Description

The session starting May 2024 is a 5-week session. Please check the class schedule to see the dates.

Urban Challenge Games are games that help handlers understand important handling skills for Urban Locating and to some extent Trailing and Locating as well. The official games test put these skills to the test. We will cover one of the following games each week: :

1. Distance Challenge: Handler must stay behind the startline and may not accompany the dog.
2. You Make the Call: In Urban Locating the judge calls it when the dog has located the rat. In this game it is all about you – you call the rat when your dog has found it.
3. Elusive rat: The rat hide is either inaccessible or elevated
4. One or None: There may or may not be a rat in the search area. There will be at least one box – either an empty or a rat.
5. Silence: You may cue your dog at the start line, but after that point deductions every time you talk to your dog. This also includes clapping, whistling, patting your leg etc.
6. Roll of the Dice: 2 of the above games will be combined in one game.

In addition to the games we will focus on building a strong reinforcement history for the rats and adding distractions to help dogs focus at events. We will learn about the 3 parts of a dog finding a scent source and analyze our dog’s behavior to see changes as the dogs work odor.

This class is suitable for all skill levels.

Prerequisites: Intro to Rat Sports. 

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.