VGF Earthdog Center Programs

Village Green Farm
EARTHDOG CENTER
Crosswicks, New Jersey

Village Green Farm Earthdog Center Programs

Village Green Farm Earthdog Center offers a variety of opportunities for you and your dog to discover the fun of working together in the earthdog sport. Terriers and dachshunds have deep seated hunting instincts which can be validated in this safe and constructive way. The organized practice and competition of earthdog tests gives your daring dachshund or tenacious terrier an exciting and appropriate way to exercise his instincts.

VGF classes are offered for earthdogs at all levels of experience. Success in other dog sports depends on training and repetitive practice. In contrast, achieving success in earthdog work is a matter of giving the dog a chance to learn from his own trial and error in a positive environment. All classes are led by Jo Ann Frier-Murza and are sometimes assisted by experienced trainers and trial judges.

BEGINNERS

Beginner earthdogs become acquainted with their quarry in Introduction to Quarry I class, where they meet a rat in a secure cage. With your support and the encouragement of other working earthdogs, your dog can discover his deepest instincts while you gain an appreciation of his ancestral strengths. In the sequel to this, Introduction to Quarry II, the beginner will follow his caged rat to ground as his ancestors once followed dangerous predators into their burrows. Newcomers should register for both classes on the same day.

PUPPIES

Puppies of all ages are welcome, but results are more variable for puppies under the age of 12 months. Early work is good for socialization, bonding and fun, but serious working instincts are often not mature until later in life. Young puppies should be entered in IQ I. IQ II work should be attempted if you think your puppy is especially mature or has already exhibited self-confidence and hunting instinct.

ADVANCED DOGS

More advanced classes should be chosen depending entirely on the individual dog's progress, which varies greatly from one dog to the next.

HANDLERS

Handlers may observe other classes on any day they are registered but their dogs should remain at their cars.

All classes are held rain or shine. All dogs should be held on a plain collar and 6 foot leash. Please do not work earthdogs on training collars, show leads, harnesses, or extension leashes.

Please send form and fee to register in classes. You will receive a confirmation by email along with directions for finding VGF. There is plenty of parking on site and handlers and dogs are welcome to stay all day. Bring a lunch or visit restaurants a short distance away.

EVENTS

VGF is the site of many earthdog events through the spring, summer, and fall. We host AKC earthdog tests and American Working Terrier Association den trials as well as seminars, practice sessions, and classes.

Home