FAQ

Ratting sports involve a handler-dog team searching for one or more hidden rats in hay bales or natural environments within a predetermined time.

Ratting sports are meant to be a fun and accessible activity for all types of dogs—big, small, young, old, disabled, or healthy. The goal is to develop teamwork between humans and dogs and to help dogs rediscover their natural hunting and tracking instincts, which have often diminished over time.

We offer three categories : Hunts (Brush Hunting, Barn Hunting, and Go-To-Ground), Games which are variations of basic hunts (4×4, Combo, Challenge, Relay) and others not requiring hay and Ratissage which combines speed and wind direction to locate the rat.

Generally, no. Most dogs love using their sense of smell and are naturally curious. We use this innate curiosity to reward the dog’s interest in the rat and teach them that finding the rat is rewarding.

The rat is first introduced to the dog in a metal cage and is quickly transferred into a competition tube once the dog shows sustained interest. The dog is generously rewarded every time they indicate the tube containing the rat. As the dog’s focus and interest grow, the rat’s location becomes harder to find, until the dog can detect it under competition conditions.

No special equipment is required, only a collar/harness, a leash, and enough treats to generously reward your dog’s efforts. Male dogs prone to marking may need belly bands, and females in heat or those prone to marking may need protective panties.

Registration is not required for an introduction or practice sessions. However, an ASR identification number is required for each dog to compete in official events. The application form is available on our website.

If your dog’s registration has been submitted, you can write “pending” on the form and notify the organizers as soon as you receive the number so they can update your registration.

The dog does most of the work, but the goal is to develop teamwork between the handler and the dog. Depending on the type of hunt, sometimes the handler must indicate when the dog has found the rat, while other times the judges do.

Generally, ratting sports are not physically demanding for humans. In some hunts and games, handlers remain in place while their dog works. In others, they may move alongside their dog. Only ‘ratissage’ game requires more physical effort due to the larger search area.

While nothing is 100% risk-free, the chances of injury for dogs, rats, or humans are minimal.

The handler’s role is not overly complex. They must learn to encourage their dog at the right moments, teach the dog to give a clear indication when they find the rat, and recognize their dog’s signals during a search.

Each hunt and game has increasing levels of difficulty, including more rats to find, added distractions (rat litter), and larger search areas. The levels range from Novice to Excellent.

ASR has several partners offering classes and organizing competitions year-round. These partners are located in Montreal, Quebec City, and Trois-Rivières, as well as nearby areas. The ASR website provides schedules for practices, classes, and competitions

Yes, the rats are alive. As per ASR regulations, they are introduced to their role at a young age, and only those that adapt well are used. Rats that show fear or anxiety during training are not used. In general, rats love small, dark spaces and feel very comfortable inside the tubes.

Yes. Rat safety is a top priority in ratting sports. They are placed in PVC tubes with sufficient ventilation for their well-being. The tubes are large enough for the rats to move freely and sturdy enough to withstand even the strongest dog jaws.

No. As mentioned above, the rats are protected inside secure PVC tubes.

Multiple rats are rotated during competitions to ensure they get rest breaks.

The rats are primarily raised as pets. If they are no longer suited for competition, they are placed in families looking to adopt them as companion animals

No specific preparation is required.

Yes. Ratting sports are accessible to all dogs. The rules accommodate disabled dogs, with specific regulations in place for blind, deaf, and deaf-blind dogs.

Absolutely! Since ratting sports are not very physically demanding, they are a great way to keep aging dogs active. Rules are adjusted accordingly.

Yes. Except for ratissage, all searches take place in a fenced enclosure, where only the dog and handler are present during the search.

Yes. The sport is safe, as dogs do not exert themselves excessively and remain under their handler’s supervision at all times.

Almost any dog can participate, as they are placed in an ideal setting to engage their natural hunting instincts using their sense of smell, sight, and hearing.

While it may seem that some breeds are more suited, experience shows that all breeds can excel in ratting sports. The key factor is the enthusiasm of both the handler and the dog.

All dogs are welcome, regardless of pedigree.

The handler must be able to keep their dog under control at all times. Specific commands for ratting sports can be learned during introductory sessions and training.

Yes, except for the Go-To-Ground, which is limited to small breeds (15” at the shoulder or less) due to tunnel size constraints.

While possible, it is highly recommended to learn the basics first. The dog must understand what they are searching for (the rat), and both the handler and dog need to develop teamwork and communication skills.

Dogs must be at least 6 months old.

Costs vary based on your level of involvement. Prices are set by training and competition partners. Options include private, semi-private, and group lessons, as well as practice sessions.

Applying for an ID number currently costs $30 and is valid for the dog’s lifetime.