Mantrailing = Search and Rescue

Mantrailing is composed of the two English words "man" and "to trail." However, the term "person search" has become established as a translation in recent years.

In mantrailing, dogs follow the individual scent trail of a person they have previously identified by picking up a scent sample. During mantrailing, the dog is connected to its handler by a long line.

As early as the 7th century, the term "trailer" was used to describe the professional hunter who tracked and drove packs of game: Saint Hubertus himself hunted with special trailers; the most famous ancestor of this pack breed is the Bloodhound (Chien de Saint-Hubert). Later, mantrailers were used to track escaped prisoners/criminals and, in the USA, to track escaped slaves. Mantrailers are primarily used in police work in the USA, but for several years now, special mantrailers have also been trained for police work in Germany. Furthermore, mantrailing has been gaining ground in search and rescue dog work for some years, where mantrailers and area search dogs complement each other effectively, as the trailers can also be used in urban environments, while the area search dogs are particularly adept at covering large areas (forests, fields) in a short time.

For Bracco Italiano dogs, mantrailing is a wonderful way to provide species-appropriate exercise, even if they are not used for hunting. Generally speaking, mantrailing is suitable for any dog. It strengthens the bond and cooperation between dog and handler, boosts the confidence of insecure dogs, and helps owners learn to trust their dogs.

Because mantrailing dogs must make their own decisions and assert them against their handler, it can sometimes be difficult to work with dogs that are highly obedience-oriented or participate in corresponding dog sports. Furthermore, dogs that cause problems due to their independence should generally not be used for trailing until the problem behavior has been addressed.

What equipment is required? The equipment is manageable: the dog needs a well-fitting harness for the search, as well as a collar, and you also need a long line (5-7m), and possibly gloves for dogs with a very strong pull.

Mantrailing is a fascinating hobby, but also a time-consuming one. However, when you and your dog bond and trailing becomes a dance on the leash, it's simply wonderful and makes all the effort worthwhile.

For a Bracco that isn't used for hunting, this is a very good opportunity to satisfy its hunting instinct. Not on birds or other game, but on people hiding.

In recent years, mantrailing has become increasingly popular, so that it is offered in almost every region.