Does the quarry come to harm?
No. It sits behind a solid grille the dog cannot pass, and the rules impose strict conditions on care and rotation.
Hunting dogs
Earthdog
Artificial tunnels dug into the ground, a maze with corners and, at the end, an animal protected by a grille. The dog must reach it and signal - by barking, scratching or whining.
About the discipline
What Earthdog is
Earthdog reproduces, safely, the work terriers and dachshunds were created for: going to ground after quarry.
The course is a buried wooden tunnel with corners and sometimes false branches. At the end sits an animal - usually laboratory rats - completely protected by a solid grille.
The dog must negotiate the tunnel alone, find the end and signal the animal's presence for a set number of seconds. Physical contact is impossible.
How it works in practice
How it works
- a buried tunnel of standardised dimensions
- corners and, at higher classes, false branches
- the quarry protected by a solid grille at the end
- the dog works the tunnel alone, without the handler
- signalling by barking, scratching or whining
- a minimum duration of signalling
- a time limit for the whole course
Which dogs it suits
- terriers of all types and dachshunds
- small dogs that fit the standardised tunnel
- dogs with a strong hunting instinct
Dogs that are claustrophobic or hesitate at the tunnel entrance are never forced.
What you need
- access to a set-up course at a club
- nothing from the handler
- a plain collar, removed before entry
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Earthdog
Which breeds can take part?
Terriers and dachshunds, the breeds the discipline was designed for. The restriction is also practical: the tunnel has standardised, small dimensions.
Does the dog go in alone?
Yes. The handler stays at the entrance while the dog works the tunnel by itself. That independence is precisely what is being tested.
How do I know if my dog enjoys it?
You see it at once: a suitable dog enters without hesitation, tail working, and stays focused to the end. One that stops at the entrance, turns back or leaves quickly is not keen, and pressing can put it off narrow spaces for good. You never push a dog in, and never lure it with food.
The rule figures on this page come from AKC - Regulations for Earthdog Tests for Small Terriers and Dachshunds. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Working Tests for Retrievers
Retrieving trials without live game.
Blood Tracking
Following a simulated blood trail.
Field Trials
Assessing hunting dogs in the field.
Retrieving Trials
Recovering game or artificial dummies.
We do not run Earthdog
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.