Fulfil your dog’s natural genetics at Barn Search.
Enhance your dog's hunting & working abilities whilst also increasing their overall confidence & scent working skills today.
About Barn Dogs Australia Inc.
Barn Search
How was Barn Search established?
Barn Dogs Australia Inc is an independently run dog sport association. We have family ties in the UK and USA where Barn Hunt and ratting were popular sports. Our goal was to create a sport akin to these sports, but in a way that was humane and ensured that no animals were harmed or caused distress in any way. After much thought and consideration, we then developed and introduce a new sport to QLD named ‘Barn Search’.
We then created our own set of rules, levels and can now officially award independently recognised titles in our sport.
What is
Barn Search?
Barn Search is an engaging and fun sport for dogs that offers numerous benefits whilst also helping to keep them entertained, reducing boredom and destructive habits. It is a sport that not only helps to fulfil a dog’s natural genetics and increase their hunting/ working and scent work abilities in a safe and secure environment, but it also builds their confidence in tunneling, bale climbing & jumping.
The sport requires a variety of skills, such as scent work, agility, and obedience, making it a comprehensive training exercise for dogs.
It provides a great way for dogs to exercise both their bodies and minds. The activity involves running, jumping and climbing bales, navigating their way through tunnels (helping maintain fitness), whilst also providing them with mental Stimulation.
Barn Search challenges dogs to use their natural instincts to find and indicate the location of hidden ‘rats’ which not only increases their working abilities, but also encourages problem-solving, enhancing their cognitive skills.
Participating in Barn Search strengthens the bond between the dog and its handler as they have to work positively together, fostering trust and teamwork.
At Barn Dogs Australia Inc., we are inclusive to all, regardless of disability, age, behaviour or breed. We have found that nervous or shy dogs really benefit from coming to us and taking part in this sport as it’s conducted in a welcoming and secure environment, where dogs can feel safe and do not need to interact with others. The sport helps to boost confidence as each dog can successfully navigate challenges and this has a positive impact on all dogs.
We don’t use real or dead rats for the dogs to search for as we believe in animal ethics and wellbeing, so have instead created a decoy ‘rat’ that the dogs desperately search for.
Overall, Barn Search is a great way to channel a dog's energy and instincts into a rewarding and enjoyable activity.
Barn Search is quickly becoming more and more popular. We have realised that a huge number of people are now wanting to take part in our sport from all over the country and these numbers will only continue to increase as word-of-mouth spreads and it becomes even better known.. To expand our sport further and to give owners and dogs in all states the opportunity to take part, join, progress through the levels, compete in titled events and earn titles as they advance, we are now searching for approved clubs to become sanctioned facilities.