Well, it seems we have 2 Earthdogs in the house!

[Jill]

I recently joined the local Earthdog club to become more involved, and to get some outdoor training. For $10 a year, I figured why the heck not?! Anyway, the first trial is next weekend and the club is running it. Today Dan and I went to help dig the tunnels for the trial and for the rest of the season's training.

The boys came along of course, and as expected Reese was a little hesitant at first to head into the tunnel because we've never trained outside, only indoors. But, as soon as he realized the rat was in fact at the end, he went to down. That was the Intro tunnel. We went to the Junior tunnel after and just like a pro, he went right in!! I was so proud. I have no doubt he's gonna do GREAT next weekend.

Well, since Bailey was there with us I decided to show him the rat to see what he's do. HE was a spaz! Reese is very vocal with the rat, barking and biting, but Bailey was quiet. Digging and biting at the rat. He needed a little bit of coaxing into the Intro tunnel as well, but went right in the 2nd time. At the Junior tunnel, the first time, he went in, and backed out, went in, backed out, came out and tried to take a short cut. We worked with him, and in he went! I really didn't think that earthdog would be Bailey's cup of tea, but there he was, getting down and dirty trying to get that rat! After come coaxing I've decided I am gonna enter him in the trial next week!

I am so proud of my boys. Of course they were the only doxies there, but they certainly made me proud, and of course everyone thought they were adorable.

[Sophie and Lili's Mom]

Isn't it just thrilling to see them work! Are either of them AKC registered? If you think Earthdog is fun....well Field Trialling is hundreds times more fun.

Also, dogs with a good prey drive usually do great with agility!

[Barb]

Woo Hoo - good job boyz !

[JanUet]

:woonana:

:congrats: Bailey & Reese!!!!!!!!

[Lisa]

That is wonderful that they both love it! Good luck next week. :crossfin:

[Patt]

I think having 2 Earthdogs is fantastic. I can't wait for them to get started in competition.

:congrats: and :goodluck:

[jenfer]

That sounds awesome!

[Opaleyz]

I think having 2 Earthdogs is fantastic. I can't wait for them to get started in competition.

:congrats: and :goodluck:
BIG :ditto:

[Jill]

Isn't it just thrilling to see them work! Are either of them AKC registered? If you think Earthdog is fun....well Field Trialling is hundreds times more fun.

Also, dogs with a good prey drive usually do great with agility!

Reese has a PAL listing through the AKC that we recently got. Bailey does have his AKC registration, and I'll need to dig it out of his folder to get the # for his entry.

Reese did so well in our classes, but I didn't know how he would do outside, but he did surprise me. At one point, when we were doing the IQ tunnel kinda piece by piece to get him to realize the rat was there, the woman took the rat cage out and put it on the ground. After I picked Reese up out of the tunnel, she was like, let him see etc. Reese actually bit the cage and tossed the thing around. Poor ratty. lol. And Bailey, I still can't believe it. I was so proud to tell people it was his first ever time seeing a rat, let alone going into the tunnels!

Of course while we were waiting for our turn, they were loudest ones there, screaming and thrashing and making a scene. I do need to get them a martingale type leash/collar thing, because the hugadogs are a PIA to get off and on with one hand while you are holding the dog with your other. But a collar makes me nervous.

[Tex]

I can't wait for pics!!! Please tell me there are pics! Sounds like ya'll had an awesome time!

[areese]

How very cool! I wish we had an earthdog club! The one that holds practices and trials here is a fox terrier club :(
Last practice there were 5 doxies there though (two were mine, and of course Owey didn't like the rats anyway).

[Jill]

I can't wait for pics!!! Please tell me there are pics! Sounds like ya'll had an awesome time!

No pics. :sosad:

Unfortunately, the weather was UBER crappy and no word of a lie, as soon as they know there is a rat around, they go nuts. With just the 2 of us there is no way that we could get pics. I *think* my MIL and FIL are going to come to one day of the trial this weekend, so we'll see.

[TheDoxieHaus]

Can't wait to hear how they do next weekend! I've always thought my Ries would be great at earthdog!