Critter Hunting Classes

Does your dog dig up your yard, in search of moles? These sports will give your dog a job to do!

BARN HUNT | HAPPY RATTERS (URBAN RAT HUNTING)

Barn Hunt Pictures by Clicking to Capture Happy Ratters Pictures by Leslie Watkins

BARN HUNT Class Goals:

The purpose of Barn Hunt is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin hunting ability in a “barn-like” setting. Barn Hunt is for any breed or mix of dog who loves to hunt and who can fit through an 18” wide gap between two hay bales. Barn Hunt is a sporting event, and there are levels of difficulty, titles, and championships to be attained. While it can be used as an instinct test, there is also a handler component in that the handler must signal when the dog has reached the desired target PVC rat tube; thus, the handler must know and have a partnership with their dog. Teamwork will win the game. For more information about Barn Hunt competitions, see the Barn Hunt Association.

Want to see Barn Hunt in Action? Watch these videos:

Barn Hunt Class | Instinct Level | Novice Level Barn Hunt | Masters Level Barn Hunt

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

BARN HUNT CLASSES

Introductory Barn Hunt Class:

The introductory Barn Hunt class will focus on the three aspects of barn hunt required to qualify:

The climb
The tunnel
The find

We will build the dog’s confidence in climbing on hay bales stacked up to four high. Dogs will learn to navigate tunnels made of hay bales with up to one turn. We will develop the dog’s interest in finding the rat and teaching him to communicate with the handler the find has been made. In addition, students will learn barn hunt rules and procedures that will enable them to compete at the Instinct and Novice levels and beyond. Basic handling skills will be discussed as well.

Advanced Barn Hunt Class:

The advanced class is for dogs that are currently competing in barn hunt or who have taken the introductory class. We will be refining the dog’s hunting skills and indication. Tunnel skills will be developed using tunnels having 2 or 3 turns in a variety of configurations. In addition, this class will continue to develop handler skills, and discuss the movement of scent so the team may more successfully compete at the higher levels of barn hunt.

URBAN RAT SPORTS

Introductory Urban Rat Sports Class

Urban Rats sports is similar to Barn Hunt, minus the hay. Rat tubes are hidden in boxes and bags. The introductory Urban Rat Sports class will focus on the three aspects of barn hunt required to qualify:

The climb (on a plank)
The tunnel (through an agility chute barrel)
The find (hidden in a box or bag)

We will build the dog’s confidence in searching for rats in an urban setting. We will develop the dog’s interest in finding the rat and teaching him to communicate with the handler the find has been made. In addition, students will learn Happy Ratters and NASDA rules and procedures that will enable them to compete in those venues. Basic handling skills will be discussed as well.

Advanced Urban Rat Sports Class:

The advanced class is for dogs that are currently competing in Happy Ratters or NASDA or who have taken the introductory class. We will be refining the dog’s hunting skills and indication. This class will continue to develop handler skills, and discuss the movement of scent so the team may more successfully compete at the higher levels of Happy Ratters and NASDA.

Prerequisities for ALL CRITTER HUNTING CLASSES

Pre-registration with pre-payment is required.
No shock collars, e-collars, prong collars or choke chains allowed in class
No females in season allowed in classes

Tuition: $190
Duration: Once a week for 6 weeks
Class Size: 6 Dogs Maximum

CLASS DAYS & TIMES

Tuesday Evening Classes

5:30-6:30 pm – Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Youngsville Location, Novice Barn Hunt Barn
(2025) Mar 4 | Oct 28

5:30-6:30 pm – Advanced Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Julie Asbed
Youngsville Location, Masters Barn Hunt Barn
(2025) Mar 4 | Oct 28

6:30-7:30 pm – Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Youngsville Location, Novice Barn Hunt Barn
(2025) Mar 4 | Oct 28

6:30-7:30 pm – Advanced Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Julie Asbed
Youngsville Location, Masters Barn Hunt Barn
(2025) Mar 4 | Oct 28

7:30-9:30 pm – Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Youngsville Location, Novice Barn Hunt Barn
(2025) Mar 4 | Oct 28

7:30-8:30 pm – Advanced Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Julie Asbed
Youngsville Location, Masters Barn Hunt Barn
(2025) Mar 4 | Oct 28

Wednesday Classes

9:00-10:00 am – Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
Instructor: Jules Asbed
Youngsville Location, Novice Barn Hunt Barn

(2025) Mar 5 | Oct 29

Advanced Barn Hunt Class
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Instructor: Jules Asbed
Youngsville Location, Barn Hunt Barn
Mar 5 | Oct 29

Advanced Barn Hunt Class
11:00 am – noon
Instructor: Jules Asbed
Youngsville Location, Barn Hunt Barn
Mar 5 | Oct 29

6:30-7:30 pm – Intro to Urban Rat Sports Class
Julie Asbed
The Wag Center – Youngsville
(2025) Jan 8 | May 7 | Sept 3

7:30-8:30 pm – Advanced Urban Rat Sports Class
Julie Asbed
The Wag Center – Youngsville
(2025) Jan 8 | May 7 | Sept 3

* Private lessons available in the break between classes, as schedule allows

Please note: The rats are never let loose or harmed by the dogs in this sport. They are the pets of the instructor of the class. She raises them from babies and acclimates them to dogs. The rats are kept in a dog-proof, climate-controlled environment at all times.