Mantrailing Bloodhound History

Bloodhound History

My Sammy 1 yr old Bloodhound Mantrailer
all rights reserved Amber Higgins

Not long ago, the bloodhound was the only breed in the USA that was a Mantrailing dog. Which is a trailing type of hunting dog that is used for find living human beings who are on the move and not animals.

A Mantrailing dog follows the person's scent as the person moves and leaves a trail of scent. The dogs will go anywhere the person or scent has gone until the end of the trail or they find the person. Many times the person may no longer be living but the bloodhound will find the body because of the scent trail the person created. If a recently deceased body is moved the bloodhound will continue to follow the scent.

Other breeds are and were known as tracking dogs. And, the bloodhound was the only breed of dog that was allowed to be used to prove a person’s identity in a court of law.

Photo by A. Higgins all rights reserved

The phrase Mantrailing was first used by bloodhound handlers because the breed was used to trail people. Over time training standards and methods developed to be used to train newcomers how-to handle the breed. In the past, the breed was rarely only a pet and not long ago there were not many breeders across the USA, we as breeders either worked to find missing persons or to preserve the breed in the show ring. The breed was then considered a rare breed.

Here in America, the breed was first used to find runaway criminals and yes, runaway slaves back when the breed came with our founding fathers to build the USA. When Search and Rescue became an organized volunteer effort, the bloodhound and other breeds were used as search dogs.

Today in the USA, the incredible nose and stamina of the bloodhound continues to be used for “Mantrailing” with police and trained volunteer Search and Rescue teams.

In the last decade the breed has become more popular as a pet, although they are difficult to train in obedience and manners, and often are called stubborn because of the determination that has been bred into the breed to continue on a trail to find a missing person.

They really are not stubborn but very willing to please when they are not following their nose which they often do constantly because a good mantrailing dog is bred to do just that.

Photo A. Higgins-all rights reserved

Pictured above is my bloodhound Gus who I rescued last year after him and brother Sam were abandoned during very cold weather. They are young and still growing in these pictures

The bloodhound will follow a scent off a high mountain rock wall, up a train track even with a train coming at them because they are so focused on the scent its as if they are wearing blinders blocking out the surroundings.

The breed gets lost easily which is rather ironic because they find person but will get lost themselves. For this reason it’s always recommended to keep them leashed because once they find a scent they like to follow, away they go and many do not back track and find their way home. They will run for miles and finally when they stop they do not know where they are.

The name bloodhound is often thought to be given to the breed because they track or follow a blood trail. This is not true. The dogs are actually named a bloodhound because they were one of the first breeds of dogs that had a pedigree, Therefore it was a blue blooded hound or purebred.

The bloodhound was originally bred in a monastery in Belgium for over 700 years and the monks kept a pedigree of the dogs they bred, those dogs were called Saint Herbert Hounds. Back then the dogs were solid white. 

When explorers and travelers found the monastery, the monks would often give a pair of hounds to the travelers to take back to their own countries.

Consequently, the white hounds were considered quite sacred coming from the monks. When the dogs arrived in the other countries they were bred with local hounds and they lost their white coats. Slowly over time the breed became black and tans, liver and red in color. They also became known as the Bloodhound because they were a pure blooded hound.

If you would like to learn more about mantrailing, have a look at my books on the book page, I hope you enjoyed this post.

Happy trails to you in the new year, 

Amber Higgins

Founder and author of Family Disaster Dogs

 

Tips to Giving Your Shih Tzu Dog a Happy Grooming Experience

Shih tzus are not only known for their affection and elegance but also for their long and soft coat. To maintain its softness and shine, pet owners take their dogs for grooming. While you can buy a dog comb from the pet store and brush your shih tzu’s coat, a trip to the dog grooming salon is important to ensure the ears are cleaned and the coat is trimmed properly. However, being handled by a stranger and the sound of the razor can be stressful to your dog. Here are some tips to make your dog’s grooming experience a happy one:

 

1. Choose the groomer carefully.

Do not take your shih tzu to just any grooming salon just because it is near your place or its services are cheaper. It’s important to evaluate the groomer first before leaving your dog in his or her care. Go for one who is a dog lover as well. You can easily spot this by the way he or she treats and handles your pet, say, while trimming the nails or cleaning the ears. As a pet owner, you can sense if the other person loves animals and you can use your instincts to do this. The salon should also be clean and have a pleasant smell. You can also ask for recommendations from people you know which also have dogs.

2. Let your shih tzu get used to going to the grooming salon.

You might want to first take your dog to the groomer you have chosen without really having your shih tzu groomed yet. Just bring your dog to the pet salon and let him or her get be familiar with the environment. You can also give your pet treats so your shih tzu will associate the place with receiving treats and being happy.

3. Choose a grooming salon with glass dividers. 

Your shih tzu can be stressed due to separation anxiety. You can prevent this by making your pet feel secure while being bathed. Choose a salon designed in such as way that you can see what’s happening inside, preferably one with glass walls so your shih tzu will know you are just there watching. Moreover, you will also know if the groomer really knows what he or she is doing and that your dog is not mishandled.

4. Groom your pet at home.

Even for our pets, there is no place like home. If there is a grooming salon that provides home service, this is the best grooming decision for your shih tzu. Dogs are aware of their surroundings and the home is the safest place they feel more comfortable and safe.

By taking these things in consideration, you can make your shih tzu’s grooming experience a pleasant one.

