Cary Nairn
Associate Instructor
Cary Nairn delivers structured search dog training programmes within educational settings, drawing on her background in psychology to deliver immersive search experiences where participants work as a team to locate a missing person. Under her guidance, participants develop leadership, clear communication and collaborative problem-solving skills that translate naturally into real-world teams.
Holding a PhD in Psychology and bringing more than 20 years of professional experience working with dogs and their handlers, Cary integrates behavioural science, learning theory and group dynamics into her work. She is a fully certified Mantrailing Global Instructor, a Certified Mantrailing in Education Specialist, and an Associate Instructor within the Mantrailing in Education Specialist Network.
As a member of the UK senior team for Frank ’n’ Scents Mantrailing, Cary contributes to programme development and supports the ongoing evolution of high-quality educational delivery within the field.
Accredited Mantrailing in Education Specialist
Hampshire & Surrounding Regions | English
Professional Ethos
Professional Foundation
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PhD in Psychology, bringing an in-depth understanding of behaviour, learning theory and group dynamics into every educational setting
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Over 20 years of professional experience working with dogs and the people attached to them
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Qualified and industry-accredited canine behaviour and training practitioner
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Fully certified Mantrailing Global Instructor
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Certified Mantrailing in Education Instructor
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Actively committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed practice
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Committed to force-free, rewards-based working, for both dogs and humans
Cary’s work is grounded in structure, clarity and psychological safety. She believes experiential learning is most powerful when it is purposeful, well-supported and genuinely collaborative. Within clear parameters, participants are encouraged to think independently, solve problems and take an active role in the process without feeling exposed or overwhelmed.
Mantrailing provides a clear task with immediate feedback. Communication needs to be precise, roles understood and decisions made and adjusted as the search unfolds. Within this environment, individuals grow in confidence not through performance, but through meaningful contribution to the team.
Cary’s facilitation is steady and attentive rather than performative. Her role is to hold the structure of the experience, guide the pace and create the conditions in which everyone can participate fully. Reflection is woven naturally into the process, allowing insights to emerge from experience rather than being imposed from the outside.
The welfare and wellbeing of both dogs and humans sit at the heart of every session. Challenge is introduced thoughtfully, so that participants feel stretched but supported.
The result is an experience that is engaging, reflective and grounded in sound learning principles, leaving participants more aware, more capable and more connected than when they arrived.