Happy Ratter is a dog sport in which dogs earn points for locating and indicating live rats that are hidden on the course. The rats are inside protective containers that prevent any injury to the pet rats. Dogs also earn points in some classes/games by walking on a “bridge” (a safe, slightly raised platform) and going into a “burrow” (a tunnel like structure, or all 4 feet inside a box on the course).
The course is designed to mimic rat hunting in an urban alleyway. So the course will have cardboard boxes of all sizes and shapes, trash bags/cans full of crumpled paper or clothing/blankets, plastic storage bins, buckets, etc. and “fluff” is typically big pieces of crumpled packing paper scattered about.
There are standard classes and there are also a wide variety of games that showcase various skills. In each class/game, there are different levels that get more challenging as you work your way through them.
Happy Ratters allows treats/toys as rewards in the ring, so the dog’s search/indication can be very much taught like a scentwork indication. But the dog can also have a natural indication to the live rats (barking, pawing, biting the container, etc.) But they may not pick up the container or roll it.
Find the full rules here: https://www.happyratters.com/
Training Sessions
Sessions are $5 per run paid when you finish your session and these can be combined with Rodeo Dog runs.
I can accept cash, check, or Paypal.
Most dogs do well with 3-4 runs. During the runs we can work on whatever you & your dog needs (rat intro, hunting skills, indications, speed, etc.)
Trials
Trials are being offered here at the training center by Cassatt Canine Sports, a subgroup of Cassatt Scent Sports Club. View their listing of events here:
https://cassattscentsportsclub.com/events/
Scent Sports Dog Training Center 