intro to ratting workshop - Urbana, IL
When/Where/Who
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Program to repeat in three 2-hour sessions:
- MORNING - 9-11 AM - FULL*, audit spots only
- MIDDAY - 12-2 PM - FULL*, audit spots only
- AFTERNOON - 3-5 PM - FULL*, audit spots only
*If you'd like to join a wait list in case any working spots open up, please simply send an email noting which session(s) you'd be able to attend.
Hosted by:
Dog Training Club of Champaign-Urbana
2210 E Ford Harris Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
Workshop Description
Handlers learn basics about the rat hunting sports, including competition venues and similarities/differences between the "urban ratting" and "barn ratting" versions.
For dogs the workshop includes:
- Introduction (or re-introduction) to a rat, both in a quarry cage and in a tube
- Building value for the scent of the live rat and drive to search for it
- Practice "Burrow" and "Bridge" elements of a Happy Ratters run
- Practice hunting in an urban trial ring setup
- Try out an Urban Ratting game (appropriate to dog's level)
Registration details
Space is limited; pre-registration required online. Event bookings must be paid in full by credit card at the time of online registration in order to reserve the spot.
Working Spot: $40/dog
Auditing Spot: $15/person
Capacity: max 2 dogs/handler attending same session; unlimited auditors
Workshop & Equipment Policies
- You MUST pick up after your dog! Baggies and scoops are located at stations outside all main doors to the building, in black mailboxes. Please dispose of dog refuse in the outdoor trash cans attached to the poop stations or the dumpster.
- Dogs may ONLY be off leash during their turn with instructor's approval.
- Dogs must be on leash at all other times; no socializing with other dogs.
- Dogs must go in crates or your car between their turns; please bring your own travel crate as well as a mat to put underneath.
- To prevent disruptive/excessive barking: handlers are encouraged to bring Kongs, lick mats or snuffle mats to keep dogs busy during their downtime.
- Remember to bring high value treats that are not crumbly!
- Collars: No electronic/shock/bark collars, no choke collars, no uncovered pinch/prong collars, no head halters. Covered prongs* and martingale collars are allowed.
- Leashes: No flexi/retractable leashes.
- Allowed Equipment in Competition: This topic will be covered in the introductory part of the workshop in relation to specific competition venues.
*Please note that while covered prongs are allowed in training and at Barn Hunt trials, they are NOT allowed in either Happy Ratters or NASDA "urban ratting" trial venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question here!
A: YES! This workshop is really designed for dogs and handlers that are new to ratting, and all levels are welcome to come try out "urban ratting" (since we will NOT be bringing in any straw bales for the day). In fact, this workshop is a great opportunity for dogs to have a rat introduction as a precursor to Rat Hunt lessons…whether you are interested in Barn Hunt or Urban Ratting or both!
A: There are a number of reasons why folks get interested in Urban Ratting, including:
- It's a good complement to Barn Hunt in the hottest and coldest months of the year when "barn time" and/or trials are limited by weather.
- It's more portable - you can pack up the course and take it on the road easily.
- No straw to aggravate allergies!
- It's very accessible for senior dogs - no climbing and no long, dark tunnels required.
- You can always treat at the rat!
A: So glad you asked! We also love the following about the two different trial venues:
- Points are cumulative - you don't need a completely perfect run to accumulate credit towards titles.
- More levels offered with a more gradual increase in difficulty, especially. in Happy Ratters.
- There are many games to play in addition to the regular class levels: 11 games in Happy Ratters and 6 games in NASDA Urban Locating!
A: City Sniffers is an active Barn Hunt club and Happy Ratters club. We hosted our first trials in summer/fall 2023, and we have planned six Barn Hunt trials and three Happy Ratters trials in 2024. We also host Games Leagues in the spring and fall with both "urban" and "barn" games. Meanwhile, we are exploring possibilities for NASDA trials as well, as there are already two new NASDA clubs in the state as well as new programs to help clubs start up activities!
Find trial schedules, links and news on these pages:
A: If a registrant needs to cancel a workshop registration, they must notify City Sniffers in writing at info@citysniffers.org. If at least 5 days in advance of the event date, they may choose to either reschedule for another time OR receive a refund of the original amount paid, minus a 10% processing fee.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 5 days in advance of the event date. This is without exception.
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