If you’ve ever watched a search and rescue dog at work and thought, “How do they even do that?!”—you’re not alone. Enter Éadaoin: dog trainer, search specialist, and absolute wizard when it comes to harnessing the sniffing superpowers of our four-legged friends. Whether it’s mantrailing, air scent work, or cadaver search, Éadaoin and her incredible dogs are on a mission (sometimes literally) to find what’s hidden, lost, or long gone.
And as mantrailing takes off in Ireland like a Border Collie after a tennis ball, we couldn’t wait to sit down with her and dig into the “whys” and “wows” of this booming sport. There is an added bonus to this; Éadaoin’s also a fan of keeping dogs dry and warm and has her own business that provides practical waterproof gear that works just as hard as they do—which, let’s face it, is key when training in Ireland’s ever-predictable sideways rain.
So grab a coffee, snuggle up with your dog, and get ready to fall nose-first into the fascinating world of scent sports!
For those who’ve never heard of it—what is mantrailing, and how is it different from other scent sports like air scenting or cadaver work?
Mantrailing, Air Scent, and Cadaver Work are three distinct disciplines within the world of Search and Rescue, each with a unique purpose, and each as impressive as the next. I like to describe them as different tools in a search and rescue toolkit. Depending on the scenario, you might use one, two, or even all three together to get the job done. In Hounds and Helis, I teach each of these disciplines as a sport. Clients can do one or all three if they choose! As each of these is rooted in search and rescue (SAR), I describe them in the SAR context.
Mantrailing is often the first tool we reach for in a missing person search. These dogs are trained to follow the unique scent trail of one specific individual. We start at a place the missing person was last seen and give the dog a scent article (something with the person’s smell on it). The dog then works on a harness and long line (sometimes up to 10 metres), leading the way while the handler follows behind.
The dog uses its nose to pick up and follow that person’s trail, ignoring all other scents, even in busy areas where hundreds of people may have walked through. That’s why Mantrailing dogs are so valuable in urban environments. They help us answer three crucial questions:
- Is there a trail?
- Where does it go?
- Where does it end?
But timing matters. A scent trail is fragile and fades over time – hours or days depending on conditions like weather. The fresher the trail, the clearer it is to the dog, which is why Mantrailing dogs are deployed as early as possible in a search.
Air Scent dogs, on the other hand, aren’t looking for one specific person. They’re trained to find anyone in a search area by detecting human scent carried on the wind. These dogs work off lead, often at great distances from their handlers, especially in large rural or woodland environments.
When an air scent dog picks up human scent in the air, they follow it to the person, then race back to the handler to signal they’ve made a find, usually with an enthusiastic bark! They’ll then lead the handler back to the person in what we call a “refind sequence.” Air scent dogs can cover vast areas quickly, making them essential for searching large outdoor spaces. They’re useful immediately after someone goes missing, and even days or weeks later, as long as you can tell them where to start searching.
Cadaver dogs are a truly specialised group. These dogs are trained to detect human remains, whether recent or long since lost. They need to be highly adaptable, able to search both on and off lead, and capable of working in all kinds of environments, from open countryside to collapsed buildings or water. They can locate remains that are buried underground, submerged in water, or hidden in complex settings.
What they do is incredibly important. Cadaver dogs can help bring closure to families by recovering loved ones, sometimes years or even decades after they’ve gone missing.
So, while each discipline is different, they all harness the dog’s incredible sense of smell to help us find what’s lost, whether that’s someone alive and in need of help, or someone sadly deceased and waiting to be found.
How did you personally get involved in scent work? What was your first “aha!” moment with a dog doing something incredible?
Honestly, I kind of fell into it! It all started when I got a dog I wasn’t remotely prepared for, her name is Roxy, and she’s now an incredible 17 and a half years old.
At the time, I just wanted a nice doggy companion to join me on weekend walks and chill on the couch. I had this image of a relaxed, easy-going dog… and then I brought home a nut case Boxer-Collie cross! Within days, I realised I was completely out of my depth. Roxy was active, physical, demanding, and relentless. I adored her, but I was also desperate to find something to tire her out so I could get a bit of peace back.
We started with obedience classes, which we both really enjoyed. That led us into the amazing world of Working Trials, where Roxy and I really found our rhythm. We travelled all over Ireland competing, and she did really well. But Working Trials only run during the winter months, since they require a lot of land. So, I started looking for ways to keep training during the rest of the year.
That’s when I came across a local Search Dog Team. They used to run pet dog obedience classes, and they were always packed with dogs, perfect for working on distractions. I’d attend with Roxy to keep up our skills, and over time, I started volunteering to hide for the search dogs during training.
Eventually, I gave Roxy a go… and that was it. I was hooked!
Within a couple of years, Roxy qualified as an operational air scent dog. And my “aha!” moment? I can’t pick just one. It was the entire concept of teaching a species that doesn’t speak our language to follow something (scent) we can’t even see… and to do it with such intensity, independence, and purpose.
