Kevin Pirtle is an INBTI (International Bloodhound Training Institute) Mantrailing Instructor and assessor). Kevin is an active operational Mantrailing Dog Handler with his local Search and Rescue team as well as a professional firefighter and paramedic.
Kevin is set to return for his third Sports Mantrailing Seminar in Ireland after his hugely successful 2023 & 2024 Sports Seminar. This is a great opportunity to get to know The Kocher Method first hand! The Kocher Method is used internationally for Mantrailing SAR dogs.
What is Sport Mantrailing
Sports mantrailing is primarily a recreational or competitive activity. It is a hobby or sport, similar to activities like dog agility or obedience trials. The primary goal is to enjoy the process of training and working with your dog to follow a specific scent trail and locate a hidden person.
In the Sports Mantrailing Seminar, the emphasis is on training dogs and handlers to work effectively together in a controlled and safe environment. The training may include scent discrimination exercises and the development of search techniques, but will be less intense and specialized compared to SAR Mantrailing Seminar.
The main objective of the Sports Mantrailing Seminar is to have fun, strengthen the bond between the dog and handler, and up the skills of handler and dog. It is not used for or will prepare you and your dog for search and rescue missions.
Handlers should be available the evening before the seminar start day for a 'meet and greet' with Kevin and Rosali. This will be a great opportunity for you to tell Kevin about your dog and what you would like to achieve over the two days. The two days of the seminar focus on practical skills, so it is important to meet Kevin the evening before to ask questions and for him to get to know you, your dogs mantrailing abilities and any specific goals you have.
Note: this seminar will be active and physically demanding. You do not need to be super fit but this is an outdoor activity. You will be pushed outside your comfort zone over the two days. Your dogs and your abilities will be tested.
Important Note for Reactive Dogs:
While reactive dogs are welcome, please consider whether these seminars are suitable for your dog. Due to the nature of the event (fast paced, number of participants, urban mantrailing amongst the public), we cannot adjust the set up of the seminar to accomodate individual dogs needs. Dogs with a bite history are not permitted at the seminar. Restricted dogs breeds will most likely need to be muzzled as per government and insurance guidelines. As always if you need any advice on muzzle training just let us know.
