Barn Hunt is a fun sport for all dogs of any breed or mix that can fit through an 18”x18” tunnel. Dogs search for one or more rats (safely housed in aerated tubes) on a course made of hay bales. Each dog hunts and indicates differently—the handler’s ability to understand the dog’s signal is important. Dogs also have to go through a tunnel and climb on at least one bale. In addition to rat tube(s) there will also be empty tubes and tubes with used rat bedding but no rat. There are levels of difficulty from Instinct on up through Master with increasing challenges.

Can My Dog Do This?

Absolutely! Any dog with a nose can! Any breed, any size, any sex, old or young!

This sport is low impact, your dog would need to climb a bale of hay and fit through an 18” tunnel (the height of a hay bale).

We're a great sport for older handlers, tripod dogs and deaf dogs as well.

Gracie had so many health problems. She is a cancer survivor. Now she found her niche in Barn Hunt. I love to see her working and wagging that tail.

What About The Rats?

A number of dog breeds were originally bred specifically to hunt vermin. Wild rats have always spread disease (including plague and leptospirosis) and also cause damage to crops, homes, grain and farm buildings.

Not to worry! Barn Hunt has lots of rules about proper rat handling and care. We use friendly, domesticated rats, most of which are beloved pets. Rats are never hurt in this sport and they seem to like the game, readily hopping into the tubes to get to work.
 

It takes a team to run a Barn Hunt Trial!

Barn Hunt Trials

The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s QUIET! No distractions! Dogs do not whistle or bark or whine while they are searching (but there’s a whole lot of sniffing going on!).

The dog has to find the correct number of rats within a set time limit. The judge does not tell the handler when a rat is found; instead, the handler must tell the judge.

Getting it right in trial has its benefits! Aside from the fabulous ribbons, Barn Hunt Titles are recognized by AKC (The AKC will recognize titles at four testing levels above Instinct) and UKC (UKC Certificates will only be issued for Barn Hunt titles earned after January 1, 2014).

Barn Hunt Practice

We offer classes, seminars, practices, run-throughs, mock trials, presentations and demonstrations. Practices are timed, yet flexible. This is the time to encourage your dog and learn your dog’s “tell” (the "found-the-rat!" behavior).