Dogs love using their noses! They have a sense of smell that far surpasses ours. Barn Hunt is a sport that is quickly growing in popularity and not that physically demanding for us humans. It was created to let our dogs use their sense of smell in an enclosed, safe environment. It’s a team sport where the dog gets to sniff out a rat (which is NEVER harmed) hidden in straw. The dogs also get to jump on the straw bales and go through tunnels we create for them. And to make all this fun stuff even better, you and your dog can earn titles at trials!
All the rats are housed safely in PVC tubes. They’re raised with the trainer around dogs, and are well cared for. No rats are harmed in the making of barn hunt events.
If you want to try something a bit different with your furry pal, this might be just the class for you! It tests speed, agility, hunt drive, and training in finding rats. Appropriate for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. These classes are held outdoors!
Equipment Required:
- Sneakers or Boots (straw gets everywhere!)
- Four to six foot regular leash or slip lead (no retractable leashes).
- Flat collar if you’re using a regular leash.
- Lots of small bite-sized treats and/or toys.
- A soft crate, collapsible crate, or settle mat is recommended but not required.
In addition to our normal classes listed below, 30-minute private training sessions are also available for $40 each.
We allow up to two handlers per dog in our classes.
Updated shots and a negative fecal test that is at least 6 months recent are required for Barn Hunt. Any dogs one year and older must have a current DHPP vaccine and rabies vaccine.
See our FAQ for more information on our vaccine policy.
