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Purpose
The purpose of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Earthdog tests
is to promote, preserve and recognize the working characteristics of
Dachshunds and those Terrier breeds that were bred to go to ground on quarry
such as Fox, Badger, Otter and bolt, bay or draw the quarry. Dogs perform in
three class levels in CKC tests: Junior (JE), Senior (SE) and Master
Earthdog (ME). The Introduction to Quarry (IQ) level is a beginner’s
instinct test, which is for practice only with no titles awarded.
Equipment
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| Our tests are performed using quarry consisting of 2
live rats who live in the lap of luxury most of the time. In rat
free provinces (i.e. Alberta), clubs may use 2 gerbils instead of rats. |
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During our events, the utmost care is given ensure that the quarry are
treated humanely and are protected from contact with the dogs. The
quarry are kept separate from the dogs by both a secure cage and a set
of bars at the dog’s working end of the liner. |
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| The liners for all test
levels consist of three-sided 9” X 9” wooden tunnels. The tunnels are
set in the ground with the tops flush with the ground and the bottoms
exposed to bare earth. The liners are covered with earth so that they
aren’t visible to the dogs. The liners are scented with rat scent to simulate an actual
den. |
Working
For all test levels, the dog must “work” the quarry
for a specified period of time. For the most, the dog must work within 1
foot from the quarry. Work is defined as barking, growling, digging,
lunging or clearing dirt. Intense staring and sniffing are not
considered working.
Videos from our Tradex demonstration provide some
examples of work.
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