Earthdog Trials  
(with Thanks to Lucia Hackett and "Bella")

     
Entering the Tunnel and Introducing the Dog To The Tunnel  

For generations small terriers were bred as hunting dogs to track game above and below ground, to bark at their quarry in the den and to bolt or draw it for the hunter.  The AKC has developed three levels of earthdog tests to enable dogs  bred for this work, and not able to perform in the “wild” to be assessed on their natural ability to do the task and if they qualify to earn a titles.  It is an artificial situation however the earth is prepared to look as natural as possible with brush and other materials.  A mock den or earth is laid in the ground – the dog must pick up the pre-laid scent, arrive at the quarry and work the quarry for a given time .  The American Working Terrier Association also offers similar tests.

Releasing the Dog

Introduction to Quarry is where the dog is introduced to a 10 foot tunnel and has his first meeting with a cage of rats behind a set of bars to insure their safety.  Junior Earthdog is the first level were a title is earned.  The dog must travel a 30 foot den with at least three right angle turns in 30 seconds, work the rats at the end of the tunnel for 60 seconds and then allow the handler to remove him without injury to the dog or handler.  Once the dog completes these requirements twice under two different judges he will receive the title of JE.  The second level is the Senior Earthdog test where the title of SE can be earned. This test is designed to present the more experienced Earthdog with a more realistic den situation. Added distractions of a false exit,  false den with bedding, then the dog must work the prey longer and must recall from the den to the handler.  The final level of the Earthdog  test is the Master Earthdog title which is designed to come as close as possible to a natural hunting situation. 

  Few terriers are regularly hunted to ground by their owners in natural hunts, but the AKC  and AWTA Earthdog tests allow these game dogs an outlet for their excess energy and instincts in a way that benefits the dog and creates a wonderful bond with their owners.

A Successful Trial!

Now that I have peaked your interest,  you might be wondering just how you might get started with Earthdog.  The first thing to do is look at a calendar of Earthdog events to see if a trial is being held close to your location.  If so, great! Go and watch and talk to those folks who are running the event. Earthdog trials are not especially exciting for those watching from afar but rather is enjoyed by the terrier and his handler.   Everyone though is usually more than happy to talk Earthdog with you and explain what is going on.  You may also find out that some “training days” are going to be held.  This training will give your terrier his first meeting with the caged rats.  In preparation for this training take your terrier out for a walk in  wooded areas or fields where the two of you can look  for critters like field mice and get your terrier use to being out in a wooded area with leaves and logs to run over.   If your terrier delights in seeing these critters, then you are already on your way to having an Earthdog.   You can also have fun at home with cardboard boxes made into short tunnels. Have fun sending your terrier to follow a toy or a treat that is thrown through this make believe tunnel.   Some folks have worried that if their terrier is exposed to Earthdog stimulation it will encourage outside digging.  I have not found that to be the case.   If you decide to give Earthdog a try I guarantee you will enjoy a very special bond with your friend!

 Links

AKC Earthdog information articles:   www.akc.org/events/earthdog

  American Working Terrier Association:  www.dirt-dog.com/awta

  Calendar of AKC Earthdog and AWTA events:  www.georcites.com/njbeanfield/njbeindex

  Earthdog training tips:  www.terrierman.com/tunneltips.htm 

Suggested Reading

Earthdog Ins and Outs, Guiding Natural Instincts for Success in Earthdog Tests and Den Trials, by Jo Ann Frier-Murza. Author's website: http://www.earthdog.info