About Us
About
Welcome to The Canine School of Trailing!
The Canine School of Trailing is a specialist training organisation dedicated to making ethical, accessible and effective trailing education available to dog professionals worldwide. We teach both pet trailing and mantrailing, equipping instructors and passionate dog people with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to integrate this powerful form of scent work into their own work.
Founded by Marilyn Gilchrist and Rachel Rodgers, The Canine School of Trailing brings together extensive experience in canine training and behaviour to create a supportive, professional learning environment where both dogs and handlers can thrive.
Our mission is not simply to teach trailing, but to raise standards across the industry by promoting science-led, welfare-focused and force-free training practices. We believe trailing has the power to transform relationships between dogs and their handlers, providing meaningful enrichment, building confidence, improving communication and supporting emotional wellbeing.
- Promoting ethical, evidence-based training practices
- Prioritising canine welfare and emotional wellbeing
- Making high-quality instructor education accessible and transparent
- Supporting instructors to build sustainable, rewarding businesses
- Encouraging continued professional development and collaboration
Above all, we are building a global community of skilled instructors who share a commitment to welfare, education and ethical dog training, because at its heart, trailing is about allowing dogs to do what they do best: follow their noses, with purpose and partnership.
Rachel Rodgers
Rachel holds a Master of Science in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare and is an accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist registered with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). She is also a registered Dog Trainer with the Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) and ABTC.
Rachel specialises in assisting Small dogs to overcome behavioural challenges by incorporating scent work techniques such as pet trailing and mantrailing. She has been trailing with her own dog, Rico, for over five years and recently added new pup Pebbles to her family.
Marilyn Gilchrist
Marilyn Gilchrist has pursued extensive education in dog behaviour and training, earning qualifications from a number of institutions including PACT and is a registered Animal Training Instructor through the ABTC.
She has a profound passion for trailing which started in 2017 with her rescue dog Lola! Now trailing her Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Scout (who has attained Expert Level status) and Spicy Dachshund Jem, Marilyn has seen first hand the benefits trailing can bring to a dog’s wellbeing.
Our Commitment to Ethical Practice
At The Canine School of Trailing, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, welfare and ethical practice across our community. Our Code of Conduct outlines the expectations we hold for all affiliated and student instructors, ensuring that every client, dog and trail team is supported with integrity, respect and compassion. Grounded in science-led, non-punitive training principles, this code reflects our dedication to dog welfare, ongoing professional development and responsible practice. It provides a clear framework that safeguards both our clients and instructors, while upholding the values that define The Canine School of Trailing.
The Canine School of Trailing Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct sets out the professional standards, conduct and training
practices to which all The Canine School of Trailing Affiliated Instructors and Student
Instructors agree to adhere.
Affiliated Instructors and Student Instructors are expected:
• To act with honesty, integrity and professionalism at all times and to treat
clients, colleagues and members of the public fairly, respectfully and without
discrimination.
• To make the welfare of dogs and all animals involved their primary
consideration in all professional activities.
• Not to unfairly solicit clients or business opportunities to the detriment of other
affiliated instructors within The Canine School of Trailing.
• To work in the best interests of the individual trail team while maintaining
appropriate standards of safety, welfare and professionalism.
• To use science-led, compassionate and non-punitive training methods.
• Not to use or promote aversive, coercive or punishment-based training
methods, equipment or techniques, including but not limited to electric shock
collars, anti-bark collars, prong collars, choke collars or similar devices.
• To take every reasonable precaution to minimise the risk of injury, distress or
aggression to dogs, handlers, members of the public and other animals during
training and trailing activities.
• To maintain and develop an appropriate understanding of dog behaviour,
learning theory and welfare.
• To maintain and develop effective communication, coaching and teaching
skills appropriate to working with clients and trail teams.
• To work within the limits of their own knowledge, competence and experience,
and to refer cases appropriately to higher-level TCSOT instructors, veterinary
professionals or other suitably qualified professionals where required.
• To maintain appropriate client confidentiality and handle records and personal
data in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.
• To maintain appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance
relevant to their professional activities.
• To conduct themselves professionally and in a manner which does not bring
The Canine School of Trailing, affiliated instructors, or the wider animal
training profession into disrepute.
• To respond to complaints, concerns and professional feedback respectfully,
appropriately and in a timely manner.
• To maintain and develop relevant professional knowledge and skills through
ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).