Search work gave Roxy freedom but also focus. It was the perfect balance of control and trust. I’ll never forget being out in the middle of nowhere at 3am, freezing cold, fog rolling in, wind howling, and suddenly, out of the darkness, here comes Roxy, having worked hundreds of metres away, sprinting back to tell me she’s found someone.
That moment, and every one like it since, still gives me chills. That’s the magic of search work.
Mantrailing seems to be growing like crazy in Ireland right now—what do you think is driving the popularity?
It really has taken off in ways I never imagined when I started, and it’s brilliant to see!
There are probably a few different reasons behind the boom, but I think a big part of it is that pet owners today are looking for something more. Years ago, if someone went to a puppy class, it was considered unusual. Dog training was something you only did if you had a problem. But that’s changed. Training and socialisation are now the norm, and people are starting to understand that learning with your dog is an ongoing process.
More and more, owners are looking for activities that enrich their dog’s life. Things that go beyond the basics like sit, stay, and loose lead walking. They want their dogs to be dogs, to do something natural, challenging, and fun.
That’s where Mantrailing really shines.
It gives dogs the chance to use their noses, which is what they were born to do. It taps into deep instinct and gives them a job that feels meaningful. And the best part? Their people absolutely love it too! It’s incredible watching your pet dog turn into a focused, determined trailer right in front of your eyes. You start to see them not just as a cute companion, but as the brilliant hunter they are.
It’s also a fantastic way to spend time outdoors. More people are looking for ways to be active in the outdoors and the fact that they can do it with their dog by their side is a huge bonus. Mantrailing classes become more than just training sessions, they’re social occasions. We’ve built an amazing community around it, and the support and camaraderie between people is something really special.
One other important thing I’ve noticed: the majority of my Mantrailing clients are women. For many, being outdoors in the evenings, especially in winter when the evenings are dark, can feel intimidating or unsafe. But Mantrailing gives women a way to get outside with their dogs in a group setting, where they feel safe and supported, no matter the weather or the time of day. That kind of opportunity is empowering and it’s something I’m really proud to provide.
So yes, Mantrailing is growing and I think it’s because it ticks so many boxes. It’s enriching, empowering, exciting, social, and just plain fun. For both ends of the lead.
Can any dog do mantrailing, or are there specific breeds that excel?
Absolutely, any dog can do Mantrailing! From tiny Jack Russell’s to Cockapoos, Labradors, and even Bernese Mountain Dogs, I’ve seen all shapes, sizes, and ages take part and thrive. Puppies, golden oldies, everyone is welcome.
The key is motivation. Mantrailing is all about finding what your dog finds rewarding at the end of the trail. Once you know what really lights them up, whether it’s a toy, food, playing with bubbles or leaves, you can use that to build their drive and enthusiasm for the search.
That said, some breeds do tend to excel naturally, especially scent hounds like bloodhounds or beagles. But any Working breeds such as collies, German shepherds, pointers, and spaniels will take do just as well they love a job!
But truly, if your dog loves using their nose (and most do!), Mantrailing can be a brilliant and fulfilling activity. It’s less about the breed and more about building that incredible partnership between you and your dog and giving them the chance to do what they were born to do, sniff out the world.
What kind of training does it take to get started with mantrailing or air scent work? Is this something pet dog owners can try for fun?
Absolutely, teaching Mantrailing and Air Scent as a sport what Hounds and Helis is all about!
The great thing is you don’t need any previous experience to get started. No fancy obedience titles, no specialist training, just an open mind and a willingness to learn alongside your dog. In fact, one of the most exciting parts is that you’re not telling your dog what to do, you’re learning how to read them as they do what they’re naturally brilliant at: following scent.
We do include some control elements in the training, but the heart of it is using your dog’s natural drive, their love of the hunt, to shape the behaviour.
Pet dog owners not only can try it for fun, they absolutely should! It’s one of the most enriching activities you can do together. Whether you’re curious about search work, want to try something new, or are just looking for a fun, engaging outlet for your dog’s energy and brainpower, scent work is a brilliant option.
Tell us about a particularly memorable search or training session—good, funny, muddy, or emotional!
There are honestly so many to choose from. I actually left this question until the end because I struggled to pick just one.
On the operational side, the moments that stay with me most are the real finds I have had with my own dog. Like the night we located an elderly gentleman who may not have survived much longer in the cold, or recovering a man on Christmas night who had passed so we could bring them home and give their family some peace. Those moments are quiet but powerful and they remind me why we do what we do.
But professionally, what really fills me with pride is watching the progress of the teams I work with. Sometimes it’s a reactive dog whose owner started off so nervous they could barely speak and now they’re confidently trailing through busy urban environments, completely in sync. Or the pet dog team who started in a beginner class and are now a fully operational SAR team. I get such a buzz from seeing others succeed and knowing I was part of their journey.
What are the key differences between how dogs work in mantrailing vs air scenting or cadaver search?
All types of search dogs are incredible at what they do — but each one works in a very different way, and it’s so important to choose the right type of dog for the right job.
