Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not. Though the word "hunt" is in the name, we are not hunting rats to kill (or even physically catch) them. Instead, dogs use their incredible scent sourcing skills to locate rats safely enclosed in aerated PVC tubes built tough enough for dogs to be unable to crush or even get a tooth inside. The tubes are large enough for rats to be able to turn around, and they are kept on bedding so they are comfortable. They often spend their time grooming or even sleeping in the tubes. Many enjoy the sport and interacting with the dogs. As a species, rats like small, dark places; they feel very safe in the tubes.

Rat care and safety is of paramount importance to these sports and has been from day one. Each national competition venue provides strict rat care guidelines developed with assistance from well-qualified sources with decades of experience studying, housing, and caring for rats. We love rats and would never harm them physically or mentally for the sport. 

Learn more about the Rat Care Guidelines set by each national sanctioning organization: 

• AKC Earthdog
• Barn Hunt Association
• Happy Ratters
• North American Sport Dog Association

A: Nope, you can start your rat hunting career anytime with ANY of our training offerings! All levels are welcome to attend all classes and lessons, even if you/your dog are totally new to Barn Hunt or Urban Ratting.

A: Yes, absolutely! "Bitches in season" (BIS) are allowed in both Barn Hunt and Urban Ratting competition venues, so we will always welcome them to training as well. There are a few stipulations, however:

• They must wear panties when in the building.
• At trials they must be crated and pottied in separate areas and they'll be assigned to their own separate blinds in the running order. So if possible, please bring your own crate for training visits. Crating out of your car works too!

A: Bring high-value, non-crumbly food rewards (cheese and/or lunch meat are especially good choices for first-timers). Toys are also a great training aid for the more play motivated pups! If your dog struggles to settle in the crate or has serious sibling envy, quiet aids for crate downtime are also recommended (e.g., stuffed Kongs, lick mats, chews).

A: You may either bring your own crate OR use the community crates we have available at both locations.

A: As with most scheduled services, this depends on how close it is to the date. You can find all the details in your email confirmations/reminders as well as in the Registration Policies.

A: You don't need anything special to start out, however, we do ask that you be aware of abide by our Equipment Policies when attending City Sniffers training offerings. If you plan to compete in one of the rat hunt venues, you will also want to familiarize yourself with each venue's equipment rules. We will discuss this in your class/lesson, and you can also read more here.

A: Please just email us with your request. We can set this up as a "private class" -- you'll just need to settle on a time slot that works for all!