With their long history as working hunting dogs, Border Terrier still retains many of the same hunting instincts as their ancestors. While they have become adaptable to present-day obedience and agility trials, the dogs truly excel at Earthdog Trials. Accordingly, more Border Terriers have won the American Kennel Club Earthdog trials than any other type of dog breed. If an owner is seeking a way to become involved in competitions and exercises with their dog, Earthdog trials are an ideal activity.
Different than field or hunting tests, Earthdog trial events are a synthetic exercise in which both dog and prey are safe due to a controlled environment. The Border Terrier must maneuver through a series of underground burrows following the scent of a rat, which is kept safely in a cage. Once the dog locates the rat, it must bark, dig or scratch to show that its hunting instincts are well-honed.
Earthdog trials are hosted by the AKC, the American Working Terrier Association, and other various clubs around America and some places in Europe. While there are some small differences in the Earthdog trials sponsored by the AKC and AWTA, this article focuses on the ones offered by the AKC, to provide owners with an idea of what is involved. In AKC-sponsored Earthdog trials, there are four testing classes offered. The novice or beginners class is called Introduction to Quarry, and any dog can be entered regardless of experience or class. With the assistance of a judge, a beginner will participate and discover their hunting qualifications in the short 10-foot tunnel.
The second class is called Junior Earthdog, which is a necessary step for those seeking a trophy or title. The Border Terrier must negotiate a 30-foot tunnel that has three turns. To succeed, the dog must leave the owner’s arms, locate the beginning of the tunnel and proceed to the end, where the dog must dig, paw or bark to show the rat has been found. The next skill level is formulated around the same premise, but the dog must show increased knowledge. In the Senior Earthdog trial, the dog must find the underground tunnel using scent, after finding the rat, the dog must return promptly to the owner after being taken out of the tunnel by a show judge. For the final level, the Master Earthdog trial, the dog must locate the proper path to the rat, and there may be side tunnels used as a form of distraction. For the most difficult trial, a handler must remove the dog from the tunnels.
Dog breeds that are eligible to participate in the Earthdog trials include Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and most other terrier breeds. The main difference between an AWTA and AKC trail is that most breeds are allowed into the AWTA events. The AWTA also offers working certificates, and hunting of foxes, raccoons, rats, and woodcocks. These dogs can go on to be successful hunters, flushing out game which includes rabbits and fowl.
Whether you seek to introduce your Border Terrier to hunting or just prefer to enjoy some outdoor bonding time, Earthdog trials are a great way to take part in an activity both you and the dog will love. For those who are interested in finding out more information about Earthdog trials, contacting the AKC or AWTA club should yield a wealth of information.