ELIGIBILITY: Dogs must be six months of age or older and be registered with the American Kennel Club. Spayed and neutered dogs, dogs with Limited Registration, and dogs or an eligible breed that has been granted ILP (Indefinite Listing Privileges) can participate. The following breeds are classified as eligible to participate in earthdog tests: Dachshunds, Australian Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Cairin Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Fox Terriers (Smooth and Wire), Lakeland Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terriers, Welsh Terriers, and West Highland Terriers. Dogs that are blind and deaf shall not be eligible. Bitches in season shall not be eligible to enter the den. Entry fees paid for a bitch that comes in season shall not be refunded.
Introduction to Quarry: This test is a simple instinct test requiring no training or previous exposure to earthwork. No titles are earned and it is not a prerequisite for advanced tests.
Junior Earthdog and Title (JE): The Junior Earthdog class is open to all eligible dogs. To be awarded the JE title, a dog must qualify in the Junior Earthdog test at two (2) tests under two (2) different judges. Dogs that have qualified in a Senior or Master Earthdog test are ineligible to enter Junior Earthdog tests.
Senior Earthdog and Title (SE): The Senior Earthdog is open only to dogs that have acquired the Junior Earthdog title. To be awarded the SE title, a dog must qualify in the Senior Earthdog test at three (3) tests under two (2) different judges. Dogs that have qualified in a Master Earthdog test are ineligible to enter Senior Earthdog tests.
Master Earthdog and Title (ME): The Master Earthdog class is open only to dogs that have acquired the Senior Earthdog title. To be awarded the Master Earthdog title, a dog must qualify in the Master Earthdog class at four (4) tests under two (2) different judges.
Introductory Test: 9"x9" liner in a ten foot tunnel with one 90 degree turn. (The liner is made of wood, has two 9" high sides with a top (roof) that is also 9" wide. The liner is placed in a trench in the ground that has been dug out to the length (with turns) specified by the test rules. After the liner has been placed, it is covered with dirt except for the openings for the dog to enter and to be removed and the area provided at the end for the rats. The end of the tunnel (den) has bars at the end. The rats are in a cage on the other side of the bars. The dogs do not physically come in contact with the quarry (rats).
Junior Earthdog Test: 9"x9" liners - 30 foot tunnel with three 90 degree turns. The tunnel has an entrance at one end, and a quarry area at the other end. The den shall have no additional entrances, exits, or dead ends.
Senior Earthdog Test: 9"x9" liners - 30 foot main tunnel with three 90 degree turns, a false exit and false den. The false exist shall be approximately 7 feet in length with one 90 degree turn. The false den will be a side tunnel with no exit approximately four feet in length. The false den will have a heavily scented litter/bedding area.
Master Earthdog Test: Same as Senior with the following modifications: Entrance not readily visible - blocked with a removable obstruction. A 20 foot scent line leads to entrance, but an unscented false den entrance is located midway along the scent line. There is an 18 inch section of the tunnel which constricts to a 6 inch passage. There is an obstacle in the tunnel, which is a 6 inch diameter section of PVC pipe, suspended crossways in the tunnel with 9 inches on each side of the pipe's center line.
For Introductory, Junior and Senior tests: Dogs may be placed on the ground before release or may be released from a point no higher than waist level. Throwing the dog in the direction of the den entrance is NOT permitted, and shall cause the dog to fail the test. The handler may at the time of release give the dog ONE short command with no penalty, but then shall quietyly stand at the release point and shall not move until instructed by the judge.
INTRODUCTORY TEST: Dog must begin working quarry within 2 minutes FROM THE TIME THE DOG ENTERS THE EARTH and work quarry continuously for 30 seconds. This is the only test in which the judge may attempt to interest the dog in the quarry by tapping or scratching the quarry cage.
JUNIOR TEST: (1) APPROACH- Dog is released 10 feet from den entrance and has 30 seconds to reach quarry FROM THE TIME THE DOG IS RELEASED. Dog must stay with the quarry once it has been reached, but has 30 seconds to begin working. (2) WORKING - Dog must work within 12 inches from the quarry continuously for 60 seconds. Dog is removed by way of opening at the quarry by the handler.
