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Earthdog Extravaganza! Trivia Quiz

This quiz is about the fun sport of earthdog, designed to test the dogs' instincts. Unless specified, questions refer to AKC Earthdog events.

A multiple-choice quiz by remobec. Estimated time: 11 mins.

Author
remobec

Time
11 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
261,193

Updated
Mar 21 24

# Qns
20

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
10 / 20

Plays
806

Question 1 of 20

1. This quiz is about the sport based on the tradition of sending small dogs into an animal's burrow to kill it and/or root it out. Of course, today's trials are to test the dogs instincts, and no animals are killed in the process. The sport has been called by a number of things. Which one is not a name for this? Hint

Go-to-Ground

Earthdog

Den Trial

Tunnel Terrier

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Question 2 of 20

2. As with most trials based on instinct, earthdog trials are limited to certain breeds (or certain mixed breeds, with some organizations). A general rule is all small terriers are permitted to participate. (See next rule for further clarification.) Which non-terrier breed is also allowed to play? Hint

German Pinscher

Chihuahua

Dachshund

Tibetan Terrier (which is, technically, not a terrier)

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Question 3 of 20

3. In addition to the small terriers in the Terrier Group, two toy terrier breeds (from the Toy Group) are permitted to participate in AKC trials. What is that breed? Hint

Yorkshire Terrier and Silky Terrier

Silky Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier

Toy Fox Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier

Toy Manchester Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier

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Question 4 of 20

4. "Den liner" is a common term used by earthdog aficionados. Yes, it's the thing that the dogs run through, but what is an earthdog tunnel, anyway? What is a den liner? Hint

Three-sided wooden tunnel inserted into tunnel-holes dug previous to the event (the top side creating the "roof")

Completely-enclosed wooden tunnel, filled with leaves, and placed on grass or dirt, for the dogs to run through

Nylon "cloth" shaped like a tunnel and inserted into a pre-dug animal burrow

Light-weight webbing inserted into a pre-dug completely-underground tunnel

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Question 5 of 20

5. So just what is it at the end of the tunnel that gets the dogs so eager to race down a dark tunnel? (Or, in the case of one puppy I know, bark in great trepidation at the scary dark tunnel with very interesting smells coming out of it.) Hint

little green men

white rats

rabbits

plush dog toys with rat scent added

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Question 6 of 20

6. IQ is the first test that many beginning earthdogs pass. It stand for "Introduction to ..."

Answer: (Not much to say for a hint. It begins with Q. Go through the dictionary until one seems to fit. :-))

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Question 7 of 20

7. At AKC earthdog tunnels, judges can lightly scent the area around the tunnel. What do they use to create this scent? Hint

Soiled rat bedding--generally easily scattered from a plastic bag

Rat poo--scattered around (hopefully with gloves!)

"Rat tea" (used rat bedding steeped and the water saved)--sprayed with a water bottle

Rat scent--available from hunting supply stores--in a convenient spritzer

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Question 8 of 20

8. In IQ, what can the handler do to encourage his dog to pass? Hint

He may give one command to the dog at the start; any other commands or interactions with the dog are penalized

Nothing. The dog is expected to work on his own from the moment the dog and handler enter the IQ area. The handler must be silent at all times

He may give one command to the dog at the start; once the dog is in the tunnel, he can go to the rats and play with them or make non-vocal noises

He may give one command to the dog at the start; once the dog is off, he may go to the entrance of the tunnel and tap on the tunnel or encourage the dog. He may not touch the dog

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Question 9 of 20

9. In IQ, what can the judge do to encourage the dog to pass? Hint

He may shake the rat cage or make noises near the rats to encourage the dog to come to the rats

He may tap on the tunnel and toss leaves and dirt in the rat end of the tunnel to encourage the dog to "go farther" and investigate

Nothing. The judge is only an observer of the dog and handler and must not interfere

He can slip hot dogs or other tasty (and preferably smelly) treats into the tunnel near the rats to get the dog to come to the rats

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Question 10 of 20

10. Once a dog gets to the end of a tunnel, he's required to "work the quarry."

This is intended to imitate a working dog who gets to the end of a real tunnel. He may find an animal that he can dispatch himself. Or he may need to dig to get to it. Or he may need to bark so his owner knew where to dig to dig up this varmint.

The rats are in a cage, which is then protected by wooden bars, so they're completely safe.

At American Working Terrier Association Trials, all of the below methods are acceptable methods of "working the quarry." However, one of these is not acceptable by AKC standards. Which one would cause a dog to fail at an AKC trial if he only did this? Hint

Lunging

Digging

Frozen, concentrated, focused stare

Barking

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Question 11 of 20

11. Can you enter Junior Earthdog (JE) without having passed IQ?

Yes

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Question 12 of 20

12. IQ tunnels are approximately 10 feet long with one turn. The next level, Junior Earthdog, has tunnels that are approximately 30 feet long with three 90 degree turns.

