Welcome to the world of Barn Hunting.
Purpose is copied from www.barnhunt.com
The purpose of Barn Hunt is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin hunting ability in finding and marking rats in a “barn-like” setting, using straw/hay bales to introduce climbing and tunneling obstacles in the dog’s path. Barn Hunt is based on the skills historically used by itinerant “ratcatchers” in traveling the countryside, ridding farms of vermin, thus helping conserve and preserve food grains and cutting down on disease.
Barn Hunt is also for any breed or mix of dog who loves to hunt and who can fit through an 18” wide gap between two hay bales. It will test speed, agility, and surefootedness.
Barn Hunt is a sporting event, and as such there will be 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.
Barn Hunt can be held indoors or outdoors, in a barn-like setting or on any piece of level ground that can be enclosed securely by gating/fencing.
As a sporting event, all participants in Barn Hunt are expected to operate within a code of good sportsmanship. No punitive or corrective training is allowed on trial grounds. Any handler who verbally or physically abuses his or her dog either in or out of the ring can face discipline from dismissal from class to dismissal from show grounds and expulsion from future events, depending on the severity of the action. Any handler who displays lack of sportsmanship toward the judge, stewards, or fellow competitors can also face disciplinary action. Barn Hunt is a family sport and should be treated as such.
At all times, the safety of the dogs, handlers, and rats is to be of paramount importance. Rats will be humanely handled and safely confined in aerated PVC tubes; Barn Hunt is not intended to harm or kill rats. We love our pet rats!
*************************************************************************************************************************** To enter a barn hunt show: Each dog must be registered online at barnhunt.com It costs around 30dollars for that dog's lifelong membership. Once the dog has a BHA #, the handler must fill out a premium at the show of their choice. After mailed and received by that trial club, handler will get an email with all info needed.
Our shows- CTDS is located on a working horse farm in the rolling hills of Downsville, LA
All livestock is off limits with and without dogs. If there is also an AKC event, AKC area will be marked clearly so all follow AKC RULES in that area. Please drive SLOW- respectful.
We have POTLUCK tables, Raffle tables, vendors, and 90% of the time we have photographer. ALL proceeds from photography goes to Louisiana Boxer Rescue!! We always have a beautiful backdrop that you can take photos at.
Our building is completely Matted floors (horse stall mats), Lights, 25' ceiling fan- yes 25 feet, FULLY INSULATED ceiling &WALLS. We offer LARGE blinds so dogs have space.
LARGE GRASS FIELD for potty area is usually mowed short (weather permitting). Lots of parking. There is limited gravel parking but will continue to add. We have a public bathroom building. Its outside with handicap ramp and steps.
LAUGHTER, Great Food, STINKY RATS= CTDS shows!!!
Our catch phrase is RAT-TASTIC !
RINGS- We have one permeant ring. The ring has two solid walls but other two are 5' tall heavy duty horse panels wire.
CTDS was first to bring Barn Hunt training, matches and Trials to Louisiana! Very proud to continue bringing the sport to every dog lover possible.
Barn Hunt Services offered ALL YEAR LONG:
BHA Shows
Private training lessons
Group lessons (cost will vary on number of dogs and handlers)
Seminars to any group interested ( Louisiana and surrounding states etc)
To schedule or for more info, email Cristi at ctdogservices@gmail.com or 318 376-5660
Join the Barn hunt fun on Facebook groups where we give tips, share photos and everything barnhunt!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LouisianaBarnhunt/
Hotels - WEST MONROE or RUSTON are two great towns filled with hotels and restaurants! There are cabins and camp sites in Farmerville at Lake Darbonne.
We do allow camping and RV parking- Contact Cristi for details
