Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT BARN HUNT

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Barn Hunt is a fun, competitive and safe sport that is based on the traditional roles of dogs in ridding farms and homes of destructive vermin. 

Barn Hunt is a sport where dogs and handlers are timed on how fast they can find a safely contained rat hidden in a  course of straw bales and fluff, all while climbing tunneling and avoiding dummy tubes meant to mislead! 

Barn Hunt is also open to any dog of any breed or mix who wishes to play the game and can fit through an 18" wide by bale-height tall tunnel and safely negotiate a straw bale course. 

Trained, conditioned and domesticated pet rats are safely confined in a 4" PVC tube that allows for dogs to find them. This is a great sport for older dogs that may not be able to run and jump like the past...

For much much more general information about the sport (including rules, events and clubs) see barnhunt.com 

The first thing to do is to read up on the sport and watch videos if you can (lots of places online for videos) to research if you and your dog(s) will enjoy the sport!

Central Bark does teach and offer lessons but availability is often limited due to the increasing popularity and interest in the sport.  Current students maintain priority in lessons and classes etc. 

FIRST STEP: Sign up for a private lesson with a trainer 1 on 1 to see if the dog has interest and can fit into group formats.  Email Eva at info@central-bark.biz for scheduling that lesson or to be put on the waitlist for a lesson. The Contact us screen also sends us a message. 

PRIVATE LESSONS in 2023 are $35 per half hour (typically good for one dog)

SECOND STEP:  Dogs that are keen in an intro private lesson can then move on to group classes! group classes are for  people and dogs that want to compete or play in the sport more frequently. 

Group classes start at $150 for 6 week classes

THIRD STEP:  As the team advances and develops, they can explore specific training solutions via seminars and clinics.

Pricing is dependent on the activity. 

Other clubs and trainers are in the NYS area as well! Clubs can be found at barnhunt.com

 Earthdog tests gauge how good a hunter your terrier or dachshund  really is! Dogs must fit through a 9" wide covered wooden "den" to find a caged rat safely hidden behind a barrier.   Dogs must seek out and follow a scent trail until they find and indicate a rat in its "den"

Check out AWTA (American Working Terrier Association) and/or AKC Earthdog

https://www.awta.org/den-trials/

https://www.akc.org/sports/earthdog/

Central Bark does teach and offer lessons but availability is often limited due to the increasing popularity and interest in the sport.  

Email Eva at info@central-bark.biz