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, bags and other household items. 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.
Pre-requisites 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: $200
Duration: Once a week for 6 weeks
Class Size: 6 Dogs Maximum
CLASS DAYS & TIMES
Intro to Urban Rat Sports Class
6:30-7:30 pm
Instructor: Michele Godlevski / Rachel Offerdahl
Wednesday evenings
Location: The Wag Center
(2026) Jan 7 | Mar 11 | May 13 | Jul 15 | Sept 2
Advanced Urban Rat Sports Class
5:30-6:30pm
7:30-8:30 pm
Instructor: Michele Godlevski / Rachel Offerdahl
Location: The Wag Center
Wednesday evenings
(2026) Jan 7 | Mar 11 | May 13 | July 15 | Sept 2
Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
1-2pm
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Wednesday afternoons
(2026) Mar 4 | Oct 28
Advanced Barn Hunt Class
2-3pm
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Wednesday afternoons
(2026) Mar 4 | Oct 28
Advanced Barn Hunt Class
5-6pm
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Wednesday evenings
(2026) Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Sept 2 | Oct 28
Advanced Barn Hunt Class
6-7pm
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Wednesday evenings
(2026) Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Sept 2 | Oct 28
Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
7-8pm
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Wednesday evenings
(2026) Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Sept 2 | Oct 28
Introduction to Barn Hunt Class
8-9pm
Instructor: Rachel Offerdahl
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Wednesday evenings
(2026) Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Sept 2 | Oct 28
CRITTER HUNT OF THE WEEK!
Thursday nights 6pm-9pm
$30 for all dogs living under one roof
Instructor: Michele Godlevski
Location: Novice Barn Hunt Barn
Click This Link for more information!
* Private lessons also available! See this link to sign up!
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.