Tried something new this weekend

[Annette4]

Yesterday I took Ginny down to Gloucester to try Barn Hunt for the first time and safe to say she loved it.

We had some initial silliness which was all anxiety related which resulted in lots of bouncing off the hay bales. Initially the trainer couldn't be near her but she soon clocked rat = reward.

It was brilliant to watch her go from worried to hunting mode and the real switch in her body language.

By the last run she was straight to hunting and totally comfortable with the trainer which was amazing to watch. I forget sometimes how far she's come over the last nearly 3 years but she's such an amazing little dog and I'm so proud of the little ginger tornado.

I really struggle with photos with being on my phone but will try to get some added.

 

[Clodagh]

What is barn hunt? Is it ratting? I assume ‘fake’ ratting? What fun if so.

 

[Annette4]

It's basically fake ratting, they find tubes which have a (dead) rat inside in and around haybales. When you start doing actual trials they have to do certain obsticals but with the taster it was just about getting them hunting. There was a gorgeous Irish Terrier, a Manchester terrier, a lurcher and a poodle in our group as well as Ginny and some JRTs and they all loved it.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

That sounds like great fun!

 

[MurphysMinder]

Barn hunts seem popular with Lancashire Heeler owners in USA , but they use live domestic rats in cages .

 

[Annette4]

Cannot get the photos to work (and I don't have the will to fire up the ancient laptop) but hopefully this link to her Instagram works?!

 

[Annette4]

Barn hunts seem popular with Lancashire Heeler owners in USA , but they use live domestic rats in cages .

They did mention that they use live rats in the US, not sure I'd be as keen on it if we did but I'm sure Ginny would be.

 

[Clodagh]

I’m not intending to be provocative but why not real ratting? If the rats are killed to use as bait it’s no more humane? Or is it because of the risk of dog injury?

 

[Titchy Reindeer]

Cannot get the photos to work (and I don't have the will to fire up the ancient laptop) but hopefully this link to her Instagram works?!

Link works for me, Ginny does seem to be having fun! I'd never heard of 'Barn Hunts' before. Not that my monster would be remotely interested, he doesn't "do" road kill / already dead, he'd much rather it was running and squeaking.

 

[Annette4]

I’m not intending to be provocative but why not real ratting? If the rats are killed to use as bait it’s no more humane? Or is it because of the risk of dog injury?

The rats they use for bait are purchased from pet shops (reptile food). For me personally, it's the injury risk. She does quite a few different sports so it's a controlled way to channel those natural instincts.

 

[Clodagh]

The rats they use for bait are purchased from pet shops (reptile food). For me personally, it's the injury risk. She does quite a few different sports so it's a controlled way to channel those natural instincts.

Interesting. And I agree rat bites are best avoided.

 

[Annette4]

Link works for me, Ginny does seem to be having fun! I'd never heard of 'Barn Hunts' before. Not that my monster would be remotely interested, he doesn't "do" road kill / already dead, he'd much rather it was running and squeaking.

The pointy noses are the same, they would have no interest.