Mantrailing dogs need a known starting point. We call this the Place Last Seen. That’s where we know the missing person was. From there, the dog is given a scent article and will follow that person’s unique trail. What’s truly special about Mantrailing dogs is that they can do something no other search asset, not even drones or helicopters, can do: they can tell us which direction the person went. That information can make or break a search.
Air scent dogs don’t follow a specific scent trail. Instead, they search for any human scent in a defined area. These dogs work off-lead and cover huge areas incredibly quickly. It’s said that a single air scent dog can cover the same ground as 30 people on foot, which is huge, especially for small or stretched search teams.
Cadaver dogs are trained to detect human remains, whether recent or decades old. Their work is complex and deeply specialised. They may search on land, in rubble, underground, or even over water. Their role in helping recover missing people and bring closure to families is something truly humbling to be part of.
All three disciplines are essential — and they often work hand in hand during real-life search missions. The Mantrailing dog might tell you where someone went, the air scent dog can help find them if they’re still in the area, and the cadaver dog is there if the circumstances change.
In Hounds and Helis, I’m passionate about bringing a small bit of this world to pet dog owners.
I train operational dogs, and that experience shapes how I work with pet dogs and their people. It’s not just about giving owners a unique window into how real-life search dogs work, its about allowing your dog to be more dog. To hunt, to lead, to find to do what they what dogs were meant to do.
Your dogs must spend hours in all kinds of Irish weather—how important is good gear, and what do you look for in waterproof kit for working dogs?
Oh, it’s absolutely essential. When you’re training or working in Ireland, you learn very quickly that the weather is going to do its own thing… sideways rain, mist, mud, wind, and maybe even sunshine (if you’re lucky!). If your dog gear can’t handle that, you’re going to have a miserable time, and so is your dog.
For me, good gear isn’t about looking flashy. It’s about function. I need leads and lines that won’t absorb water or become heavy and slippery in the rain. I need collars and leads that are tough, easy to clean, and comfortable for the dog no matter how long we’re out. It has to hold up to hard use, week after week, in every kind of terrain.
That’s actually how my second business, Hounds & Gear, came about. I started making waterproof dog gear because I couldn’t find anything that met the standards I needed for real-world search work gear that was durable, easy to maintain, and still looked great.
Now I design and make waterproof Biothane leads, collars, and long lines for all kinds of dogs — not just working dogs. Whether you’re training, hiking, trailing, or just walking in your local park, having reliable kit makes all the difference. As we say in Hounds and Helis, there’s no such thing as bad weather… just bad gear!
What advice would you give to someone who’s curious about scent work but doesn’t know where to start?
First off, go for it! Scent work is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your dog. It builds connection, confidence, and gives both you and your dog a completely new way to see the world together.
But my biggest piece of advice? Find an instructor who truly knows what they’re doing.
Mantrailing is both an art and a science. It takes years of hands-on experience — before you can even think about instructing. An instructor needs years of actively working their own dogs to understand how scent behaves, how dogs process it, how to interpret the information the dog is giving and how to apply this across breeds, ages, personality types etc.
With Mantrailing growing rapidly across Ireland (which is fantastic to see!), there’s also a rise in instructors offering courses with little practical experience. Even more concerning, some are mixing Mantrailing and tracking as if they’re the same, and they’re not.
They might look similar from the outside, but Mantrailing and tracking are very different disciplines.
- Mantrailing gives the dog freedom — it’s driven by the dog’s natural hunting instinct and allows them to follow scent where it actually is. The handler’s role is to read the dog’s body language and work with them as a team.
- Tracking, by contrast, is much more obedience based. The dog follows a precise path, often step by step, and the handler focuses on maintaining that line rather than reading the dog’s communication. It’s more restrictive and doesn’t offer the same working partnership dynamic that trailing does.
If you’re serious about trying Mantrailing, make sure you’re learning pure Mantrailing, not a blend that loses the value of both approaches.
If you’re unsure where to begin, feel free to drop me a DM or an email. I’m always happy to point people in the right direction — whether that’s one of my own beginners’ workshops or a trusted instructor in your area.
Last one—what’s the most surprising thing people don’t know about scent dogs or working with them?
Working Dogs Can Be Pet Dogs Too!
One of the biggest surprises for people is that their pet dog can do it too! You don’t need a specialist breed or high-level training background. You just need to tap into their natural ability and watch the magic happen.
One Last Sniff…
Huge thanks to Éadaoin for taking time out from the trails, forests, and fields to share her scent-savvy insights. Whether you’re looking to dip a paw into mantrailing for fun or you’re curious about how search and rescue dogs are trained, there’s no denying the magic of the canine nose.
And remember: when the weather gets wild (which, let’s face it, is always), the right waterproof gear keeps your dog focused and your car a lot less muddy. Follow Éadaoin’s adventures, check out her SAR dog ports waterproof gear try your first trail, and let your dog do what they were born to do—follow their nose!