Go to Ground

Go-To-Ground is a competition that makes use of the terrier’s natural ability to follow the scent of quarry. The terriers enter man-

made tunnels, one at a time. The dog is released approximately 2 feet from the entrance of the tunnel when told to do so by the

judge. The dog must have all four feet on the ground when it is released.

At the opposite end of the tunnel there is a barrier and a cage that contains one or more rats. The judge sits at the exit point with a

stopwatch and times each terrier from the moment it is released until it reaches the caged rats. It is then timed on how long it

'works' the rats. Working consists of barking, baying, whining, staring or digging at the rats. The terrier must complete the tunnel

in 30-60 seconds and ‘work’ for 30 –60 seconds depending upon which go-to-ground class they are competing in. "Working"

may consist of any or all of the following: barking/baying digging, whimpering, or intense and focused staring.

Each terrier has a score sheet on which the judge will record the time it took to get through the tunnel and if the terrier has passed

or failed this portion and whether it passed or failed working the quarry for the specified time. The appropriate score sheet will be

in the trial packet. pHand the score sheet to the den steward when it is your turn to release your dog. If your dog passes, you will

pick up your score sheet from the judge when you pick up your dog. All dogs which successfully 'worked' the rats for the

required amount of time are then placed in order of fastest times through the tunnel to determine the order of finish.

Classes for this event are divided into several categories:

» Pre-novice puppy: for pups ages 4 to 6 months.

» Novice puppy: for pups ages 6 to 12 months who have not scored 100% in this class at a previous trial.

» Novice adult: for JR's over 12 months of age which have not score 100% in this class at a previous trial.

» Open puppy: for pups ages 6 to 12 months that have scored 100% in the Novice Puppy class.

» Open adult: for JR's over 12 months of age that have scored 100% in the Novice Adult class.

Note: Practice is only allowed for novice puppies or dogs and must be done in the presence of the judge.

Once your terrier has achieved 100% in the open class at a trial the terrier can no long participate in this class.

Championship Go-To-Ground Classes:

» Puppy championship: open to pups ages 6 to 12 months that have earned 100% in the Open Puppy class.

» Adult Championship Certificate Classes: open to adult terriers and dachshunds that have earned 100% in the Open Adult class.

Some important points to remember:

1. Schooling at a trial prior to competition is not permitted.

2. When waiting your turn to compete in this event, please be very quiet and keep your terriers quiet so that the judge

and the terrier competing are not distracted.

3. When your dog is in the tunnel you may shout commands and encouragement, but you must remain at the entrance

until the judge calls you to pick up your dog. Keep in mind that this could draw your dog back out, so it is recommended

that you give a command upon release and then wait for the judge to allow you to the exit end of the tunnel.

4. If you wish to discuss your dog's performance with the judge or to school your terrier, you must wait until all entries

have gone and the Go-To-Ground competition is officially closed.

Go to Ground