In Introduction to Quarry, dogs are required to get to the end of the tunnel and start working the quarry within two minutes.

In order to pass Junior Earthodg how long should it take the dog to get from the start (where his owner releases him) to the quarry, and how long should it take him from the time he gets to the end of the tunnel to start working the quarry?

Remember that Introduction to Quarry is an introductory level. Junior Earthdog is where the real work begins. Just because it takes two minutes for a 10-foot tunnel does not mean it should take six minutes for a 30-foot tunnel. Hint

60 seconds to get to the quarry and then 30 seconds to begin working the quarry

30 seconds to get to the quarry and then 30 seconds to begin working the quarry

120 seconds to get to the quarry and then 120 seconds to begin working the quarry

60 seconds to get to the quarry and then 15 seconds to begin working the quarry

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Question 13 of 20

13. In Junior Earthdog, if, after the dog enters the tunnel, he exits and re-enters the tunnel, can he still pass?

Yes

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Question 14 of 20

14. Senior Earthdog introduces several new challenges to the dogs. Which of these are NOT part of the new challenges of Senior Earthdog? Hint

After reaching and working the quarry, the dog must return to its handler within 90 seconds of being called

The tunnel includes a false exit and a false den (dead end)

The handler must stand and start the dog from 20 feet from the den entrance - twice as long as the starting distance in Junior Earthdog

The main tunnel the dogs need to travel to reach the rat is approximately 40 feet (10 feet longer than JE) with three 90 degree turns (same as JE)

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Question 15 of 20

15. Dogs that have been trained to work quarry often find it really difficult to voluntarily leave the den at their owner's call. What does the judge do to help the dogs be more inclined to return to their handler? Hint

Sticks a dowel through the crack in the door (above where the dog is) to keep him 1 foot away from the rats

If the dog is not retreating, he may open up the space above the dog and encourage him to leave

Seal the viewing area (where the rats are) and remove the rats to a distance where they're not a distraction to the dog

Seals the viewing area (where the rats are) so the dog can no longer see the rats

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Question 16 of 20

16. When the judge signals the handler to recall his dog, he may give one command. He may call the dog or he can use what tool to get it out? Hint

Whistle

Treats

Squeaky Toy

Any of the above

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Question 17 of 20

17. Finally, the dog is at Master Earthdog. In a real working situation, a dog would often be working with other dogs. In Master Earthdog, two dogs work together.

In lure coursing (a sport for sighthounds), dogs are run with their own breed. You will only see dogs of different breeds running together in the end, when they compete for Best in Field. If there is only one dog of a breed present, he will run alone.

In earthdog, can a dog be braced with a dog of any breed?

Yes

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Question 18 of 20

18. In master earthdog, the judge, two handlers and two dogs start at a point 100-300 yards distant from the earthdog tunnel. They stroll along towards the tunnel. The dogs are expected to be "working" looking for the tunnel. They may not interfere with their bracemate. The handlers are free to call or instruct their own dogs. A short empty den is placed along the way. The dogs must check out this den and confirm that it's empty.

They continue walking along until they come upon the real den. Once one dog finds the tunnel, the second dog should also demonstrate interest in it. (At this point, the den entrance is sealed.)

What happens next? Hint

Both dogs are picked up, the wood blocking the tunnel is removed and both dogs are released. They should both go in the tunnel to get the quarry

Both dogs are picked up, the second dog to find the tunnel is tied, the wood blocking the tunnel is removed, and the first dog to find the tunnel is released

Both dogs are picked up, the second dog to find the tunnel is removed from the testing area (out of sight and sound), the wood blocking the tunnel is removed, and the first dog to find the tunnel is released

Both dogs are picked up, the wood blocking the tunnel is removed and both dogs are released. The first dog to get to the tunnel should go in while the second dog should naturally "honor" and wait just outside the tunnel, ready to be called for backup

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Question 19 of 20

19. Master Earthdog introduces a new aspect to simulate a real working situation. What is that? Hint

The judge scratches and scrapes the top of the den, as the dog works the quarry, to simulate people digging up the earth above the dog

A shallow pan of water is placed in the tunnel to imitate places where the tunnel may be slightly flooded

The judge and stewards use various noises, such as people talking and laughing, a hunting horn or hounds baying, to imitate a real working situation (sounds may be recorded)

A pyramid of soft dirt is placed in the tunnel, imitating a place where the dog has to dig through to continue through the tunnel

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Question 20 of 20

20. Finally, a new sport has recently emerged based on earthdog but for larger dogs. It's been in planning and development for several years, but it was just provisionally recognized by AWTA. It is designed to imitate a working dog that is required to go into a tunnel and drag a large animal out of its den.

