Barn-hunt is an activity that is quickly gaining in popularity. As people are looking for new and interesting things to do beyond obedience, this is a great activity to try. Moxie at 13 weeks thought it was a lot of fun. Once she turns 2 and I can get her ofa certification after she will be a Momma dog. On this day, however, Moxie was just a Jack Russell Terrier puppy.

She started by learning that there is a rat and it has a specific smell. The drive was built by removing her before she got bored and then released to find the rat in the wire crate three more times. When we learn in fun, it takes fewer repetitions!

Step two was a rat in a PVC tube with holes drilled for scent to escape and air for the rat. This deepens the use of the nose, with sight (or rat movement) not interfering. Moxie caught onto that as well. At this point I was having a conversation with another participant and realized that Mox was unconcerned with the tarp under her feet, she could just focus on learning the process. These are the points where I can see the puppy socializing is paying off. All fun, no stress.

Once the pup became familiar with the rat in the PVC tube it was partially hidden in the hay bales (photo #3). This is where it all starts to come together. The goal is for her to use her nose to find the rat. She was so proud of herself, her little tail never stopped wagging. She was loving this new skill. That same sense of smell detects changes in the human body and can interrupt anxiety attacks. There are so many great reasons to provide early scent introduction to puppies. 

Mental stimulation is extremely important for dogs of all ages it is what prevents your sofa and your shoes from being eaten it is also a great endorphin release which is the antibody to adrenaline. When our dogs are on adrenaline they tend to become reactive and I get emails telling me that their puppy is biting, chasing other animals in the house generally being annoying. Barn hunting tags into their very natural drives. Jack Russells are ranked third out of all the dogs for an aptitude and ability to hunt rats. Duty dog Jack Russells get a leg up because I do perform early scent introduction. Early scent introduction reduces behavioral issues and later in life produces a more confident and stable adult. The side benefit is your puppies from me are extremely well set up to participate and win in this sport.

We all see posts and trainers encouraging you to allow your dog to sniff because it has immense physical, mental, and emotional benefits for the dog. Barn hunting is just a dedicated sniffari for them. The last thing that I could touch on is teaching the dog to find the rats has a very practical application at home, on the farm and in the gardens. Jack Russells are especially adept at dispatching rodents teaching them in this controlled way just increases the skill level.

Happy Hunting!

PS If you;re interested in signing up for a class I highly recommend this one that Moxie participated in. She uses positive reinforcement coupled with building the drive. She moves participants forward in a meaningful way for the dogs. Her teaching was systematic and with great observations of the students. She also has a lot of great stuff, leashes, collars and tugs! Check her out; Get Dirty Pet Gear