Thank you for expressing an interest in the
American Working Terrier Association (AWTA).
The
oldest working
terrier organization in the US, the AWTAwas
founded in 1971 by Patricia Adams Lent to encourage and promote the
breeding, hunting, and ownership of terriers of the correc size,
conformation, and character to perform as earth working terriers. In
1972 Dachshunds were accepted by the AWTA and
quickly became
regulars at the trials. From modest beginnings, the organization has
grown to include over two hundred members and holds field trials across
the country and throughout the year.
The main objective of the AWTA
is to encourage terrier and dachshund owners to venture into the hunt
field with their dogs. As an educational aid and to disseminate
information to the membership, the quarterly magazine,Down
to
Earthwill post AWTA trial
dates, the latest recipients
of certificates, and any other information of relevance to the
objectives of theAWTA.
By promoting the use of terriers and dachshunds for earthwork and above
ground hunting, the American Working Terrier Associationhopes
to encourage breeders to retain the hunting instincts that make these
breeds so characteristically "terriers". Without the opportunity to
test the instincts so vital to these breeds, dachshunds and terriers
would cease to be the working dogs they were meant to be; something
already too common in many terrier breeds selectively bred for dog
shows alone.
AWTA Certificates
The AWTA offers three types of Certificates: the Certificate
of
Gameness (CG), the Hunting certificate(HC),
and the Working
Certificate (WC). The Certificate of Gameness is issued to
dogs
qualifying at anAWTA
trial in the Open Division. The Hunting Certificate is issued to dogs
that are used regularly for hunting over the period of a year. The
Working Certificate is issued to dogs qualifying by working approved
quarry in a natural den.
AWTA Trials The AWTAholds
terrier trials around the
country to test dogs in a simulated working environment.Four class
divisions are offered:
Novice A is open to dogs and bitches
under 12
months
of age that
have not earned 100% in a Novice Class.
Novice B is open to dogs and bitches 12
months
and
over that
have not earned 100% in a Novice class.
Open is open to all dogs and bitches who
have
scored
100% in a
Novice class or have worked in a natural earth.
Certificate class is open to dogs and
bitches
that
have earned
the Certificate of Gameness.
All of the classes use a liner that measures 9" wide by 9" high and is
buried in the ground. The length and difficulty of the tunnel increases
as the dog moves up to the next level. Work is defined as barking,
whining, digging, growling, biting or clawing the bars and or lunging
at the cage. An intent silent stare is also acceptable. If this method
of work is used the judge must be able to determine to their
satisfaction that the dog was indeed working the quarry. The rats are
always protected in a sturdy wire cage, with strong bars between the
dog and the cage.
Novice Class
The tunnel is 10' long with one ninety-degree turn. The dog is required
to reach the quarry within two minutes and must work for 30 seconds
without encouragement. This is a class for novice dogs, with the
objective being to introduce the dog to the idea of going to ground in
a positive manner.
Because this is often the first time the handler or the dog has been
exposed to this type of activity, the judge may allow the handler to
encourage the dog to enter the earth if he is reluctant. This
encouragement is primarily vocal. Never is the handler allowed to push
or force the dog into the earth. Once the novice dog reaches the quarry
he is sometimes unsure what to do. Again, the judge may allow the
handler to encourage the dog, trying to awaken his instincts to work.
Encouragement results in a slight loss of points.
Open Class
For dogs that have done some earthwork in a natural setting or have
received a 100% score in the Novice Class. The tunnel is 30' long with
three ninety-degree turns. The dog is allowed 30 seconds from the time
of release to reach the quarry, and must work with no break for 60
seconds. No encouragement by the handler or the judge is allowed.
Because the dogs in this class are presumed to have an idea of what
they are doing, the rules are very strictly followed. Once he has
released the dog, giving only 1 command, the handler must silently
remain at the release point until told by the judge to retrieve his
dog. Once the judge has indicated that the handler is to remove the dog
he must go to the end where the judge is observing the dog's work to
get the dog. At that time he is allowed to praise the dog's work and
enthusiasm. If the dog has gotten to the quarry, but not actually
worked, the judge will often suggest the handler encourage the terrier,
to try to make this a positive learning experience. In those situations
the terrier would not qualify, but it is more likely to do better the
next time. Each dog that qualifies in this class is awarded a
Certificate of Gameness.
Certificate Class
Open to dogs that have earned their CG. This is primarily a chance for
those CG dogs (and their owners) to enjoy the game. There are no
further titles to be achieved at an AWTA terrier trial.
Other certificates awarded by the AWTA are:
Working Certificate
The WC is awarded to a terrier or dachshund who has worked in a natural
earth, (not man made) to one of the following quarry: woodchuck, fox,
raccoon, badger, aggressive opossum, or other quarry found acceptable
by the trustees on review of an application submitted by a member for
earthwork done to that quarry. The dog must enter the earth far enough
to be out of sight, work the quarry, causing it to bolt, be drawn, or
held at bay until dug to. The sette can not be enlarged by man in order
to allow the dog to enter. The owner and witness must be members in
good standing of the AWTA. (complete rules for the WC are available)
Hunting Certificate
This certificate is awarded to a dog that is regularly used for hunting
such game as squirrels, rats, raccoons, opossums, muskrats, rabbits or
for flushing &/or retrieving upland birds. The HC can be earned
by
a dog regularly used to draw quarry from the earth or for working
underground on game that does not qualify for a WC, such as rabbits,
etc. The handler of the dog must be an AWTA member. The dog must spend
a full season hunting and the hunting must have been witnessed by an
AWTA member on at least 6 occasions. (Complete rules for the HC are
available.)
More information on the AWTA, it's rules
and
regulations,
contact information, and a membership application can be obtained by
visiting our website http://www.dirt-dog.com/awta
Whether you are new to the world of earth dog events and earth working
or have been active in the sport for years the AWTA has something to
offer you. From the quarterly newsletter, to the den trials and
fellowship with other dog lovers you will find the AWTA an excellent
resource.
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