Does the rat come to any harm?
No. It sits inside a solid, ventilated tube the dog cannot open. The rules impose strict conditions on care and rotation of the animals.
Scent sports
Barn Hunt
A maze of straw bales, a few ventilated tubes and a single live rat, in complete safety. The dog must find the tube holding the animal, not the empty ones or those with used bedding.
About the discipline
What Barn Hunt is
Barn hunt started in the United States, drawing on the traditional work of terriers in barns. The difference is that in the sport the rat is completely protected.
The animal sits inside a solid, well-ventilated tube that the dog cannot open. Empty tubes and tubes with used bedding are also placed in the area, to check that the dog really discriminates the odour.
Besides the search, the course also requires going through a straw tunnel and climbing onto a bale. Although it began with terriers, the discipline is open to any breed that fits through the tunnel.
How it works in practice
What a course contains
- a maze built from straw bales
- tubes with a rat, with bedding and empty
- the dog searches and indicates the tube with the animal
- a straw tunnel, which must be negotiated
- climbing onto a bale with all four paws
- a time limit for the whole course
The rats are cared-for animals, used in rotation and protected by the rules. Direct contact with the dog is impossible.
Which dogs it suits
- terriers and dachshunds, by tradition
- any breed that fits through the straw tunnel
- dogs with a strong hunting instinct that need a legal outlet
What you need
- access to ground set up with bales
- nothing special from the handler
- a plain collar, removed before the run
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Barn Hunt
Which breeds can take part?
Any, as long as the dog fits through the straw tunnel. Terriers have historically dominated the discipline, but large breeds are frequently seen in the adapted classes.
Is it a good activity for a dog with a strong prey drive?
Yes, it is one of the few that offers a legal, controlled outlet for that instinct without putting any animal at risk.
The rule figures on this page come from Barn Hunt Association - Official Competitor Rulebook. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Tracking
Following a track left on the ground, step by step.
Nose Work / Scent Work
Identifying a target odour in different environments.
Detection Dog Sport
Searching for and indicating predetermined odours.
Article Search
Finding small articles carrying human scent.
We do not run Barn Hunt
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.