SENIOR TEST: (1) APPROACH - Dog is released 20 feet from den entrance and has 90 seconds to reach quarry FROM THE TIME THE DOG IS RELEASED. Dog may enter and leave den provided it has not reached the quarry. Dog must remain with quarry once it has been reached, but has 15 seconds to begin working. (2) WORKING - Dog must work quarry continuously for 90 seconds. (3) RECALL - Judge removes quarry then instructs the handler to recall the dog. The handler may go to den entrance and call and/or use a whistle (no bait, hides, noisemakers or toys may be used). Handler is allowed to reach into the entrance to retrieve the dog. The handler may leave the den entrance to retrieve the dog ONCE THE DOG HAS LEFT THE DEN. Dog must be retrieved by the handler within 90 seconds from the instruction to recall.
MASTER TEST: Dogs are worked two at a time. Dogs, handlers, and judge proceed in the direction of the scent line from a release point 100 feet from the real den entrance (this is probably going to change to 300 feet) which is blocked and has a steward positioned ready to deal with overly aggresive dogs. Dogs must reach the real entrance before the judge (about 60 seconds). Dogs barking at the false den cannot qualifiy. If neither dog indicates the real den entrance they cannot qualify, but can continue to be tested. The first dog to reach and indicate the entrance may be removed by the handler so the second dog has a chance to indicate the entrance. The second dog (honoring dog) is staked approximately 10 feed from the entrance with a twist-in ground stake with a two foot chain. The honoring dog's handler remains with the dog. The first dog must then reach the quarry within 90 seconds and work the quarry for 90 seconds. While the dog is working the quarry, the judge will simulate digging sounds by lightly striking the top of the den with a piece of wood for 30 seconds. The dog should ignore this and continue working. The dog is then removed from the working area, and placed in the honoring position while the second dog is tested in the same manner.
Dachshund Field Trials are an adaptation of the Brace Beagle Field Trial, in which a pair (brace) of dogs track rabbit. No rabbit are killed, and trials are almost always held in fenced areas where dogs are not in danger of becoming lost. (IN THE MIDWEST THEY ARE ALWAYS HELD IN FENCED AREAS). There are stakes (classes) for Open All Age Dogs (OAAD), Open All Age Bitches (OAAB), and Field Champions. Points toward AKC Field Championship title are earned in the Open stakes. The Field Champion stake is for dogs and bitches that have completed the requirements for an AKC Field Championship. The Field Champion stake may be divided by sex (the premium list will specify if the Field Champion stake is divided).
On the day of the field trial, entries are accepted until the time specified in the premium list. You must have your dog present on the grounds and submit your entry prior to this time. Roll call is held, braces are selected by random draw. Braces are judged in order, and you must have your dog available in the field at the time its brace is called.
When judges are ready, the Field Marshall will announce "first brace" or "next brace". A line of "brush beaters" will move through the field until a rabbit is sighted. The person who sees the rabbit shouts "Tally Ho!" The judges may also see the rabbit, or they may ask the "spotter" for an accurate description of where the rabbit came from and where it went. The spotter then remains with the rest of the brush beaters and should offer no additional comments, unless the judge asks the spotter for information.
The dogs are then brought to an area near where the rabbit was spotted and the handlers are given instructions by the judges. As a handler you may encourage and talk to your dog to find the line. Your instructions may include a specific command or "release your dog by the time you get to such -and- such a point" or you may simply given be given a description of the path the rabbit took. Give your dog time to find the scent! A common handling error is to release a dog too soon. This will occur less frequently when a handler learns to read the dog's signals for being on the line. After your release your dog, you must stop giving instructions and remain quiet. You may follow your dog if the judges do, but you must stay behind the judges at all times. When the judges have seen enough they will instruction the handlers to "pick up your dog." They will then discuss the run, and either call for another rabbit for the same brace or ask for the next brace. When the judges have called for the next brace, the previously judged brace is done, and may leave the field unless instructed otherwise.
