Earthdog question

[Nicole and Baby Oscar]

I've been reading about earthdog competitions, and I've been thinking that mine would LOVE IT!!! I'd love to try them out. Anyway, Copper, my rescue, doesn't have AKC papers. Can he still compete? Even if he couldn't win the titles, do you think they'd let him do it anyway, after the others were done or something? Just curious. At his foster mommy's home, Copper spent an hour under her shed chasing racoons, so I know he'd go in the tunnel. There's no more competitions anywhere near me the rest of the year, so they'll have to wait.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm1.gif" border=0>
Thanks!

Nicole and Baby Oscar and Copper!

[Cindi]

Many times earthdog tests will allow dogs to run for Exhibition Only or they hold practices before the trial so that you can introduce them to going 'down' in to the hole which is very different from excavating barns/sheds, etc. However, if he looks like a dachshund you can register him with AKC http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif It is an I(ndefinite) L(isting) P(rivilege) or ILP number. There is a specific form which you can download from AKC's website with specific instructions to follow. The dog must be neutered, natch, and then you have to send in pictures plus a fee and if he looks like the breed he will be given an ILP number. At that point, you can enter him in ANYTHING except conformation and field trials FOR TITLES!!! So, earthdog and obedience and agility and tracking are fair game for you then.
Earthdog is a blast but it does take some introduction for the dog as a 30' tunnel in the dark is very daunting. That is why I recommend a practice!!