This course is designed to give you everything you need to become a confident, knowledgeable trailing instructor. We’ll cover scent theory, trail design, dog behaviour and body language, teaching methods, problem solving, and much more. Alongside the technical trailing side, you’ll also gain business and coaching skills so you can confidently run your own classes and support your clients. This isn’t a bums on sets course and it is mainly practical based to help you learn multiple ways to teach the sport.

The course runs over 10 days split into two blocks. Each block combines classroom theory, hands-on trailing, coaching practice, and business sessions. Expect a mix of learning styles so you’re not just listening, but also doing and reflecting. You’ll leave each block with practical skills you can immediately put into action. We’ll be working new dogs and experienced dogs to the sport, and practicing on hand picked students to help you learn how to teach a variety of people.

You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to have some mantrailing or tracking experience and a solid background working with dogs. You need to have completed courses in dog training or be actively dog training to be eligible for the course. The course is for people who want to teach others — so a passion for trailing and a willingness to learn are essential.

Not necessarily. If you’re already working in dogs — perhaps in behaviour, scentwork, or other training fields — and you’re keen to teach trailing, you’re welcome to apply. The application process ensures we bring in people who are the right fit and you are going to get the most from the course.

You’ll need to complete the application form on our website. Once submitted, I’ll be in touch to arrange a friendly interview where we can chat about your goals, background, and whether this course is the right step for you.

Yes — I take on instructors who I believe are ready and suitable for the course. This helps maintain the high quality of our instructor community. If I feel it’s not the right time for you, I’ll let you know honestly. I also won’t be taking existing mantrailing instructors on this course, I provide train the trainer days for you to upskill with.

The course is hosted at Mid Wales Holidays, Llandinam — a beautiful private location with plenty of varied trailing environments, indoor areas for social time and accommodation on site. We will also be trailing in the main town of New Town during the course to get real life skills.

Accommodation isn’t automatically included, but on-site options are available when you book please just ask in the call, there is a cottage on site, small caravan and you can camp also. You can absolutely bring your dog — in fact, you’ll need them with you for the training but if you can’t travel your dog then there are plenty to borrow.

Yes! Lunch, dinner, hot drinks, and cake are all included in the course fee. You will need to arrange your own breakfast but the rest I’ll take care of.

Bring your dog, their usual training equipment, and anything that helps you feel comfortable for long training days. All weather gear, it is Wales after all. I’ll provide the course guide and note pads, as well as some other goodies. I’ll send out a full kit list before the course so you feel well-prepared.

The full course fee is £2,100. This includes all 10 days of training, meals, business and social media workshops, professional mentoring, and lots of extras.

Yes, instalment plans are available, though please note a small admin fee of £50 applies. These can be spread over a time to suit you depending on which course you are on.

The only extra is if you choose to book on-site accommodation. Everything else — from meals to mentoring — is already included.

Yes — that’s the goal! By the end of the course, you’ll be confident running your own trailing sessions. Plus, you’ll have mentoring support afterwards if you need guidance as you get started. You’ll be supported to start a group of students off after the first five days so you can start earning and learning.

You’ll receive 1:1 mentoring with me during the course, and two months of free mentoring afterwards. You’ll also meet other canine business professionals Georgia from Evergreen Paws Collective and Colette from Pro Dog Solutions. You’ll also get access to our VIP Instructor Membership where you can continue learning and connecting with other instructors. There will always be access to the group you started with and learned with to support each other.

Yes — once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be added to our Instructor Map and promoted as part of the Trailing K9s community.

Attendance at all 10 days is required to pass the course. If you can’t commit to both blocks, it’s best to wait for the next intake.

Spaces are limited — to just six people. I keep groups small so that everyone gets personal attention, mentoring, and plenty of hands-on experience. I will be teaching the course but will also have other canine professionals helping me along the way.

Yes — absolutely! We welcome international students. Just be aware that the course is taught in English and takes place in the UK, so you’ll need to arrange travel and accommodation.

You will be titled as a Trailing K9s Trailing Instructor, and become part of the VIP members of the Trailing K9 Academy.