This sports involves a straight tunnel that is larger than in earthdog (about 11 inches). The dog runs in, grabs a badger skin that has been weighed down to make it heavier and drags it out.

What is this sport called? Hint

Dog Haul

Iron Dog

Draw Dog

Hefty Dog

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: Tunnel Terrier

AKC generally calls these trials Earthdog. American Working Terrier Association uses den trial. Jack Russell Terrier Club of America usually uses go-to-ground. While there are, of course, differences in the competition between these organizations, these terms are often used interchangeably.

Answer: Dachshund

All three coat varieties and both sizes are generally widely represented at trials.

3. In addition to the small terriers in the Terrier Group, two toy terrier breeds (from the Toy Group) are permitted to participate in AKC trials. What is that breed?

Answer: Silky Terrier and Toy Manchester Terrier

In AKC, all terrier breeds small enough to fit in a den are permitted to play. In the Toy Group, the Silky Terrier and the Toy Manchester Terrier are also allowed. And, of course, the Dachshund of the Hound Group makes an appearance. Three main organizations host earthdog trials in America: American Kennel Club (AKC), American Working Terrier Association (AWTA) and Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA). Check out their websites to see exactly which breeds are eligible.

4. "Den liner" is a common term used by earthdog aficionados. Yes, it's the thing that the dogs run through, but what is an earthdog tunnel, anyway? What is a den liner?

Answer: Three-sided wooden tunnel inserted into tunnel-holes dug previous to the event (the top side creating the "roof")

It can be a bit confusing to know how the tunnels are created without actually seeing one. There is no dirt "roof", only the wooden top of the den liner.

Answer: white rats

The rats are completely safe from the excited dogs. In fact, in my experience it doesn't generally even stress them. In the trials I've been to the rats live with dogs, so they're used to their antics and take it all in stride.

6. IQ is the first test that many beginning earthdogs pass. It stand for "Introduction to ..."

Answer: Quarry

Introduction to Quarry is not technically a title, and not even required to go to the next level. The AKC titles are JE (Junior Earthdog), SE (Senior Earthdog) and ME (Master Earthdog).

7. At AKC earthdog tunnels, judges can lightly scent the area around the tunnel. What do they use to create this scent?

Answer: "Rat tea" (used rat bedding steeped and the water saved)--sprayed with a water bottle

Yup. Odor of rat. Be careful not to spray around too much or the dog will think there's a monster rat down in that tunnel, producing all that pee.

8. In IQ, what can the handler do to encourage his dog to pass?

Answer: He may give one command to the dog at the start; once the dog is off, he may go to the entrance of the tunnel and tap on the tunnel or encourage the dog. He may not touch the dog

Since IQ is intended to excite the dog's instinct, more leniency is allowed in encouraging the dog to work. Therefore, tapping on the side of the entrance of the tunnel, for example, will not immediately fail the dog.

9. In IQ, what can the judge do to encourage the dog to pass?

Answer: He may shake the rat cage or make noises near the rats to encourage the dog to come to the rats

As before, the purpose of IQ is to encourage the new dogs, so things that encourage their interest in the rats are great. Gently shaking the cage will get the rats moving slightly. Many judges use squeakies or other "rat like" noises to encourage the dogs to keep coming.

10. Once a dog gets to the end of a tunnel, he's required to "work the quarry." This is intended to imitate a working dog who gets to the end of a real tunnel. He may find an animal that he can dispatch himself. Or he may need to dig to get to it. Or he may need to bark so his owner knew where to dig to dig up this varmint. The rats are in a cage, which is then protected by wooden bars, so they're completely safe. At American Working Terrier Association Trials, all of the below methods are acceptable methods of "working the quarry." However, one of these is not acceptable by AKC standards. Which one would cause a dog to fail at an AKC trial if he only did this?

Answer: Frozen, concentrated, focused stare

Judges cannot see into the tunnel (which is supposed to be dark) very well. They can see and hear enough to know that the dog is THERE, but not necessarily to know if he's just chilling or doing a frozen, concentrated, focused stare. Therefore, AWTA calls its judges to shift the cage. If the cage shifts and the dog jumps and moves his stare, you know he's working.

Dogs may also growl (by AWTA and AKC standards). AWTA also allows for dogs to whine.

11. Can you enter Junior Earthdog (JE) without having passed IQ?

Answer: Yes

Some dogs pass JE without ever having passed IQ. Once the dog "gets it" in IQ, even if they haven't passed that time, it's sometimes best not to do IQ again because the tunnel is so much shorter, you don't want the dog looking for the rat after only 10 feet. Sometimes people enter both tests on the same day. It's up to the individual how they want to train their dog.

