’d never have thought possible before.
Emma shares “I brought Indy home when she was 16 months old, already reactive and ‘too much’ for her previous owners. Without trailing I’m not sure realistically how long Indy and I could have been together. But this has given us a hobby, a goal and some common ground and we use this as a springboard to develop the rest of our relationship “
Trailing is a game changer for anxious dogs, reactive dogs and the humans who love them. It’s not about obedience or control — it’s about communication, trust and building something together, step by step and sniff by sniff.
If your dog struggles in group environments, or the world feels too loud for them — trailing could be the lifeline you’ve been looking for.
Case Study:
Team Ben – Proving That Any Dog Can Trail
Ben, a stylish and spirited poodle, might not be what most people picture when they think of a search and rescue dog — but that hasn’t stopped him becoming one of our most qualified and successful trailing dogs.
Together with his human, Bob, Team Ben has shown that it’s not about breed or background — it’s about partnership, persistence and play. From their very first session, Ben threw himself into the game with enthusiasm, proving that trailing is for every dog.
But the impact hasn’t stopped at the end of the lead.
As Ben learned to follow trails, he also learned to navigate his wider world. The confidence he’s gained has helped him face things he used to find worrying or unfamiliar, and he’s developed a greater sense of autonomy in everyday life. He’s not just sniffing out hidden people — he’s sniffing out his own courage.
And for Bob, the journey has been just as rewarding. As he’s learned to read Ben’s body language on the trail, their connection has deepened. That trust now flows into every part of their daily routine, creating a calmer, clearer relationship that works for both of them.
“The best decision we’ve made with Ben is to get involved with Trailing. His confidence has grown exponentially – and it’s great fun too!”
Ben’s story is proof that any dog — any breed, any age — can trail. And the benefits? They don’t end with a successful find. Trailing builds communication, resilience and trust — and opens up a whole new way of seeing the world, together.
Think your dog wouldn’t be suited to trailing? Think again. Let them surprise you.
Whether you want to find a trusted trainer near you:
Or set off on your own adventure with our Teach Yourself Trailing short course, the journey starts here. And if you’re ready to take things further and teach trailing, our Instructor Course is the perfect next step.