Barn Hunt

Barn Hunt is a dog sport that tests a dog’s natural hunting instincts in a safe and controlled environment. In this activity, dogs navigate through a course made up of straw or hay bales, searching for hidden tubes containing live, safely enclosed rats. The rats are never harmed and are protected by secure tubes. The goal is for the dog to locate the rats within a set time limit, showcasing their keen sense of smell and hunting abilities. Barn Hunt is an inclusive sport, welcoming dogs of all breeds and sizes, and it provides a fun and stimulating challenge that strengthens the bond between dogs and their handlers.

While barnhunt is a relatively new organized dog sport, its roots trace back to the traditional work of farm dogs who were tasked with keeping barns and grain stores free from rats and other vermin. These dogs relied on their keen noses, agility, and problem-solving skills to find and eliminate pests in tight, cluttered spaces.

The sport as we know it today was officially developed in the early 2010s by Robin Nuttall, who wanted to create a safe, structured way for dogs to channel their natural hunting instincts. Dog barn hunt took inspiration from traditional terrier work, but was designed to be accessible to all breeds and mixes, not just working or earthdog types.

Since its founding, barn hunt for dogs has grown quickly in popularity across the United States. It is now governed by the Barn Hunt Association, LLC, which provides standardized rules, titles, and trial opportunities for dogs and handlers of all experience levels. The AKC recognizes barn hunt titles, which has helped further integrate the sport into the broader dog sport community.

Whether you’re in it for fun or aiming for championship-level competition, dog barn hunt continues to celebrate the age-old bond between dogs and their job of scent detection in an exciting new way.