12. IQ tunnels are approximately 10 feet long with one turn. The next level, Junior Earthdog, has tunnels that are approximately 30 feet long with three 90 degree turns. In Introduction to Quarry, dogs are required to get to the end of the tunnel and start working the quarry within two minutes. In order to pass Junior Earthodg how long should it take the dog to get from the start (where his owner releases him) to the quarry, and how long should it take him from the time he gets to the end of the tunnel to start working the quarry? Remember that Introduction to Quarry is an introductory level. Junior Earthdog is where the real work begins. Just because it takes two minutes for a 10-foot tunnel does not mean it should take six minutes for a 30-foot tunnel.

Answer: 30 seconds to get to the quarry and then 30 seconds to begin working the quarry

The dog is then required to work the quarry for 60 seconds.

13. In Junior Earthdog, if, after the dog enters the tunnel, he exits and re-enters the tunnel, can he still pass?

Answer: Yes

As long as he meets the time requirements (reach the quarry within 30 seconds, begin working within 30 seconds, and works the quarry for 60 seconds), he will not be penalized for exiting the tunnel.

14. Senior Earthdog introduces several new challenges to the dogs. Which of these are NOT part of the new challenges of Senior Earthdog?

Answer: The main tunnel the dogs need to travel to reach the rat is approximately 40 feet (10 feet longer than JE) with three 90 degree turns (same as JE)

The tunnel length is the same as in Junior Earthdog. They both are required to have three 90 degree turns. In Senior Earthdog, the handler must start his dogs from 20 feet from the tunnel. The dogs must find the quarry, but it isn't a straight tunnel, since there's a false exit (you'll occasionally see a dog pop out, look around and pop back in) and a false den (dead end).

The dog needs to use his nose to find the quarry. He needs to reach the quarry in 90 seconds. He has 15 seconds to begin working the quarry, which he must do for 90 seconds in order to pass.

Then the handler recalls his dog (at signal from the judge). Dogs must exit the den (from either exit) and return to their handler within 90 seconds.

Answer: Seal the viewing area (where the rats are) and remove the rats to a distance where they're not a distraction to the dog

This portion is designed to imitate, in part, a situation where the quarry has left the den and the dog needs to return. Hence, the rats leave the den.

16. When the judge signals the handler to recall his dog, he may give one command. He may call the dog or he can use what tool to get it out?

Answer: Whistle

No baits, hides, noisemakers or toys can be used to recall the dog, but a whistle is permissible.

17. Finally, the dog is at Master Earthdog. In a real working situation, a dog would often be working with other dogs. In Master Earthdog, two dogs work together. In lure coursing (a sport for sighthounds), dogs are run with their own breed. You will only see dogs of different breeds running together in the end, when they compete for Best in Field. If there is only one dog of a breed present, he will run alone. In earthdog, can a dog be braced with a dog of any breed?

Answer: Yes

All braces are selected at random with no regard for the breeds in the braces.

18. In master earthdog, the judge, two handlers and two dogs start at a point 100-300 yards distant from the earthdog tunnel. They stroll along towards the tunnel. The dogs are expected to be "working" looking for the tunnel. They may not interfere with their bracemate. The handlers are free to call or instruct their own dogs. A short empty den is placed along the way. The dogs must check out this den and confirm that it's empty. They continue walking along until they come upon the real den. Once one dog finds the tunnel, the second dog should also demonstrate interest in it. (At this point, the den entrance is sealed.) What happens next?

Answer: Both dogs are picked up, the second dog to find the tunnel is tied, the wood blocking the tunnel is removed, and the first dog to find the tunnel is released

After the first dog runs, he is tied up and the second dog runs. The dog who is "honoring" (tied up) should show interest in what's happening in the tunnel but should not be overly vocal.

19. Master Earthdog introduces a new aspect to simulate a real working situation. What is that?

Answer: The judge scratches and scrapes the top of the den, as the dog works the quarry, to simulate people digging up the earth above the dog

Obstacles, such as a pan of water, pyramid of dirt or "imitation roots" have been created by innovative earthdoggers to give their dog a new challenge. But it's not currently a part of any official competition.

20. Finally, a new sport has recently emerged based on earthdog but for larger dogs. It's been in planning and development for several years, but it was just provisionally recognized by AWTA. It is designed to imitate a working dog that is required to go into a tunnel and drag a large animal out of its den. This sports involves a straight tunnel that is larger than in earthdog (about 11 inches). The dog runs in, grabs a badger skin that has been weighed down to make it heavier and drags it out. What is this sport called?

Answer: Draw Dog

Still very much in development, breeds that are good at draw dog include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Irish Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Bull Terriers...

Irondog is the unofficial honor given to earthdogs who pass both Junior and Senior Earthdog on the same day.

Source: Author remobec

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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