What to expect at the Mantrailing for Wellbeing Weekend in West Cornwall
If you spend much time with dogs, you already know how much joy they get from simply putting their nose to the ground. Scent is how dogs explore, process, and make sense of their world.
On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026, Kernow Mantrailing is hosting a special two-day Mantrailing for Wellbeing Weekend here in West Cornwall.
It’s a practical, outdoor experience that combines the sport of mantrailing with the five recognised elements of mental wellbeing. The idea is simple – to create an environment where you and your dog can just be yourselves, do what comes naturally, and enjoy spending time together in nature.
What happens over the weekend?
Mantrailing is a non-competitive activity where dogs learn to track a specific person using their scent. Over the course of two days, you’ll work directly as a team – your dog follows their nose, and you learn how to read their body language on the line.
To help tie the physical activity back to your own wellbeing, the weekend includes short, guided reflections. These brief check-ins give you a moment to pause, process what you and your dog are experiencing on the trail and bring a bit of mindfulness to the day.
Across the two days, you will:
- Work in partnership with your dog to solve real scent puzzles together.
- Learn about mantrailing and why scent work is so effective for calming a dog’s mind.
- Be outdoors and physically active in the West Cornwall landscape.
- Have space to reflect and grow in a low-pressure setting.
- Contribute to and benefit from a supportive group environment.
- Have fun!
Hands on dog massage with Stage 1 Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy
Alongside the trailing, we are joined over the weekend by Stage 1 Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy.
They will be giving a practical talk on dog health and physical maintenance, followed by a hands on session where you can practice massage techniques on your own dog. It’s a lovely, practical skill to take home, perfect for helping your dog unwind and soothe their muscles after a morning on the trail.
Tying it back to mental wellbeing
Mantrailing naturally touches on all five pillars of mental health, without feeling forced or overly structured:
- Connect – You build trust with your dog by letting them take the lead, while sharing the experience with a small group of like-minded owners.
- Be Active – Moving outdoors across varied terrain keeps both you and your dog active at a gentle, natural pace.
- Take Notice – Scent work forces you to focus entirely on the present -watching your dog’s tail movement, the wind direction, and the environment around you.
- Keep Learning – You’ll pick up practical handling skills, learn to read scent lines, and practice canine massage.
- Give – All participants support each other and turns acting as the “missing person” for other dogs, giving them the reward of a successful find.
Is This Right for You and Your Dog?
Mantrailing is one of the most inclusive dog sports around. Dogs work one at a time on a long line while other dogs rest comfortably in vehicles between runs. Because there is no direct dog-to-dog interaction on the trail, it is ideal for:
- Shy, nervous, or reactive dogs who need extra space.
- High-energy dogs who benefit from deep mental stimulation.
- Owners who want a quiet, supportive space to try something new outdoors.
Event Summary
- Event: Mantrailing for Wellbeing Weekend
- Host: Kernow Mantrailing
- Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
- Location: West Cornwall (exact venue details provided upon booking)
- Includes: Guided mantrailing sessions, structured wellbeing reflections, and the interactive massage workshop with Stage 1 Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy.
For more information or to book a place for you and your dog, check out the event details click on the website link on the Sorted Pets directory.