Safe Play: Top Tips For Dog Owners

We all know that dogs love to play. While encouraging exercise is crucial for optimum health, there are risks to be wary of. If you’ve recently become a dog owner for the first time, or you’re eager to ensure your pet pooch plays safe, here are some top tips to take on board.

 

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-playing-dog-pet-cute-playful-958213/

Securing your outdoor space

Many of us enjoy watching our precious pets tanking around the garden, letting off steam with their tails wagging enthusiastically. Spending time in the open air, and letting your dog run around is great for their physical health, but it is important to ensure the environment is safe before your dog starts running free. Secure the space, look for products like specially designed fencing for a dog, and make sure any gates are closed before you let your pups run wild. Your garden may be a safe haven, but you never really know what kinds of hazards may be lurking over hedges or through holes in the fence at the bottom of the yard. Check your outdoor area on a regular basis, and if you have people visiting, always make sure you ask them to close gates and doors behind them.

Removing hazards

It’s always useful to carry out a risk assessment as a dog owner. Dogs are very smart, and their senses are brilliant at picking up danger, but they don’t always detect every hazard. Have a walk around your garden before you let your dogs out, and if you’re taking them to a forest or a park, keep your eyes peeled for objects that might cause harm.

Buying safe, suitable toys

Dogs love to play with toys, but they also tend to think that everything in their pathway is a play-thing. Your slippers, shoelaces, and children’s toys can all become part of your pooch’s play box if you’re not careful. To avoid losing your possessions and to keep your pet as healthy as possible, invest in suitable dog toys that meet safety standards. Look for products that are appropriate for your dog in terms of their size and weight and their activity levels. Buying toys is a fantastic way to encourage regular exercise, to keep your dog entertained, and to prevent boredom.

Hydration

If you have a dog that will run and run, even when the sun is beating down, it’s vital to ensure they have access to fresh, cold water. Try and avoid exercising during intense heat, and wait for temperatures to drop if it’s a hot day. Choose shady patches to play with balls or attempt training drills, and take a bowl with you if you’re going out with your dog. Hydration is key for good health. Signs of dehydration include loss of appetite, fatigue, a dry nose, dry gums and vomiting.

As a dog owner, there’s nothing more satisfying than watching your precious pup enjoying playtime. Although it’s hugely beneficial for dogs to exercise frequently, it is essential to ensure they have access to a secure environment, safe toys, and plenty of water.

How to Welcome a Rescue Dog to Your Home

Image Credit: Unsplash

Rescuing a dog is incredibly fulfilling. Just knowing that you are giving this pooch a second chance to be loved is a wonderful feeling. However, taking care of a pet who has a dark past can be quite challenging so before you bring your pup home, think carefully about how you are going to approach this transition.

When dogs are loved, they bring love to your household. Your kids will benefit from having a new furry friend and you can all benefit from a healthy lifestyle walking together. Here’s what you need to do to make sure that they settle in. Just remember, time and patience are key.

Take a Tour of Your Home

The first day is vital for laying down some ground rules but also for familiarizing your dog with your home. Keeping your pup on the leash for the time being, let them have a good sniff around the outside of your house first. Give them plenty of time to look around and don’t pull them around. 

Taking a tour of the house is a good way to establish their territory but also to create some rules. If they start chewing or scratching, be firm but fair. Say no clearly and then supply an appropriate toy instead. Praise all good behaviour with a treat.

Make Them Feel Safe

Dogs who have been abused in the past can be quite aggressive when they feel threatened so avoiding this is absolutely vital. The last thing you want is an animal attack so keep in mind your dog’s history and be patient with your homemaking. If you are really worried about this, you can view more here.

Making a dog feel safe is actually quite easy from your perspective - you just need to create a space they can call their own. It might be a crate or a pillow, or even a full room. When your dog is here, you won’t disturb or try to pet them - this is their personal space.

Lots of pets will want to hide from you when they first get home. They might run behind a sofa or dive under a blanket but the most important thing is that you let them hide. Your pet will come out when they are ready and then you can shower them with praise.

Establish a Routine

Dogs are big fans of routine; it keeps them grounded and makes them feel more secure. Think about it this way, we humans like to know that we are going to have dinner at a certain time and dogs are very similar. Putting down food at the same time each day, going for regular walks and spending playtime together are all ways of establishing a good routine.

Training is also very important as this teaches your dog which behaviours are okay and what they should stop doing. Following instructions is also a vital part of training as this will ensure that everyone knows you are in charge.

Just take your time and you will all be getting along perfectly in no time at all.

Happy New Year 2018 is Here !

Happy New Year World!

from 

Family Disaster Dogs.com

May all your dreams and wishes come true !

Stay in touch for new book releases, more dog training and care articles !

Join us on twitter @URDogCanRescueU

Check out my book previews below-

Free to say

Thank You everyone for all the support and shares the past year!

Get a free preview of my books for helping me help others learn!

Also available in the UK 

Look for my books on Amazon UK

Click the books below to go to Amazon in the UK and see my books !

Thank You UK friends for all your teamwork and support in keeping www.familydisasterdogs.com online and growing for the world to see!

Watch for updates coming soon for my children's picture book with
UK Dog Cartoonist "Scotty" doing the artwork.

Click the link above to see her great dog artwork!

Thanks Scotty!

________________________________________________________________________________

This year Support Your Local Search Dog Team !

or follow me here to lesson links that teach your dog to search for and rescue your family..

Cheers!