When: Saturday May 16th 7:30a – noon.
Where: Scent Sports Dog Training Club
1327 Drakeford Rd, Cassatt, SC
Host: Cassatt Canine Sports
$15/dog for 3 runs, and you can add additional runs for $5 each/dog
Any non-aggressive dogs are welcome. Even if they have never done dog sports.
Register at the bottom of this page (Or sign up at 7:30am on the day of the event)
Pay with cash, check, or paypal the day of the event.
What is it?
Happy Ratter: This is an “urban rat hunting” sport, but the rats that the dogs find are well protected and pets, so they are not harmed and they are comfortable with dogs sniffing and barking and minor jostling.
The set-up is meant to mimic an urban alley with boxes, trash bags filled with crumpled paper, barrels, and other safe ‘debris’. The dog works off leash in the contained space to find the rats. If you search youtube for Happy Ratters you can see dogs searching the courses.
We will be setting up a Happy Ratter level course (2 rats/2 litter) with a bridge and burrow (tunnel and climb elements). You can choose to have your dog just find 1 rat if you prefer, you can work on problem solving, you can work on learning the rules and how the game is played, etc. What you do with your 2.5 min. course time is up to you and we can help you achieve your goals. Treats are encouraged (even in trials), and dogs can run in panties/belly band (even in trials) if you think they might try to potty on the course.
GAME: We will also have a 2nd ring fenced in outside under the trees in the shade to do a Happy Ratter game. Which game we will offer is still being determined. You can see the full Happy Ratter rules at HappyRatters.com
RAT INTRO: For any dogs that have not seen or smelled a rat before, or that need to be reminded what they’re doing, we will start the day with intro sessions with a visible, protected rat. This counts as one of your runs.
Rodeo Dog: This is similar to a barrel racing course for dogs. Beginner level is on-leash and the handler can go around the barrels with the dog. Performer is the same course, but the dog runs off leash (handler can go to the barrels). Course is not securely fenced, so be sure your dog will stay with you if you try this level.
We will set-up the beginner/performer levels of “Clover”. This is 3 barrels around a ‘start box’. If it were a trial, the dog would need to go around each barrel, with the barrel on the dog’s left, completing the barrels in a clockwise pattern. Green, then blue, then red in the diagram below. Between each loop of a barrel, the dog (& handler) needs to come back to the center square.
The center square is 3’ x 3’. Distance to each barrel is measured from the center of the square: For small dogs (12″ or less tall), the barrels would be 18’ away. Medium dogs = 20’. Large dogs (over 18” at the shoulder) would be 22’ away.
Beginner level allows dogs to be on leash and Performer level is off leash but handler can move to the barrels with the dog. Just like the rest of the things offered, it will be a day of fun and training and you can do what you like with your course time and can get help if needed.
Note: The Happy Ratter and the game will be in the shade, but Rodeo Dog and parking will likely be in the sun, so bring what you need to keep your dog cool. We recommend a battery powered fan, aluminet sun shade or pop-up tent. There will be a kiddie pool and hose you can use to cool your dog off.
If you have questions, you can contact Angel at ClubSecretary.Angel@gmail.com
** New club for hosting Dog Sports in Cassatt, SC (East of Columbia, SC) ** 