AKC Earthdog Tests
|
"The
purpose of
non-competitive Earthdog Tests is to offer breeds and owners of small
terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their dogs'
natural and trained hunting and working abilities when exposed to a
hunting situation. The non-competitive 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.
Earthdog
tests are a
sport and all participants should be guided by the principles of good
sportsmanship both in and outside the test field.” Ch. 1,
Sec. 1, AKC Reg. for Earthdog Tests
|
Sec. 1, AKC Regulations for Earthdog Tests
In all tests the earth is a trench into
which is 3-sided wooden liner (9” h X 9” w) is put with the open side
down. The liners are well covered and the top of the liner (not visible)
is flush with the ground. At the end of the earth is the den area, where
the caged quarry (2 rats) is placed. The quarry is securely caged and
can not be hurt by the dog nor can it hurt the dog. An opening, at the
quarry end of the earth, allows the judge to observe the dog work and
provides a way for to remove the dog on completion of his test. Earths
are scented their entire length with SE and ME earth be scented only on
the primary quarry trail.
This
page contains
brief descriptions of the requirements for each test. Complete details
are provided in the
Regulations
for Earthdog Tests for Small Terriers
and Dachshunds available from the AKC
|
Introduction to Quarry
Pass/Fail,
not required for entry to Junior Earthdog
10’ earth with one 90 degree turn; Handler releases dog at marker with
one (1) command.
Handler may
go to earth entrance and stand. He may encourage the dog at judge’s
prompting.
Time
Maximum 2
minutes from time of
release to begin working; 30
seconds working
quarry
Note:
This is a simple instinct test requiring no training or
previous
exposure to earthwork. No titles are earned, nor is it a prerequisite
for advanced tests. Since this may be the first such experience for
some dogs, the handler and judge are encouraged to make this a positive
experience for the dog
|
Junior Earthdog Test
Pass/Fail,
Dogs must qualify 2 times under 2 different judges to earn Junior
Earthdog title
30’earth with three (3) 90 degree turns, release point 10’ from
entrance; Handler will release dog at Marker with one (1)
command.
No
further action is allowed.
Time: 30 seconds to reach quarry; 30 seconds to start working; 60
seconds working, within 1’(one foot) of the quarry
Note: Once at quarry dog may not leave.
|
Senior Earthdog Test
Pass/Fail,
Dog must qualify 3 times under 2 different
judges to earn Senior Earthdog title
Dog
must have JE title to enter SE
This is a JE earth with these additions:
A 4’ dead-end branch with heavily scented nesting
material located under a 12” x 8” door.
A 7’ exit branch, unscented, with one 90 degree turn
The entrance shall be
at no less than 45 degree slant with a 4” mound of dirt all around it.
The mound may be camouflaged by natural cover as long as it does not
restrict the entrance.
Handler will release dog at marker with one(1)
command. No further verbal or physical action is allowed until
directed by the judge.
Time: Maximum 90 seconds from release to reach quarry; 15 seconds to
begin work; Must work quarry for 90 seconds with no break
Handler has 90 seconds to regain dog after judge instructs him to
recall his dog, after quarry is removed.
Note: For recall, whistling & calling is allowed.
Noisemakers,toys bait or
hides are not allowed.
|
Master Earthdog Test
Pass/Fail, dog must have SE title to enter this test
Dog must qualify 4 times under 2 different judges to earn Master
Earthdog title
This is an SE earth with these additions:
Den entrance readily visible and blocked with a removable
obstruction(grill type)
Scent line of approximately 20’ will lead to entrance.
An unscented false den visible to dogs is located midway along walk up
to entrance, at least 5’ from scent line.
Constriction point- boards 1.5”thick, 5.5” wide
and 18” long are placed opposite each other on liner sides to narrow
liner to approximately 6’. Ends are beveled.
Obstruction – a 6” diameter PVC pipe placed
crossways in liner and loosely mounted on a 1” dowel so as to be able
to move approximately 2.5” each way. The portion of the liner above the
obstruction is elevated 6” over the main liner and will be
approximately 18” long.
Constriction or obstruction are not to be within 5’ of entrance or
quarry.
Dogs are worked 2 at a
time, braces randomly selected and preferably not owned by the same
person. Handlers, positioned with the judge, proceed in the direction of
earth. Walk up will be not less than 100 yards nor more than 300 yards.
Judge’s Steward will stand at den area to deal with any overt
aggression.
Dog must reach liner
entrance and exhibit interest before the judge arrives. A dog will fail
if he shows no interest. He may be allowed to continue the test. Dogs
barking at the false den will not pass. If necessary the first dog to
reach the den and indicate interest may be removed, at the judge’s
instruction, to allow the second dog an opportunity The first dog
indicating the earth will be allowed to enter it first, with the second
dog attached to the sake in the honor position. The honoring dog may
show interest in the activity but may not
bark continuously.
Time: Maximum 90 seconds from release to reach quarry; 15 seconds
to begin work; Dog must work for 90 seconds without breaking; Handler
has 15
seconds to remove dog from earth once it has completed required work
and judge instructs handler to come remove dog |
|
