Barn hunt
Participation Currently Limited to Active Fosters and Volunteers
Now offering barn hunt practice at Dobie’s Den, the barn in our Community Center, with instruction by Jenny and Ashlyn.
WHAT IS BARN HUNT?
Barn Hunt is a dog sport that lets dogs use their natural scenting and hunting instincts in a safe, controlled environment. Dogs navigate a course made of hay bales, climbing, tunneling, and searching for rats. Rats are safely contained in a ventilated PVC tube and never harmed.
The goal is for the dog to locate the rat and signal their handler, all while completing the course within a set time. Barn hunt encourages confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork, and is especially popular with terriers and working breeds — but any dog can do it!
DOBIE'S DEN
Dobie’s Den is our welcoming barn where rescue dogs can try Barn Hunt in a safe, low-pressure, and fun environment. Named for Dobie, Jenny’s beloved Doberman, who loved Barn Hunt throughout his life—even after losing a leg to bone cancer—our barn focuses on fun, confidence, and bonding rather than strict rules or competition. The barn is regulation size for Novice and Open levels, giving dogs plenty of space to climb, tunnel, and hunt for safely enclosed rats. At Dobie’s Den, we believe every rescue dog deserves a chance to discover the joy of Barn Hunt.
MEET OUR RATTIES
Our barn hunt team includes five awesome social rats. Umbreon and Espeon are a sweet mother daughter duo who live together in their cozy rat castle at the Kauh’s. They’re adored by the kids in their home and happily scurry into their tubes when it’s time to “work.” After each session, they enjoy their favorite treats: leafy greens, berries, and a couple of Cheerios. They are both clicker trained and know several tricks, including how to jump up into a hand and put a ball into a target bowl. Muenster, Roquefort and Gruyere are brothers who live with Jenny’s family. They are not clicker trained and don’t know any tricks but they do indiscriminately enjoy snacks indiscriminatingly and searching for who knows what leftover kid crumbs in the couch during cuddle/play time.
ABOUT OUR CLASSES
Our Barn Hunt classes are designed to be fun, low-pressure, and accessible for rescue dogs and their people. Classes are free for foster dogs (donations always appreciated) and $25 suggested donation for dogs owned by active fosters or volunteers. We plan to open registration to alumni dogs soon.
Classes run 90 minutes and are limited to 6 dogs, with each dog needing a dedicated handler. Dogs take turns in the barn for about 3–5 minutes and receive instruction tailored to their current abilities. We start with “instinct” tube introductions and progress to Novice/Open style work in the barn.
Any dog can attend, but if your dog has special behavioral or medical considerations, please let us know so we can ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.
