Page 54 - Chow Life - Fall 2017

I Smell A Rat!

PART T WO by Cathy Clapp, FlamingStar Chows

Last time I talked about how I got Tunnel, Climb and Rat 1) and if you performance venues that allow Bitches
started in Barn Hunt and some of are up to it, helping build the course in Season to compete. They must wear
the basics – like read the rules before to the judge’s specifications between panties at all times except when taken
you jump in with both feet and why each and every class. I can’t pick up outside to potty (in their own separate
I thought Marilyn would like it. One the bales of straw but I can help move area) and are crated in a separate area,
thing I didn’t mention was why I like it. “fluff” (loose straw used to put over but they are allowed to run.
Barn Hunt is great. It’s you and your the rat tubes to hide them) to where I will also mention that I think Barn
dog. You do need to do some training it is needed. Another important job Hunt is the only sport that allows for
which does get more involved as is the person who stands at the blind three-legged dogs to compete. It is not
you advance to higher levels, but we that lets each person know when it is assumed they are automatically lame
jumped in with very little. I had a dog their time to go and what dogs need – it is up to the judge to decide if the
with a lot of natural talent and it’s FUN to be getting ready to load for the next dog is lame or if that is its normal gait.
to watch her work. Not only that, all blind. In fact the only dogs not allowed to
you need for Barn Hunt is your dog, The “blind” is where you go when it compete in Barn Hunt are those with
a crate, a chair to sit in while you wait is your turn to run. When you arrive no useful vision and puppies under
your turn and treats to reward your at the trial the first thing you will do is 6 months old – that’s it. There are
dog when you are done. It doesn’t check in and check the running order quite a few people using Barn Hunt
matter what you wear (other than to if it wasn’t sent out to you in advance. as a “retirement” sport for their dogs
be comfortable and decent) or if your In fact, check it anyway because if that have gotten too old for agility or
dog is naked from blowing coat. You there is a BIS (Bitch in Season) then obedience. As long as they can climb
will need to have your dog registered that dog will go to the end of the class. around on the bales they can continue
with the Barn Hunt Association BIS bitches get their own blind so to participate.
(www.barnhunt.com). For that you they don’t distract from the others in Anyway, back to the “Blind.” Each
will need the breed (though mixed- the class. BTW, I believe that Barn class will be divided into groups of five
breeds are allowed), name, and the Hunt is one of the few (if not only) with the exception of Master, which
dog’s height at the shoulder. While all
dogs are allowed to compete, they are
divided by three size classes, Small,
Medium and Large. Placements are
actually awarded to each size level
within the class and based on time,
starting with the fastest qualifying
time. The Barn Hunt number is
assigned immediately online so you
can start entering trials right away.
If you want to learn quite a lot while
waiting your turn, volunteer and help
around the ring. People are always
needed – a leash runner, gatekeeper(s),
outside rat wranglers (inside rat
wranglers should be experienced), a
scribe (marks off the score
sheet for each dog as the judge
calls completed tasks like
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