12/6-12/7 Happy Ratters Trial in Antioch - open for entries!

Welcome City Sniffers!
Welcome City Sniffers!
  • Home
  • About
    • About the Trainer
    • About the Rat Hunt Sports
    • About the NASDA Sports
    • Contact Us
  • Training Info
    • Springfield
    • Evanston
    • Chicago
    • Training Policies
    • Training FAQs
  • Rat Hunt Club - Trials
    • Barnhunt Trials
    • Happy Ratters Trials
    • NASDA Trials
    • Games Leagues
    • BHA Special Award History
    • HR Special Award History
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • About the Trainer
      • About the Rat Hunt Sports
      • About the NASDA Sports
      • Contact Us
    • Training Info
      • Springfield
      • Evanston
      • Chicago
      • Training Policies
      • Training FAQs
    • Rat Hunt Club - Trials
      • Barnhunt Trials
      • Happy Ratters Trials
      • NASDA Trials
      • Games Leagues
      • BHA Special Award History
      • HR Special Award History

  • Home
  • About
    • About the Trainer
    • About the Rat Hunt Sports
    • About the NASDA Sports
    • Contact Us
  • Training Info
    • Springfield
    • Evanston
    • Chicago
    • Training Policies
    • Training FAQs
  • Rat Hunt Club - Trials
    • Barnhunt Trials
    • Happy Ratters Trials
    • NASDA Trials
    • Games Leagues
    • BHA Special Award History
    • HR Special Award History

Rat Hunt Training in Springfield

Scent work with live rats provides safe and fulfilling enrichment for dogs of all breeds and ages, while enhancing the bond between dog and handler. Join us for a unique opportunity for your dog to fulfill those biological hunting instincts in a way that's fun and safe for all involved (including the rats)! 

Learn About the Sports

Quick Booking Links

Small Group ClassesPrivate Lessons

Meet the Instructor

Location

City Sniffers Springfield, 800 N MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL


Parking for training visits is in the small paved lot to the south of the building (on right when facing from street). Look for our sign to find the entrance doors to the City Sniffers facility on the south and east sides of the building - the front door of building is NOT in use! 

Training Dates Booking Now

  • Sat-Tues, December 13-16 (Sat w/ Malee Powell)
  • Sat-Wed, December 27-31

NASDA Training Opportunities

  • Field Classes Training: Sunday 11/30
  • Urban Classes Training: Sunday 12/28

Save These Future Training Dates

  • Fri-Tues, January 16-20
  • Sat-Wed, January 31-February 4
  • Sat-Wed, February 28-March 4

Upcoming Trial Dates

  • ThanksRatting Barn Hunt Trial - November 21-23 - entries now open!
  • "Ratting in the New Year" Barn Hunt Trial - January 2-4, 2026 - opens 11/5
  • "Winter Blahs Buster" Happy Ratters Trial - February 6-8, 2026

Registration Options

We offer both small group classes and private lessons. See below for details and pricing for each training format.


Training Policies: Registration & Equipment


Training FAQs

Training Formats

Small Group Classes

Small Group Classes

Small Group Classes

All levels are welcome in small group classes -- our themed lessons are adapted for each dog's (and handler's) individual learning journey. Max 4-5 dogs per 75-minute class. 


Rat Hunt Class ($25 per dog) - Students may choose to focus on just Barn Hunt, just Urban Ratting, or train for both sports. 

View Dates/Times & Register

Private Lessons

Small Group Classes

Small Group Classes

The suggested numbers of dogs below are based on playing just one sport at the lower levels. If your dogs are competing at more advanced levels OR if you want to practice both sports, please consider booking additional time.


Single Handler

  • $55 for 30 mins: ideal for 1-3 dogs
  • $75 for 45 mins: ideal for 3-4 dogs
  • $100 for 60 mins: ideal for 4-5 dogs


Shared Between Two Handlers* - each handler billed proportionately and pays separately through their own account

  • $60 for 30 mins: ideal for 2-3 dogs
  • $80 for 45 mins: ideal for 3-4 dogs
  • $110 for 60 mins: ideal for 4-5 dogs
  • add $5 for each additional handler beyond two


*Note: To book shared lessons, please email info@citysniffers.org with all handler names & emails, numbers/names of dogs attending, and your agreed time slot, and we'll set it up for you and email an invoice with online payment link. Please first make sure all handlers have created their accounts in the booking software and added all dogs who will be attending.

View Openings & Register

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