Barn Hunt
The barn hunt is a timed test of a dog’s agility and surefootedness and is a fun game for all. There are several types of Barn Hunt titles that a dog can earn in addition to an instinct test. Handling is an important factor in advanced levels, which factors in the teamwork needed for success.
The critter used in a barn hunt is a rat who is safely ensconced in a large, aerated PVC rat-tube. Neither dog nor handler come into direct contact with the rat, but the teamwork that wins the game is when the handler signals the judge that his dog has found the rat. There are no re-dos; the handler needs to be able to read their dog’s signal and call it the first time.
The event is held indoors or outdoors in a securely enclosed test area that mimics a barn-like setting (or on any piece of level ground), with hay bales used to create obstacles that the dog must climb and tunnel through. Each level is made increasingly more difficult by adding obstacles, diversions, and more rats.
The Barn Hunt Association is an independent organization where titles earned can be recognized by The American Kennel Club. Titles earned in Novice and above will be recognized by The American Kennel Club:
(Visit www.barnhunt.com for more information.)
The critter used in a barn hunt is a rat who is safely ensconced in a large, aerated PVC rat-tube. Neither dog nor handler come into direct contact with the rat, but the teamwork that wins the game is when the handler signals the judge that his dog has found the rat. There are no re-dos; the handler needs to be able to read their dog’s signal and call it the first time.
The event is held indoors or outdoors in a securely enclosed test area that mimics a barn-like setting (or on any piece of level ground), with hay bales used to create obstacles that the dog must climb and tunnel through. Each level is made increasingly more difficult by adding obstacles, diversions, and more rats.
The Barn Hunt Association is an independent organization where titles earned can be recognized by The American Kennel Club. Titles earned in Novice and above will be recognized by The American Kennel Club:
- Novice Barn Hunt (RATN),
- Open Barn Hunt (RATO),
- Senior Barn Hunt (RATS),
- Master Barn Hunt (RATM),
- Barn Hunt Champion (RATCh),
- Master Champion (RATChX),
- Crazy 8s Bronze (CZ8B),
- Crazy 8s Silver (CZ8S),
- Crazy 8s Gold (CZ8G),
- Crazy 8s Platinum (CZ8P)
(Visit www.barnhunt.com for more information.)
