[ICON:rocket_launch]

Getting Started

Learn how to record your first trail, connect a runner trail to a dog trail, and document essential details. This guide walks you through the basics of recording, saving weather data, and utilizing advanced features for effective training.

This guide will help you take your first steps with The Mantrailing App and document your first trail. You’ll learn how to connect a runner trail to a dog trail, save weather data, and explore the various details you can log for each trail.

‍

Recording Your First Trail

This section explains how to record a trail using the app. The process varies depending on whether you are recording as a runner or a dog handler.

As a Runner

Recording the runner trail is crucial for aligning it with the dog trail. This allows you to analyze how closely the dog followed the path and where challenges arose.

To record the runner trail:

  1. Open the app and navigate to [ICON:timer] Record.
  2. Press Start and select Runner.
  3. The app will now track your route. Once finished, stop the recording.

We recommend sharing the GPX file with the dog handler so they can use it during their recording. Learn more about GPX file export in Working with GPX Files.

As a Dog Handler

Before recording the dog trail, we recommend importing the runner trail into your app. Learn how in Working with GPX Files. Once imported, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to [ICON:timer] Record.
  2. Press Start and select Dog.
  3. A window will prompt you to choose a runner’s trail. Select it from the list or continue without.
    • If selected, you can view the trail on the map while recording and use the Virtual Trainer.
    • To change the runner at any time during recording, tap [ICON:transfer_within_a_station] in the bottom left corner.
  4. Once the trail is complete, stop the recording and proceed to document key details.

‍

Documenting Every Detail

Now that you’ve recorded your first trail, it’s time to log all relevant details, including weather data.

  • After finishing the recording, the app will automatically open a screen where you can log essential information.
  • You can also edit these details later. Open the trail, tap [ICON:more_vert] in the top right corner, and select Edit.

Once you have logged all details, press [ICON:save] in the top right corner to make sure everything is saved.

Loading Weather Information

The app typically saves current weather data at the time of recording. To reload or refresh it:

  • Tap [ICON:sunny] in the top right corner of the edit screen.
  • Note that weather data can only be stored for the dog trail.

Detail Fields Explained

Here are some key detail fields and their purposes:

  • Layer: The person who planned the trail.
  • Backup: The person assisting and observing during the session.
  • Runner: The person being searched for during the exercise.

‍

Connecting a Runner Trail to a Dog Trail

If you haven’t linked a runner trail yet or need to change it later:

  1. Open the trail you want to update.
  2. Tap the blue dot labeled Runner below the map.
  3. Select a new runner trail from the list.

Once connected, the app calculates the average deviation, indicating how much the dog’s path deviated from the runner’s trail. Keep in mind that values close to 0m are unrealistic due to natural GPS inaccuracies.

‍

Explore Advanced Features

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, check out The Mantrailing App’s advanced features:

  • Use the Virtual Trainer to get alerts when your dog deviates from the trail. Learn more.
  • Share your trail live while recording or as a printable report once documentation is complete. Learn more.
Getting Started