Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt was created so that all dogs, big or small, purebreed or mixed breed, could play a game that simulates hunting rodents in a barn. All trials are sanctioned by the Barn Hunt Association which is based in the United States, but Barn Hunt is now worldwide. If you want to compete at a trial with your dog, you simply get them a registration number on the Barn Hunt website…it’s that easy! However, you may want to find some local classes and be sure to read the rulebook. There is a lot for a handler to learn in this sport!

So what happens is…the judge creates a “course” made out of straw bales. Each level from Novice to Master has the same requirements; the dog must climb up onto a bale and complete the tunnel in addition to finding the required number of tubes (that contain either a rat or a gerbil) at that level in the specified time. I also feel the need to add that the dogs DO NOT get to hurt the gerbils in any way. The gerbils are safe in their tubes.

Here is a Senior Barn Hunt run I did with Potter a few years ago that a friend managed to record for me!

 

Get that rat!