Earthdog

[fuzzy82]

Just wondering if there are any earthdog classes on the northside of Brisbane? We would do it just for fun, as my dogs are mixed breeds.

I have googled it and found the trials but no classes. I even emailed a few people that popped up in the google search and asked them if they knew about any classes, and they said they would forward my email to the relevant people, but I never heard back.

[dandybrush]

sorry whats earthdog? (just curious)

[fuzzy82]

It's the underground stuff that JRT's were bred to do. I don't actually know that much about it, as I have trouble finding info on how exactly the trials are done, but from what I can gather they build tunnels (fake burrows) and the dogs go in as if they were hunting.

[Janba]

Contact DogsQld - they should be able to help you.

I know NSW is doing but thats not much help to you.

[dandybrush]

oh wow interesting well good luck with that

[fuzzy82]

Thanks

[toshman]

It's the underground stuff that JRT's were bred to do. I don't actually know that much about it, as I have trouble finding info on how exactly the trials are done, but from what I can gather they build tunnels (fake burrows) and the dogs go in as if they were hunting.

Have to join in here - as proud owner of the first Master Earthdog in NSW, and first Border Terrier Master Earthdog in Australia!!!

Earthdog is tested up in Brisbane - if you contact the Canine Control up there they will give you the details of who to speak to. It happens through the winter months only (not nice to meet up with a pesky snake in a den!) and if you have a small terrier, or a dachshund or even a cross-breed "of earthdog type" and size, who is showing a good prey drive, then they think it is great fun.

We put 9-inch square 3-sided wooden liners into trenches - there are corners to be negotiated, and in the higher levels a constriction where the dog has to get through a 6-inch part, and an obstruction where the dog has to climb over a barrier in the liner. At the end are some wooden bars and behind the bars is the judge with the quarry - usually a dead rabbit, or a squeaky toy if the dog prefers that, and the dog has to "work" the quarry for a certain length of time - the rules say "Work shall be defined as barking, growling, digging or any form of activity which, in the Judge’s opinion, indicated the dog’s interest in the quarry."

Thats the basics of earthdog - there are levels of Novice, Senior and Master to work through for the various titles. There is also an Introduction to Quarry class which we use down here in Sydney for the real beginners to see what sort of instinct they have. We don't hold training classes as such for earthdog though - here in Sydney you would need to come along to a test day and we are happy to help and advise, and then for you to try out an Introduction class. I don't know if they have the Intro classes up in Brisbane though (they're not compulsory), but again I don't believe they hold training classes as such.

It's not the sport for everyone! We have a pretty small group who do it here in Sydney, the same in Victoria too, and in SA where they recently started earthdog, and in Brisbane. But our dogs just love it judging from the smiles on their faces when we pull them out of the dens at the end of a test!!!

If you want to PM me, I can give you more information or let you know a particular person to contact in the Brisbane area for more details.