Be vewy vewy qwiet, we are hunting wats...
The purpose of Barn Hunt is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin hunting ability in finding and marking rats in a “barn-like” setting, using straw/hay bales to introduce climbing and tunneling obstacles in the dog’s path. Barn Hunt is based on the skills historically used by itinerant “rat catchers” in traveling the countryside, ridding farms of vermin, thus helping conserve and preserve food grains and cutting down on disease.

Barn Hunt is also for any breed or mix of dog who loves to hunt and who can fit through an 18” wide gap between two hay bales. It will test speed, agility, and surefootedness. While not specifically targeted at larger dogs or dogs without a vermin hunting history, Barn Hunt is all inclusive and fun for any dog and human who wishes to play the game.

Barn Hunt is a sporting event, and as such there will be levels of difficulty, titles, and championships to be attained. While it can be used as an instinct test, there is also a handler component in that the handler must signal when the dog has reached the desired target PVC rat tube; thus, the handler must know and have a partnership with their dog. Teamwork will win the game.


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What is Barn Hunt?
In Barn Hunt, dogs locate rats (safely enclosed in aerated tubes) hidden in a straw/hay bale maze.  It’s a timed event with 3 different height sizes. Teams can get titles, placements, and championships.
Who Can Attend?
All ages!

Prerequisites:
Class Prep, Basic Manners
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Class Length:
This class runs in an hour long session. 
One dog at a time, 2-3 runs per dog.
Stickers to be Earned:
 - The Rules
 - Intro to Bales
 - Bale Climb
 - Bale Tunnel
 - Intro to Rat
 - Instinct Test
 - Run Through 1-4