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ABOUT US
The Western Pennsylvania Earthdog Club was established in June, 2003 to promote Earthdog training and trials that develop and test a dog’s hunting and working abilities. The noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry and progresses through gradual steps to require the dog to demonstrate that it is capable of being trained to follow game to ground and work its quarry.
WHY JOIN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA EARTHDOG CLUB?
Earthdog is an event growing in popularity among Dachshunds and Terriers. However, reaching their goal to achieve "Rat-itude" requires practice. Membership in the Western Pennsylvania Earthdog Club gives your dog the ability to practice and develop their natural talent. The club holds monthly meetings from April through October with Earthdog practices held immediately following. As a member of The Western Pennsylvania Earthdog Club you will be promoting the advancement of Earthdog, while also helping your dog develop the skills for which they were bred.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
There are three types of membership open to all persons 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this club. If you are an Earthdog enthusiast interested in becoming a member of the Western Pennsylvania Earthdog Club you are encouraged to fill out a Membership Application (see button above). New applications for Associate membership will be presented and voted upon at regular club meetings. Prospective members will be notified as soon as their applications have been reviewed.
DOG ELIGIBILITY
Dogs six months of age or older and registered with the American Kennel Club are eligible to participate in earthdog tests, as are spayed and neutered dogs. Breeds classified as eligible to participate are as follows: Australian Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Cesky Terriers, Dachshunds, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Fox Terriers (Smooth and Wire), Glen of Imaal Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Manchester Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Silky Terriers, Skye Terriers, Welsh Terriers, West Highland White Terriers.
EARTHDOG TESTS
In Introduction to Quarry, no title is awarded and dogs with no training can participate. Two rats, safe in a cage, are placed in a long, narrow tunnel in the ground. Dogs must find the quarry within two minutes and then must show interest in catching the rats by digging, growling, or barking.
The earthdog program then progresses through gradual steps to require the dog to demonstrate that it is capable of being trained to follow game to ground and work its quarry. The three levels and their respective titles are:
• Junior Earthdog (JE)
• Senior Earthdog (SE)
• Master Earthdog (ME)
Western PA Earthdog Club
Champion, PA
