When I decided that I needed a German Shepherd in my life, I knew I would need to provide suitable and meaningful outlets for drive and biological fulfilment.

Along came Erma. From 8 weeks of age we were training basic obedience and have explored a range of different sports.

I stumbled across Mantrailing when a friend shared a photo of Jeff Schettler’s book “Two Weeks to Operational Tracking”. I bought a copy of the book, and was instantly hooked on the concept. Then the experimenting with Erma began.

Fast forward to now, many more books have been read, workshops attended, many trails completed (successful and unsuccessful - the unsuccessful ones are the best learning moments) and certifications earnt.

I believe Mantrailing taps into the K9’s fundamental desire to hunt and in my opinion provides unmatched biological fulfilment.

Education:

Accredited Mantrailing Global Instructor & Assessor Canine First Aid Workshop with Dr Michelle Rassool Level One Handler (Soft Surface) by Summerland Dog Training GAK9 Trailing Workshop by Ascension Canine Training Urban Track/ Trail Workshop by Summerland Dog Training Motivate, Communicate, Coach 2 day Seminar by Pat Stuart Canine Aggression & Nutrition 2 day Seminar by Glenn and Narelle Cooke Canine Nutrition & Conditioning Seminar by Daniel Rose Dogs & Deadlifts Pet Dog Training & Behaviour Modification 2 day Seminar by Alex Edwards Refine Your Canine Canine Cognition by Cameron Ford (Ford K9) Leash Aggression and Socialisation 2 day Seminar by Pro Dog Training

Photo by O&J Wikner Photography

Diane has worked previously in the Retail pet industry and has been involved in the Pet care industry for the past 18 months.

Throughout this time, she has seen and felt something was missing on the Sunshine Coast for dogs and their owners. After witnessing the enjoyment Erma gets after a successful trail, the missing piece was clear and that was a dog sport that both the dog and owner got equal amounts of enjoyment and fulfilment out of.

Diane is our resident track layer and loves nothing more than seeing first hand the excitement on the dog’s face when finding her.

Education:

Canine First Aid Workshop with Dr Michelle Rassool

Erma is our 4 year old German Shepherd.

She has thrown us into the world of dog training and dog sports.

Erma can be a bit unsure of new people, but once she has found you at the end of a trail, you become her new best friend.

Mantrailing has been a great sport for Erma as it has helped her interact and given her many positive experiences with new people.

Erma’s Achievements:

Field Handler Level 1 Certification under the GAK9 Trailing Programme

Field Specialist Level 2 Certification under the GAK9 Trailing Programme

Suburban Trailer Level 1 under the Manhunt K9 Trailing Programme

Forest Trailer Level 1 under the Manhunt K9 Trailing Programme

Level One Soft Surface Track Trail Certification under the Summerland Dog Training Track Trail Programme

ACSW K9 Nose Work ORT Title and an ACSW Level 1 Exterior Title