Description

This session (May 2024), the class will run for 5- weeks. Please look at the schedule to see the class dates.

Rat sports, where the goal is to locate vermin (rats), are based on the traditional roles of many breeds in ridding farms, barns, crop storage areas, and homes of destructive vermin. While some breeds (like terriers) were specifically created for this job, the instinct to hunt and locate is natural to almost all dogs! In addition to letting responsible breeders of vermin hunting breeds test proper working traits in their dogs, these sports are open to any dog of any breed or mix who wishes to play the game and can fit through an 18″ wide by bale-height tall tunnel.

Rat sports encompass Barn Hunt, Trailing and locating, and Urban locating, all of which will be introduced in this class. These are GREAT sports for older dogs, and older people too! Tripod dogs can compete, and so can deaf dogs! They are great for dogs and people who have never competed in dog sports and dogs retired from other sports love these sports. They are a great activity without the jarring, jumping and inadvertent body stress of other sports.

The organizers of these sports are not only committed to creating a safe and fun sport for dogs, but also to rat care. The rats used in Barn Hunt are often beloved family pets. They jump eagerly into their safe, comfortable aerated tubes and truly enjoy interacting with the dogs.

This class will touch and build on the following

• Brief introduction to scent theory
• Trailing and Locating:
   Trial classes and basic handling skills
   Introduce rat in quarry box
   Introduce a scent pad and trail
   Dogs will have an opportunity to find a hidden quarry box with a rat by following a scent trail.
• Barn Hunt:
   Trial classes and basic handling skills
   Introduce dogs to a rat in a rat tube
   Evaluate dogs natural indications
   Depending on the dog, either build value for the rat tube or an active search for the rat.
   Compare and contrast BH and T&L.
• Urban Locating:
   Dogs will have the opportunity to find a rat in a man-made environment

Prerequisites: This is a sport that is beginner friendly, but it should not be the first group class your dog has ever attended! Your dog should be able to work in a group class setting. If you have any questions or concerns, please email the instructor or training director before signing up for the class.

YOU WILL NEED:

• • • Lots of small high value treats.
    • A long line.
    • Toys for rewards.
    • Mat or crate for settling.
    • Clicker, if you use one.