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What is an
Earthdog Test?
With
AKC
test vs. AWTA trial comparison
By
Kathy Reed
Question: What is an Earthdog test?
Answer: In
"Earthdog" tests or "Go to Ground" trials,
man-made wood 9x9" bottomless den liners (tunnels) are buried
and scented.
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They have an accessible live
animal "quarry" at the end of the den. The quarry is
well protected from injury by the dog. The test will assess a
dog’s willingness to enter a den, find the quarry, and work to
show where the quarry is located.
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Question: What is the purpose of Earthdog tests?
Answer: The
purpose of these non-competitive tests, is to offer owners and breeders
of small terriers and Dachshunds a standardized gauge to measure their
dogs natural and trained hunting and working abilities when exposed to
a hunting situation. The tests begin with a basic introduction to den
work and quarry, which has no credit toward title, and progress
through gradual steps that require the dog to demonstrate it is
capable of being trained to follow game to ground and work it’s
quarry.
Question:
Does NCTCA Offer and Earthdog Title?
Answer: Now that AKC
has opened earthdog events and ability to earn titles to Cesky
Terriers, we will no longer offer a club title in earthdog.
However please do share your accomplishments for the newsletter
and so that we can let AKC know that our members are
participating!
Question:
Why does NCTCA feel Earthdog Titles are important?
The Cesky Terrier has a distinct history
of "go to ground" or "earthdog" hunting
capabilities in Europe, which we would like to
preserve and continue documenting in the USA. We hope that members
will choose to participate
in this fun event that is such an important part of our breed's
heritage.
Question:
What organizations offer events/titles?
Answer:
Organizations
currently offering events/titles are:
 | AKC
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American
Working Terrier Association (AWTA) |
Question: What are the differences between the
American Working Terrier Association (AWTA) program and the American
Kennel Club (AKC) program?
Answer: The AKC
program only uses man-made dens and has four levels of testing. The
Introduction to Quarry test is a simple instinct test requiring no
training or previous exposure to tests. No titles are earned at this
level. The introductory level is not a prerequisite for advanced
tests. The AKC levels that obtain titles are the Junior Earthdog,
Senior Earthdog, and the Master Earthdog tests.
The main objective of the AWTA is to encourage terrier
& dachshund owners to venture into the hunt field with their dogs.
They offer the Certificates of Gameness (CG), the Hunting certificate
(HC) and the Working certificate (WC). Man-made dens are only used in
the Certificate of Gameness level of AWTA. The Certificate of Gameness
is awarded at an AWTA trial. There are four class divisions in their
trials. These classes are Novice A & B (which are similar to AKC’s
Introductory level), Open, and Certificate. The Certificate of
Gameness (CG) is awarded in the Open class only.
AKC
test and AWTA trial comparison
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AKC Earthdog Tests
Junior level
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AWTA Trials
Open/Certificate levels
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| Quarry:
2 adult rats placed in a cage and then placed in covered solid
wooden box open to bars at quarry end of liners. |
Quarry:
2 adult rats placed in a cage and then placed in covered solid
wooden box open to bars at quarry end of liners. |
| Den liner:
9x9", approx. 30 ft. length, three 90 degree turns, placed
in trench, scented, & completely covered with soil. |
Den liner:
9x9", approx. 30 ft. length, three 90 degree turns, placed
in trench, scented, & completely covered with soil. |
| Dogs:
Collars & leashes must be removed at test area entrance. |
Dogs:
Collars & leashes must be removed at judging area entrance. |
| Point of release:
10 ft. from den entrance |
Starting point:
10 ft. from den entrance |
| Handler:
Release from below the waist with 1 short command. Dog may not
be thrown toward the den entrance. Handler remains silent at the
release point. |
Handler:
Release from below the waist with 1 short command. Dog may not
be thrown toward the den entrance. Handler remains silent at the
start point. |
| Test Timing:
Timed from handler release. |
Test timing:
Timed from handler release. |
| To qualify:
Dog may exit and re-enter the den but must reach the quarry
within 30 seconds of release. Once at quarry must start working
within 30 sec. Dog must work within 1 foot of quarry,
continuously, without encouragement for 60 seconds to qualify. |
To qualify:
Dog may exit and re-enter the den but must reach the quarry
within 30 seconds of release and begin working immediately. Dog
must work continuously for 60 seconds without encouragement to
qualify. |
| Scoring:
Qualify or Non-Qualify test result. |
Scoring:
Dog must receive 100% to qualify. |
| Title:
2 qualifying tests, 2 different judges.
Junior level testing.
Junior Earthdog Title (JE) |
Title:
One 100% qualified trial.
Open trial only.
Certificate of Gameness (CG) |
Question: Where can I find
more information or Earthdog trials, events, contacts, regional clubs, etc.?
Answer:
Websites:
American
Working Terrier Assoc.
American
Kennel Club: Earthdog Tests
Books:
Earthdog
Ins and Outs, available from Amazon.com
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