Barn Hunt: Barn Hunt is the fastest growing dog sport in the country. It is based on the traditional role of dogs at farms, barns, and storage areas to eliminate vermin. Many terrier breeds were created for this purpose and Barn Hunt provides a safe environment to test these working dog traits. Safe and secure PVC tubes with scent holes are used in this game and pet rats happily load into them to work. No rats are harmed during this activity. Mazes and tunnels are constructed out of straw bales and handlers call alerts as their dogs navigate the course and locate the tubes that hold the rats. This sport has various titling levels recognised by AKC, CKC, and UKC and is open to dogs and handlers of all ages and abilities. It is a great sport for older dogs and handlers. Deaf and three-legged dogs are allowed to compete and there are allowances made for persons with disabilities as well.
 
Bull Terriers & Barn Hunt: Bull Terriers love this sport and usually excel in tunneling and climbing on straw bales piled at any height. They have very good noses and locate tubes quickly. The challenges are restraining your dog securely so the tube can be removed from the ring. Since dogs run one at a time in a small securely fenced area, this sport provides a control for our active breed.
They will need to have some basic social skills while awaiting their turn in the staging area.
 
Where to find instructors: Most states have active Barn Hunt clubs that hold trials throughout the year. Look for Barn Hunt on Facebook and through the national organization web site at www.barnhunt.com.
 
How to get started: Go to www.barnhunt.com to find a club in your area. Many clubs hold Introduction to Barn Hunt and Rat Instinct clinics that help you get started. Fees to participate are nominal and usually do not involve a multi-week commitment. Warning: You will quickly become a Barn Hunt addict!
 
National organization: Barn Hunt Association, LLC charges $30.00 for lifetime registration. The web site has rules, breed statistics, club and trial locations, and other resources, such as your dog’s achievements and titles.
 
Equipment: All dogs must enter and leave the ring on a leash, collar, or harness. Dogs run naked during official trials or tests (no collar or harness) so a dog restraint that is easily removed and replaced works best. You may use buckle, martingale, or chain collars. Prong collars and flexi leads are allowed on trial grounds but you cannot bring your dog to the ring on this type of collar. The following are NOT allowed: head collars/Haltis (not that I have ever seen a bully wear one successfully) and electronic remote training collars.
 
Time: After one introductory clinic you will be well on your way to finding a fun test or trial to enter.
 
Bull Terrier activity expert: Sharon Keillor , a licensed Barn Hunt judge and active exhibitor will be happy to answer questions and help you find a club in your area. 810-659-8400 or keylore@yahoo.com