A week or so ago I took Harlow to find out if she'd like to try barn hunting - a sport where a pup has to find a rat (in a tube) hidden in a maze of hay bales. Harlow is really focused on catching critters in the yard and we thought this might be a good way to direct her efforts.
Just a quick note on the rats - they are secure and are given treats and attention when they go into the tube. I was worried that they would be harassed, but it was just the opposite. The rats actually came up to the Harlow and were super friendly and laid back. Donna invited me to visit her rats and I found their conditions to be excellent - large clean cages to move around in, company and consideration for age and status of each rat. She even had a retirement cage for one rat - he was too old to be in with the other rats or be a barn rat, so she provided him a fantastic home with lots of comforts to live out his life.
Now back to Harlow...
When we first got there, our instructor Donna held a rat in front of Harlow. Harlow, we found, is a very quiet hunter. I have to watch for her ears to prick to show me she found something interesting.
Hi dere, rat. I iz da Harlow. I will be finding you tonight.
Harlow really enjoyed seeing the rat.
Really? You like cheez? So does da Harlow!
Once Donna knew that Harlow understood what a rat was, we took a test with three tubes. One was empty, one had bedding and one had a rat in it. Harlow had to alert to the rat and she did with flying colors. Donna then hid the rat in the hay and we worked on Harlow climbing bales and going through the tunnel. She found her first rat too!
She also found time to make friends with Donna...
Smooches, teacher!
I iz climbing!
We gave Harlow a break, and then Donna hid the rat for real! Here is a video of Harlow's first attempt at finding a rat where neither she nor I knew where it was. I left my questions in just in case someone else would like to try - they may be helpful! If you can't see it below, click here.
Donna had lots of homework for us! Overall, we thought it was a huge success. Harlow finished up her lesson with a special thank you for her new teacher.
