Earthdog trial

Earthdog den tests involve human-made tunnels that the dogs must navigate, while scenting a rat, "the quarry".

Depending on the sanctioning organization, "working" means barking, scratching, staring, pawing, digging; any active behavior.

According to the AKC General Regulations for Earthdog Tests, the noncompetitive program begins with a basic introduction to den work and quarry, progressing through gradual steps to the point where the dog can demonstrate that it is willing to perform the required tasks, including seeking its quarry and working it underground.

They do not need to be intact, and purebred dogs that have been assigned "Indefinite Listing Privilege" (ILP) numbers, may also participate.

To qualify in the open class, a dog must be released near the trial's 30-foot (9.1 m) earth tunnel opening, find its way into the tunnel and reach the quarry, all within 30 seconds (50% of score) and then "work" the rat continuously for a full 60 seconds (remaining 50% of score).