RF Revolution Dog Sports

Earthdog, sometimes called go to ground, is a fun activity for earth working terrier breeds bred to go to ground in pursuit of game.  Our monthly training sessions are open to dogs and handlers of all skill levels, offering run-throughs and problem solving.  Weeknight sessions are available by appointment.  Though training and run-throughs are designed to prepare dogs and handlers for competition in American Kennel Club, American Working Terrier Association and Jack Russell Terrier Association of America events, dogs of ALL breeds who can navigate the tunnels and are game to work live quarry are invited to participate.  Typically, dogs 16” and under which a high prey drive are best suited to this activity.

Many breeds, such as the Parson Russell Terrier and Border Terrier were bred to go to ground, locate and mark, hold or bolt live quarry such as fox.  In earthdog tests, small terriers and dachshunds must locate and enter a series of human made tunnels.  They must then navigate their way through the tunnels, locate and then work live quarry, such as rats, for a specific period of time.  In American Kennel Club tests, working is defined as continuously digging, barking, growling, scratching or any combination of the above. 

Introduction to Quarry
At this level, dogs are released relatively close to the tunnel entrance.  The tunnels themselves are 10’ long with only one 90 degree turn.  The dog has two minutes from the time it first enters the earth to begin working then must work the quarry continuously for 30 seconds to pass.  This is a non-titling class designed to introduce new dogs and handlers to the sports.

Junior Earthdog
The Junior Earthdog test is comprised of three elements:  locating the quarry below ground in less than 30 seconds, starting work within 30 seconds of locating then working continuously for 60 seconds.  The tunnel is 30 feet in length with three 90 degree turns.  The dog must pass the junior earthdog test two times under two different judges to earn the Junior Earthdog title.

Senior Earthdog
The Senior Earthdog test is comprised of four elements:  locating the quarry below ground in less than 90 seconds, starting work within 15 seconds, working continuously for 90 seconds then recalling to the handler when the quarry has been removed from the tunnels in less than 90 seconds.  The senior level tunnel offers more challenges to the dog by including a false den with used bedding but no live quarry and a false entrance.  The correct entrance to the tunnel is also partially concealed from the dog, requiring the dog to follow a scent trail to locate it.  The course is otherwise 30 feet long with three 90 degree turns.  The dog must pass the senior earthdog test three times under two different judges to earn the Senior Earthdog title.

Master Earthdog
At the Masters level, dogs are expected to complete a walk up of 200-300 yards with another dog off lead under voice control.  The dogs must inspect a false den and live den located on the walk up.  The first dog to indicate the live den is the first to work and the second is the first to honor.  The tunnels at this level are approximately 30 to 40 feet in length with at least three 90 degree turns, one false den, one false exit and tunnel constriction and a root like obstacle.  The working dog must reach the quarry within 90 seconds, begin working within 15 and work continuously for 90 seconds.  The handler has 15 seconds to remove the dog from the earth while the dog is working.  While the first dog works, the second dog is tied out near the tunnel entrance and must remain fairly calm and quiet so as not to distract the judge or first handler.  When the first dog has competed working, the second dog will enter the earth and the first dog will then honor. 

Breeds eligible to compete in American Kennel Club competitions include: 

The American Working Terrier Association also permits terrier and dachshund mixes of an appropriate size to work.  RF Revolution Dog Sports training is open to all small gamey dogs including Toy Fox Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers and other mixes who are interested in learning more about the sport.