Michigan Barn Hunt Club

---

 The purpose of Barn Hunt is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin hunting ability in finding and marking rats in a “barn-like” setting, using straw/hay bales to introduce climbing and tunneling obstacles in the dog’s path. 

Barn Hunt is based on the skills historically used by itinerant “ratcatchers” in traveling the countryside, ridding farms of vermin, thus helping conserve and preserve food grains and cutting down on disease.

Barn Hunt is also for any breed or mix of dog who loves to hunt and who can fit through an 18” wide gap between two hay bales. It will test speed, agility, and surefootedness. 

While not specifically targeted at larger dogs or dogs without a vermin hunting history, Barn Hunt is all inclusive and fun for any dog and human who wishes to play the game.

Barn Hunt is a sporting event, and as such there will be levels of difficulty, titles, and championships to be attained. While it can be used as an instinct test, there is also a handler component in that the handler must signal when the dog has reached the desired target PVC rat tube; thus, the handler must know and have a partnership with their dog. Teamwork will win the game.   

Training is held in Howell, MI

. 

Karli will customize a training program for you and your dog using their natural abilities. Karli has been competing and training Barn Hunt since it began 3 years ago. She has the top Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in the country as well as the top dog in Michigan. Karli has helped many barn hunt competitors across Michigan as well as surrounding states get to the next level in training.

Custom training is truly key to excelling in this sport. 

Call for a training spot. Also keep an eye on our Event Calendar. 

You can also follow us on our Facebook page: Michigan Barn Hunt Club Facebook Page

Over the years I have seen dogs from all types of backgrounds enjoy this sport.

This sport is particularly great for shy dogs, I have seen growth in dogs over a short period of time when given the opportunity to work with their partner and gain a higher level of confidence and independence. 

This is also a sport that dogs with LOW level dog relativity can still have a great time in.

Not all dogs need to compete in this sport. Sometimes doing private classes with a reactive or shy dog can fill a void for them and improve upon issues they struggle with. 

This is a great outlet for all dogs, some dogs love to hunt vermin and others just love playing hide and seek.