Barn Hunt is one of the newest dog activities in the UK. This is an amazing activity for all breeds and ages of dogs. It harnesses the natural behaviours of hunting, sniffing and finding prey – in a completely calm and controlled environment. It is a safe outlet for unwanted behaviour and a fun thing to do with your dog.
In Barn Hunt UK the dog is searching a pre-designed course of straw bales to find the rat. This is a frozen rat sourced from a reptile feed supplier, which is in a secure tube. This means the dog has no direct contact with the rat but we can simulate a rat hidden in a straw barn. When the dog finds the rat we reward the dog using treats or toys. This actually reinforces disengagement away from the rat, so helping dogs that have high prey drive to come away from something of high value.
Emma is one of a very small number of Barn Hunt International UK instructors and judges. She is the only licensed instructor in Somerserset, BANES and Wiltshire.
Barn hunt workshops are run so that dog-reactive and dogs needing space from people are welcome. The workshops run in small groups, and each dog takes a turn to work. This means that we limit dog-dog interactions. Dogs can also work in a muzzle at workshops if needed. Workshops are licensed with Barn Hunt International UK – so you know you are getting the best.
Trials – if you have had a go at a barn hunt workshop you have all the skills you need to prepare for a trial. These are official events where you and your dog work as a team to find the rat. You can earn titles for your dog such as RATI and RATN. This is a new and exciting sport – where you are not competing against others. This means that trials are friendly and welcoming – everyone supports and cheers each other on.
