This class is geared toward people and dogs who have never been exposed to Barn Hunt or are at the Novice level. We will introduce your dogs to the sport, showing them the rats, getting them used to the odor they are searching for on the course, going through a straight tunnel made of straw bales and climbing on bales of straw.
Once the dog understands they need to find the rat we will hide tubes in bales of wheat straw, have them tunnel, climb and find the correct tube and work with you to read when your dog has found it. We will discuss the rules, you as the handler need to know on how to call it when a tube is found, how to remove the tube so the rat, your dog, and the inside rat wrangler are safe.
Because we are using Straw Bales which must be thrown away if soiled by urine or poop odor, if you dog eliminates on a bale, we will ask you to reimburse the club $8.00.
If you have a dog that tends to mark or eliminate on new things, feel free to use a belly band. This is not a permanent solution, but it is a good way to get them into the game instead of spending time finding the right spot to eliminate.
Classes will be held in the back room so dress warm.
The mission of GCOC/SDS is to teach the handler successful methods of training which will result in a lifelong bond with their dog. Our goal is to provide a safe environment that will encourage this learning process. We reserve the right to excuse any dog who is disruptive or whose learning threshold has been exceeded.
Prerequisite: none
Length: 4 weeks
Instructors: TBD
GCOC/SDS reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes.
NOTE: GCOC/SDS follows CDC guidelines. At this time masks are not mandatory but recommended if you are at risk. If the COVID numbers change, and mask become mandatory we will let you know. Thank you for your cooperation.
