Barn Hunt is the new and quickly growing dog sport catching fire across the country - and now Countryside is joining the fun!
“Barn Hunt is based on the traditional roles of many breeds in farms, barns, crop storage areas, and homes of destructive vermin. Some breeds were specifically created to fill this role, and for many of those breeds, Barn Hunt provides their first true opportunity for responsible breeders to test proper working traits in their dogs.
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.
Barn Hunt has titles, levels of increasing difficulty, and championships. Barn Hunt is an independent sport, but titles are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
Barn Hunt is committed to creating a safe and fun sport for dogs, that also holds rat care at the highest level of consideration. The rats used in Barn Hunt are beloved family pets. They jump eagerly into their safe, comfortable aerated tubes and truly enjoy interacting with the dogs.
We're a great sport for older dogs, and older people too! Tripod dogs can compete, and so can deaf dogs.” To get started first read the rules, then fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch when we are forming a new class. We hope you try it, we think you'll like it!
Interested?
Let us know! We’re organizing “Try It” events for first-timers, as well as group and private lessons, matches (practice trials!) and we are an official Barn Hunt Association club so we will be hosting trials in the near future.
Sign up here to be included in all communication regarding barn hunt activities at Countryside!
Meet our rats!
“Though the event is called Barn Hunt, we are not hunting rats to kill them. Instead, dogs locate rats who are safely enclosed in aerated tubes that are built to be tough enough for dogs to be unable to crush or even get a tooth into. The tubes are large enough for rats to be able to turn around, and they are kept on bedding so they are comfortable. They often spend their time grooming or even sleeping in the tubes. Many enjoy the sport and interacting with the dogs. As a species, rats like small, dark places; they feel very safe in the tubes.
Rat care and safety is of paramount importance to the sport and has been from day one. Our rat care guidelines were developed with assistance from well-qualified sources who have spent decades studying, housing, and caring for rats. We like rats and would never harm them physically or mentally for the sport.” (Barn Hunt Association)
