About Us
Please take time to read the Letter From the President.
The American Mantrailing Academy is a company based out of Greencastle, Indiana that strives for the all around advancement of Search and Rescue and Mantrailing teams. We do this in a multi-step process:
Step one: The American Mantrailing Academy uses its more than 30 years of experience to help train your team in the areas of tracking, trailing and scouting. We offer no cost weekly training to our members as well as emergency response organizations. We also offer quarterly trailing competitions and bi-annual seminars to help prepare emergency workers in the case of a lost or missing person. We offer high quality, reputable certification and accreditation with standards that are above and beyond the requirements of most clubs or organizations. We do this regardless of affiliation and to ensure the best quality performance possible. We have vendors and sponsors at our seminars to keep you informed of the most up to date advancements in useful technology and new training techniques. American Mantrailing Academy training is second to none.
Step two: The American Mantrailing Academy does not just stop with training. We also promote private Search and Rescue teams and Emergency Workers. Once you are a member, you are given opportunities to become accredited though the American Mantrailing Academy. You do this by showing your expertise on several different levels based on your training. Once you are certified, we add you to a national database of search and rescue and emergency personnel teams. The database is separated by State and county, and is then marketed to policing agencies and fire departments as a resource to help find emergency personnel in their area.
Step three: We still don't stop. After training and promotion there is still a lot that goes into emergency teams. American Mantrailing Academy offers discounts to several useful sponsors. If you need a discounted rate at a national hotel chain show your American Mantrailing Academy membership card and receive a discount. If you need transportation in the form of a rental cars or need business cards or t-shirts printed, again we have sponsors who offer discounts to our members. We are on call. If you have a question about anything at all in the trailing world please don't hesitate to ask. Some frequently asked questions are:
What is mantrailing?Mantrailing is a multi-faceted process used to find people. It combines the amazing ability a dog has to process shed skin cells, and put them in chronological order to move ahead on a trail, with techniques for knowing where to start and what do when a trail seems to run dry. For more information become a member and attend our training sessions.
What is the minimal training required for the dog before entering your class?The dog should have a bond or connection with the handler and a drive to search. Minor obedience may come in handy but is not required, nor always recommended. You need no other training to enter the class. That's what we're here for, to help train. Your dog should learn the skills necessary to certify after completing the Mantrailing Academy.
I would like to get a dog for S&R operations. Which breeds do the best?To say which breeds are the best is a difficult question. It depends on your needs. If you're a policing agency looking for dangerous criminals you may want a more aggressive dog, such as a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois. If you're looking for lost children an aggressive dog wouldn't be the best choice, so something like a bloodhound would be appropriate. If you would the American Mantrailing Academy to help choose a dog for your needs just ask. Most dogs can be trained to search on some level and we by no means are prejudice against any breed.
Do I have to attend the Academy, or can my team just "test out"?The Academy is not only there for certification but is also a means of having a large block of beneficial training, not only for your dog but also for you. The Mantrailing Academy is not required for certification at this time but is highly recommended. You must be a member in order to certify.
If I pay for the academy and can not attend, what is your policy on refunds?click here to see our Cancellation & Refund Policy.
I don't have a dog, can I still be a member?Yes, you can be a member without owning a dog. You may attend certification as an observer. You will also gain valuable knowledge in other areas of mantrailing that a dog is not used for. The academy is not only beneficial to your dog or your team, but to you personally as well.
Do you have to be part of a policing agency to be a member?No...No affiliation of any kind is necessary to be a member of the American Mantrailing Academy.
Other member benefits include free monthly newsletters, membership cards and credentials, activation opportunities, increased marketability and much more.
The American Mantrailing Academy encourages you to check out the rest of our website, ask questions, uses resources, and attend one our of free weekly training sessions. If you are interested in becoming a member, please fill out an application. Thank you for your time and enjoy!