"First Series" is complete when all braces have been run. The judges will then decide which dogs will run again in "Second Series". This process continues until the placements to be awarded have been determined. The judges may also select a dog as Next Best Qualified (NBQ). NBQ is not a placement of a stake, but is awarded a ribbon. When all judging is complete "Field Trial" is announced.
Points are earned as follows:
1st: 1 point for each starter in the stake.
2nd: one half point for each starter in the stake
3rd: one third point for each starter in the stake
4th: one fourth point for each starter in the stake
35 points and three placements, ONE OF WHICH MUST BE A FIRST, are required to earn a Field Championship.
Field trials are run rain or shine, so be prepared with the right gear. This will ususally include: comfortable shoes or boots, outdoor clothing, and rain gear. So now that you are dressed for any possibility, what about your Dachshund? You will need a collar free from tags or other attachments, a regular leash and a slip lead. The slip lead is a lightweight cord or rope about 8 to 12 feet in length (mountain climbing rope is very popular and easy to obtain--it also does not tangle and knot). The slip lead will be threaded through the ring on your dog's collar and used in place of a regular leash. A slip lead can usually be borrowed from another handler if you are attending your first trial. You and your dog may also need water while in the field, so a bota bag or water bottle should be part of your equipment. Many people will wear a fanny pack that contains a small bottle of water. It is surprising how thirsty the dogs get in even the coolest weather so be sure to bring water with you to the field.
(1) Start with some basic socialization. When your dog is competing, there will be another dog, another handler and two judges in the same area at the same time. A dog that is comfortable with other dogs and people is less easily distracted.
(2) Your dog should be in good general health and be used to some physical activity. Now you don't need to have a canine athlete; but you will hopefully be called to run a number of times, and being in good shape allows your dog to focus on the next run--now where the nearest patch of grass in the shade is!
(3) Allow your dog to sniff new scents and hear outdoor sounds such as dry grass crunching underfoot as you walk. Ideally, you can allow your dog to be off-lead IN A SECURE AREA where it can develop some independence. You might also try using a flexi-lead or long (20+ foot) training line to get your dog used to moving away from you.
(4) Teach some basic commands. This doesn't mean formal obedience training, but you must have some control over your dog while waiting for your turn. You must also be able to get control of your dog when told to "pick them up". DON'T PANIC! This doesn't mean a precision recall and you will have some time to find your dog if it takes off. You can also ask the judges to allow another handler to assist you in retrieving your dog prior to your run if this a concern.
(5) Learn to recognize your dog's body language. In order to know how your dog behaves when it finds a scent trail you need to know where the scent is. A lure or canvas dummy with a few drops of scent on it (sold at most hunting/sporting goods stores) can be used to lay a trail. At first, drag a straight line or "L" shape out of sight of the dog, but where you know exactly where it is. (Later the lure can be skipped to simulate a hopping rabbit). Bring the dog to the trail on lead and encourage your dog to "find it" or "get the bunny". Use the leash to keep your dog on the trail, and help your dog along the line, maybe tapping your finger on the trail, if he shows no signs of following the trail on his own. Don't rush or pull a dog that is sniffing and trying to make progress. Allow the dog to find the lure at the end of the trail. Make a fuss! Play some tug-of-war with the lure and make it a fun to "find the bunny!"
(6) Work in open areas on live rabbits. Initially this should be handled in a similar manner as with the lure. Try to accurately spot the trail the rabbit took. Encourage your dog to stay on the trail and "find it". It is also helpful to encourage your dog to willingly enter brush piles or thick cover in pursuit of the trail. Lavishly reward successes and always forgive failures in the novice dog.
(7) Attend a field trial. Watch the other handlers and dogs. Ask questions. Sometimes practice time is available on the grounds at the end of a trial. Field trialers are some of the friendliest folks in dogs, and there's no better place to find out what its all about.
