EARTHDOG!  By now you are asking "What in the world is Earthdog?"  It is a man-made test to test the dogs natural ability to seek out vermin.   The tunnels are made of wood and a trench is dug.  Next the liners (9" x  9") are placed in the trenches (30 feet with 3-90 degree turns) and covered with dirt.

The object of the game is to reach the quarry at the end of the tunnel.  The quarry are well protected so the dogs cannot get to them behind bars.  The dog is to work the quarry which means bark, bite, growl, dig or lunge at the bars where the rats are kept.

A rat fancier once told me to watch for stress in rats.  They will mess in their cages if stressed.  So far I have not met a rat in distress.  I peek in there and they are washing themselves or asleep most of the time.  Totally ignoring the dogs.

All this is under a timed situation.  There are three levels, and the dog has to complete each level before moving onto the next.  The dog pictured above has obtained the highest level, Master Earthdog on June 25, 2002.  Stormy being the first Master Bedlington on the West Coast.  Nathan was the first on the East Coast.

Join YahooGroups Pacific Coast Earthdog list.  This is an announcement email group for Tests on the West Coast only.

For more information on Earthdog please visit these other sites.....

AKC Performance Events
Great Western Terrier Association
American Working Terrier Association
DCSAV
Duffy's Cavern