Dog Barn Hunt Rules

The sport tests speed, agility, hunt drive, scenting ability, surefootedness, and control and responsiveness to handler direction. Barn Hunt is for any domestic dog and handler who wish to play the game, including large dogs, pet dogs, altered dogs, and dogs of breeds or mixes of breeds with or without a vermin. Are you wondering what Barn Hunting for dogs is? Let's discover this fun sport, its rules and titles, and where to find an event near you.

Barn Hunt is a dog sport recognized by the American Kennel Club, focusing on testing dogs' instinct, drive, and teamwork in a fun environment. Barn hunt is a dog sport where dogs hunt rats. That's the short and sweet answer.

If we want to get more specific, Barn Hunt was built off of the work of rat catchers and their working dogs. These dogs and their people used to travel around getting rid of pests on farms. They helped protect crops and prevent disease.

Now, we can test dogs for their ability to do that same task in a more. Summary: RATI is an optional class for any dog without a Barn Hunt Novice (RATN) title. RATI is a set course (see Appendix A: RATI Course Construction, page 59 in the barn hunt rules).

The three tubes will be placed secured and uncovered in plain sight on the course. While the course is set up in such a way that tunneling and climbing are difficult to avoid, the purpose of RATI is correct. The Barn Hunt Association was formed and became an overnight success.

Dogs need to register with the Barn Hunt Association to compete for titles. The association lists clubs where knowledgeable people can help you train your dog for Barn Hunt. They also have a listing of events in your area when you and your dog are ready to compete.

Barn Hunt is a new and growing sport which can be enjoyed by any dog breed or mixed breed and their owners. The following is a set of posters I created to share for use as quick reference guides to the basic rules for title qualifications at each level and a poster about the rules for where the tubes are hidden, plus a full page guide for titles. Barn Hunt Rulebooks These documents are extensively cross-referenced.

For all cross references to link seamlessly, download and open all 3 rulebooks. 2025 Competitor Rulebook 2025 Club Rulebook 2025 Judge Rulebook Barn Hunt Regionals Rules This book contains rules and entry eligibility criteria for Barn Hunt Regional Competitions. Barn Hunt.

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.

A satisfied dog: Barn Hunt utilizes your dog's natural prey drive and sense of smell. Increased confidence: Participating in Barn Hunt is a great way to build your dog's confidence and help.