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Earthdog, as an AKC sport, developed as dog owners tried to find ways to encourage the "go to ground" instincts of dachshunds and small terriers in a positive, focused way. The Arizona Earthdog Club was started in 2000 by three people: Jim Walkington, Billie Rosen and Jen Wennerlund. The three met at Billie Rosen's house to practice bef
Earthdog, as an AKC sport, developed as dog owners tried to find ways to encourage the "go to ground" instincts of dachshunds and small terriers in a positive, focused way. The Arizona Earthdog Club was started in 2000 by three people: Jim Walkington, Billie Rosen and Jen Wennerlund. The three met at Billie Rosen's house to practice before they trekked to California for the closest available AKC earthdog tests.
Over time, more people joined the practice group and the Arizona Earthdog Club was formed.
In April 2004, the Club held the first-ever AKC sanctioned test event in Arizona. Earthdog events have been held each year since (except for 2020 and Spring 2021) in Northern Arizona.
Please see the Events page for more information on the types of events our Club runs.
The American Kennel Club site has a highly informative History of Earthdog section for your reference on how Earthdog developed as a sport.
If you are interested in starting your dog in Earthdog events, it's a particularly good idea to attend at least one practice before the trial. While the dog may have the instinct to go into a dark tunnel after vermin, a practice session definitely teaches them what the game is and the rules of the game.
Earthdog enthusiasts from the Ph
If you are interested in starting your dog in Earthdog events, it's a particularly good idea to attend at least one practice before the trial. While the dog may have the instinct to go into a dark tunnel after vermin, a practice session definitely teaches them what the game is and the rules of the game.
Earthdog enthusiasts from the Phoenix and Tucson area do not practice by placing their tunnels in the ground as that would expose the dogs to the endemic problem called Valley Fever or coccidioidomycosis (a fungus found in the soil).
When preparing for practices, our local Earthdog group places the tunnel liners on top of the ground and covers the joints between the sections with blankets or towels in an effort to darken the maze.
All trials and practices run by the Arizona Earthdog Club follow the AKC guidelines and rules for these events. If you are interested in helping in the set up and management of a practice event, please contact us.
The Arizona Earthdog Club is a group of terrier and dachshund owners who enjoy working with and watching their dogs compete in Earthdog Tests.
Our Club members enjoy working with their dogs in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and have opportunities to socialize during meetings and working sessions, as well as when involved in prac
The Arizona Earthdog Club is a group of terrier and dachshund owners who enjoy working with and watching their dogs compete in Earthdog Tests.
Our Club members enjoy working with their dogs in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and have opportunities to socialize during meetings and working sessions, as well as when involved in practices and trials.
Besides AKC Earthdog tests, we occasionally host Fun Days that incorporate practices and games that help our dogs strengthen their focus for earthdog events and allow them to show off their skills.
We are always looking for volunteers to help us with events and practices. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you.
Quite a few AKC Breeds are eligible to compete in Earthdog Trials. The current list of Earthdogs is:
Quite a few AKC Breeds are eligible to compete in Earthdog Trials. The current list of Earthdogs is:
Your dog must be:
Please contact the American Kennel Club for information on obtaining a PAL number.
The AKC site maintains the most up-to-date list of elig
Your dog must be:
Please contact the American Kennel Club for information on obtaining a PAL number.
The AKC site maintains the most up-to-date list of eligible Earthdog breeds , and it is best to check the AKC list directly.
In general, dachshunds and small terrier breeds are eligible, including spayed and neutered dogs. Bitches in season are not eligible to enter AKC Earthdog events.
AKC Earthdog is a Performance event. The competing dogs require training and a trusting relationship with their handler. The Earthdog Trial is a positive event at which a Junior handler can gain experience. (A handler under age 18 is a Junior handler).
AKC provides free informal clinics for Junior Handlers to learn from experienced and p
AKC Earthdog is a Performance event. The competing dogs require training and a trusting relationship with their handler. The Earthdog Trial is a positive event at which a Junior handler can gain experience. (A handler under age 18 is a Junior handler).
AKC provides free informal clinics for Junior Handlers to learn from experienced and professional handlers. This is an excellent way for the Junior handler to get experience and training while becoming more adept at the sport of purebred dogs.
The Arizona Earthdog Club accepts CASH, CHECK, or ZELLE payments for Arizona Earthdog Tests and practice sessions. Please download the Premium in the link above for more information!
Arizona Earthdog Club
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