Earthdog Weekend in Turner

[bradl]

A few short videos from the Oregon Trail's End Earthdog Club's test at Belden Farm this weekend. 

 

Stella & Pearlie June the Border Terrier approach the den as a brace and indicate location of the quarry.

 

Stella did not Qualify overall (she took extra commands to enter the den) but everything else was satisfactory. Here she wraps up 90 seconds of working.

 

Vicki's Drake was very keen during his runs and works like a demon. A very loud demon.

 

So to summarize, earthdog is a lot standing around in the dirt, looking at holes in the ground and listening the sound of dogs telling off rats. In other words, a fine way to spend a sunny weekend with friends.

 

I'll add some photos tomorrow when I recover

 

[shergry]

Lots of support being yelled from this house.  Way to go Stella, Pearlie and Drake!!!

[Sam I Am]

Brad why does the judge tap the dirt with a spade?

[bradl]

The idea is that the dog must continue working as the dog is being dug-to from above. It mustn't quit or be distracted by the sound of someone digging down toward them. The job isn't over until the handler physically removes them from the den.

 

For the type of hunting earthdog tests are a mild simulation of, the dog would have its quarry trapped in a tunnel somewhere - perhaps at a box-end or other obstacle. The dog must work audibly in some way so that the above ground partner (the hunter, or the judge in this case) knows where the heck they are located and where to dig to retrieve the quarry and their dog.

 

If the dog goes silent when the handler begins to dig down to retrieve the quarry, s/he will not be able to accurately dig. If the dog leaves when the digging gets near,  the quarry can bolt. Neither are desired outcomes, so the judge digs for a few seconds just to see if the dog will stay on the quarry when something is happening nearby.

[bradl]

A few photos in a gallery album. Many are just "atmospherics" from the weekend, but a few Cairns can be found, such as this shot of the adorable Emerald who was just there to soak up the atmosphere and the puppy-love.

 

 

 

[Hillscreek]

Great video and pic. Thanks brad.

[hheldorfer]

Spending the day with Cairns looks like a little bit of heaven!

[Pepper Bug's Mom]

Drake sounds just like Pepper when he barks!!!

[Kathryn]

Unfortunately, Oban made that same sound when the newspaper hit our front door at 5 a.m. Planning to call the paper's office on Monday to make sure the new person understands that the paper should NOT be thrown onto the porch at the door...