K9 Trailing & Training

About K9 Trailing & Training

A police dog is trailing with their handler behind them.

Our Mission

At K9 Trailing and Training, we believe that trailing is more than just following a scent—it’s about building a partnership between you and your dog. Our goal is to bridge the gap between professional search and rescue practices and the dog sport community, giving handlers the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive!

The best part? Your dog already knows what to do. We’re here to help you understand the process, so you can become the teammate your dog needs on the trail.

Why does this matter? Because the benefits go far beyond the trail. You’ll develop a bond with your dog like never before. You’ll learn to communicate through the long line, understand your dog’s body language, and know when to support them. Together, you and your dog will build confidence, sharpen problem-solving skills, and grow trust.

As an added bonus, your dog will discover the pure joy of trailing. Motivation fuels focus, and with focus comes lasting benefits - like reduced reactivity, calmer behaviour, and a stronger connection with you.

👉 Is your dog nervous, unsure or reactive? Let’s work together to turn that fear into confidence. Reach out today—we’d love to be part of your journey! Trailing training is for ALL DOGS!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@k9trailing.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Who are we?

We are your mentors.

We are a group of dedicated, enthusiastic students of trailing. Unlike any other training group, we practice with, and learn directly from experienced trailing professionals—we never stop learning ourselves.

Trailing is not a “one and done” sport. It takes countless hours, over many years, to develop true skill and understanding. That’s why we don’t rely on a weekend or week-long instructor course to qualify us to teach. We live it. We trail consistently. We do not stop.

We are trailers.

Every team is unique, and we train each one accordingly. We train the dog in front of us. We don’t mix disciplines. We don’t rely on crutches. We don’t hold you back to keep you coming back.

There is a difference in the way we trail—and we invite you to experience it for yourself.

What is trailing?

Trailing, or mantrailing, lets dogs use their amazing noses to find people. Starting with a scent item, like a shirt, they follow that person’s unique smell—whether it lingers in the air, rests on the ground, or clings to trees and buildings—until they locate them. Unlike tracking, trailing gives the dog the freedom to follow the scent wherever it leads.

How does a dog do this?

Through training, dogs discover how to follow scent wherever it hides—carried on the breeze, imprinted on the ground, or clinging to trees and buildings. With practice, they grow more confident and precise with every search.

Why trail?

Trailing isn’t just training—it’s teamwork. It builds your dog’s confidence and independence while giving you community, connection, and the joy of watching them succeed.