You can start by building a set of wooden liners and installing them in your yard, but if that is not feasible, you can easily build a simple set with cardboard boxes. At this stage, you just want to introduce your dog to going into a dark place. Once you build a maze of tunnels with boxes you can start the dog by throwing a toy or ball in there for him to retrieve.
Next comes laying a scent trail for him to follow. If you do not want to keep a set of rats for your training, simply go to a local pet shop and ask them for some of their used bedding when they clean the rodent cages. You can soak it in water and use the strained liquid to lay trails in the tunnels for the dog. You can also take a toy he likes and put it in a jar with some used bedding.
It will get the scent of the bedding and can be used to lay scent trails. Of course, the only way to know if he will work the rats in a den is to either have rats yourself or go to an Earthdog test or practice.
Take out one piece of kibble and, when your dog is looking, throw it about a foot into the tunnel and wait. He should stick his head in to retrieve the food. Repeat this process , slowly increasing how far you throw the kibble. Once your dog makes it to the end of the tunnel, reward him with a handful of kibble and lots of praise. Repeat this process until he has had all his kibble for the day.
Once your dog has nailed the short tunnel, begin training him in a longer one. Long tunnels have more sections and offshoots with corner pieces involved. Make sure the corners are at perfect right angles. You just have to repeat the setup and training but in a remodeled tunnel to get him used to different situations.
You can use a lab rat or a squirrel for quarry. Critter boxes or cages are used to keep the quarry and your dog safe from each other, so they need to be secure. You can make the critter box from plywood. It should have a wire-front opening with a top handle. They can be made from narrow aluminum bars or wooden dowels and anchor them with wood and glue. Leash your dog and stash the critter box somewhere behind the tunnel, but NOT inside it.
Now, let your dog run. He should remember his previous training, then run through the tunnel. When he goes inside, grab the critter box and place it under the trap door. This method trains your dog to never run around the tunnel but to run through it. Once he locates it, open the trap door and pet him through the opening. Rattle the cage to encourage him to work the quarry.
You can pull him out via the trap door, or you can remove the critter box from behind bars. Good luck, and have fun! Admin note : Comments have been turned off for a while. You may thank spammers for this time-out. Frequently Asked Questions Note — this page is not meant to be comprehensive or authoritative. What is earthdog? Home About. If you are brand new to the world of Earthdog and would like to get involved, you should attend a test in your area by checking out the events calendar.
AKC Clubs can be a great source of education for newcomers. Check out what clubs are licensed in your area by going to our online club directory. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry and progresses through gradual steps to require the dog to demonstrate that it is willing to perform the required tasks including seeking its quarry, locating and working it underground.
0コメント