The hunt is on for the Senior Barn Hunt Title between Bailie and Madison. The first hurdle they had to overcome last weekend was turning right for Barn Hunt, and NOT left for the Steak Fry at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. Going into the weekend, neither of them had a leg in Senior. Madison had tried a couple times without success, but it would be Bailie’s first attempts.
Senior is a lot different and more difficult than Open. Suddenly there are four rats to find, a tunnel with 2 – 3 turns, another layer of bales, and only 3 1/2 minutes to accomplish it all. The Open level only has two rats, a 1 turn tunnel, and 2 1/2 minutes. It is not uncommon for dogs to be in the Senior level for 1 – 2 years.
Bailie was first up. Mom didn’t have a lot of goals for the weekend. She wanted to have one of my sisters get a leg during the whole weekend, and she wanted to let my sisters be in charge. This means, she would let them lead searches, and only talk to and make suggestions if the need was there.
This is a video of Bailie’s first Senior run. Mom was blown away by Bailie’s brilliance. She is a very smart dog, but normally, she doesn’t apply herself, and no one ever gets to see what she is really capable of doing. Her first run got her a leg, one of the three she will need to get her Senior Title. Mom kept her end of the bargain not bothering Bailie unless she felt there was a real need, and it worked. The only thing Mom did wrong was she forgot to let Bailie play around with the rat tube for a couple seconds before handing it off.
Madison was up next but didn’t qualify finding only three of the rats. She did qualify on her second run which is the video above. Mom followed the same procedure with her, letting Madison lead the search.
The second day Madison got a Q on her first run of the day, and a first place as well, so she has two of the three legs needed for a title. Bailie had a terrible day. Our old Bailie returned, and she didn’t want to work, so no more Q’s for her. She still needs two for a Senior Title. They will have a couple months until they try this again. In the meantime, we are all going to be busy with a mix of sports until mid-November. Congratulations to my sisters for doing a pretty good job on the weekend working towards their next Barn Hunt Title. Who will end up with the first Senior Title? It could be either of them!
Looks like a pretty good day to me and the titles will come when the sweeties are ready!
Maybe next time. The main thing is they had fun and some good runs.
That’s amazing. Good for both of them.
They are pretty good rat hunters. I would not do what they do.
You hanks for the videos. Fun to watch.
Mom really loves watching Bailie’s video.
That is an awesome weekend, congrats!!!
The two of them sure blew the expectations out of the water.
Rats! We are sure it’s going to be a tight race for the title!
It’s any hound’s game at this point. It really depends on attitude the next trial.
Oh I thought for sure Bailie was going to pull it off! I’m sure she’ll get it.
Bailie is pretty unreliable, but Madison always works hard. It is a toss up as to who will get their title first.
FUN videos!!! good work girls!!~
Thank you.
lots of hard work from the little one!! What do you mean your mom should have let the girls play with the rat after they found it? Great post!
Once they find a rat, Mom can let them sniff, and bite at the tube for a few seconds to reward them for the find. If that doesn’t happen, some dogs become demotivated after time. She did do that the second day. Bailie usually goes really wild then, Madison is more in the game for the hunt, find, and move on.
They both made progress and that is so great! Bailie is an independent girl and will do things when she’s good and ready, and in the mood! 🙂
When her stars align it is pretty amazing. Both of them have really improved.
Congratulations! That’s really exciting for both of the girls and your mom! Rye and I are signed up for our first Barn Hunt trial in November 🙂
Good luck to you guys! I’m sure you will have a great time and do well.
Wahoo! Go girls and good job to your Mom for letting your sisters lead!
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
It’s hard to put all your trust in the dog, even though you can’t smell the rats yourself, but it works best that way.
Way to go!
My sisters did quite well. Mom is super happy with them.