Next Step K9 Mantrailling
Welcome to the Heart of Oklahoma Mantrailing with Next Step K9 Center! Playing the Ultimate Game of Hide & Seek! You can run.. You can’t hide!
What Is Mantrailing?
Mantrailing is the exciting and deeply rewarding sport of training dogs to follow the unique scent trail of a specific person. Unlike general tracking, Mantrailing focuses on a dog’s natural ability to discriminate between individual human scents—using their powerful nose to follow a single person’s trail through a variety of environments.
This is the same method used by professional search and rescue teams around the world, but in the dog sport world, it’s a fantastic way to build confidence, teamwork, and focus—while tapping into your dog’s most natural instinct: using their nose.

Who Can Participate?
One of the best things about Mantrailing is that any dog can do it. From puppies to seniors, high-drive working breeds to couch potatoes, Mantrailing is accessible, low-impact, and endlessly enriching. It builds communication and connection between you and your dog in a way that traditional obedience can’t.
There’s no prior experience required—just a dog, a harness, and a sense of adventure!

Why Try Mantrailing?
- It’s fun and fulfilling for both ends of the leash!
- Strengthens the bond between you and your dog
- Builds confidence in shy, reactive, or anxious dogs
- Provides mental and physical stimulation
- Offers an outlet for working breeds or high-energy dogs
- Allows your dog to “be a dog” in a safe, structured way
In order to trail with us, you will have to complete the 3 hour Intro class with a Certified or Accredited Instructor. To learn more about Mantrailing visit https://www.mantrailingglobal.com .
We are an Accredited Mantrailing Global Instructor and often work with ManTrailing North Texas and Lotus K9 Mantrailing for assessments and workshops.
Updates on trailing locations will be posted on Next Step K9 Centers Facebook page or our Heart of Oklahoma FB Group.










Mantrailing FAQ
While both use scent work, Mantrailing focuses on following the individual scent of a specific person through various environments (urban, rural, etc.). Tracking generally follows ground disturbance, such as footprints or crushed vegetation. Mantrailing dogs work with their nose in the air, trailing scent particles left behind by a person rather than a visible path.
Not at all! Mantrailing is beginner-friendly and does not require any obedience background. Your dog will learn the game step by step—and often excels by simply being allowed to follow their nose.
Yes! Mantrailing can be incredibly beneficial for reactive, anxious, or under-confident dogs. Dogs work one at a time in controlled setups, which gives them space and confidence to succeed. It’s a fantastic outlet for dogs who struggle in traditional group classes.
Dogs can begin Mantrailing as early as 4–5 months old, and there’s no upper age limit as long as your dog is physically able to work safely. It’s low-impact, so it’s great for seniors too!
To begin, you’ll need:
- A well-fitted harness (non-restrictive)
- A long line (5–10 meters recommended)
- Lots of high-value treats or your dog’s favorite toy
Everything else is provided in class—including support, guidance, and encouragement!
Both! Most people start Mantrailing recreationally, but there are evaluation levels and progressions through organizations like Mantrailing Global if you want to test your skills. Whether you’re looking for enrichment or structure, there’s room to grow.

Accredited Mantrailing Instructor
