GRAFFITI-CAIRN-EARTHDOG

EARTHDOGS
CHIEN DE TERRIER

construction

Earthdog Den Trials

Earthdog Den Trials are a simulated hunting situation usually held in a field in which the dachshund/terrier tracks the game by scent to the constructed game's earth (lair, burrow, tunnel), enters the animal's tunnel and then works (barking, engaging, etc) the animal until the vermin either bolts (flees) from the earth or until the owner digs down to the den in a real hunting situation. The simulated earths are trenches dug and liners inserted of which are usually constructed of wood. The trench or path is scented with i.e. rat scent. A caged rat serves as the simulated quarry at the end of the trench where the dog can see and smell but not physically touch or harm the rat. Believe me, these feeder/pet rats seem bored with the proceedings and merrily sniff the dog and then go about the cage while the dog, external to the cage, is working.

The test is non-competitive; either a pass or a fail. However it is a very exciting event and one of camaradie and enthusiasm. There are two separate and independent governing bodies:

(1) The American Working Terrier Association (AWTA) was formed in May 1971 by Patricia Adams Lent has members throughout the US and Canada. The Canadian Kennel Club does recognize the AWTA Certificate of Gameness and will record it on a CKC pedigree
(2) The American Kennel Club (AKC) began offering Earthdog Performance Den Trials in October 1994. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) does not offer Earthdog Performance Den Trials but does recognize the AWTA Certificate of Gameness and will record it on a CKC pedigree.

Source : Earthdogs web site.

http://www.clic.net/~graffiti
This site is best viewed at 1024 x 768 resolution
Optimiser le site en résolution 1024 x 768