27/08/2026
Hi all👋 Just a friendly reminder for those attending the trials tomorrow, Friday the 28th of August. Please take a moment to review the information below to ensure you and your dog are fully prepared. 🙂
- At around 07.50 we’ll be going through the rules and introducing the dogs that will be taking part in Amateur Ratter to the ‘rat & tube’ for a quick refresher and a chance to sniff what they’ll be searching for. Only one dog will be allowed in the barn at a time, so please give each dog ample space to move around, keeping a distance of 2 meters for everyone's safety.
- The first set of trials (Amateur Ratter, RATII) will kick off at 8am. Awards, photos and presentations will then follow.
Following this (an estimated time will be given closer to the day) all dogs participating in Intermediate Ratter will then be read the rules and have the opportunity to sniff the ‘rat’ so that they are aware of what they will be sniffing for.
The Intermediate Ratter Trial (RATIII) will begin immediately after.
Awards, photos and presentations will then follow.
Dogs participating in Advanced Ratter (RATIV) will then be read the rules and then given the opportunity to sniff the ‘rat’, thus reminding them of what they will be searching for.
Photos, awards and presentations will then follow.
Please arrive on time to ensure you don’t miss your turn! ☺️
- If dogs earn an Amateur Ratter (RATII) title, they can then register to participate in the Intermediate trial if they wish and so forth.
- There will be a running sheet at the desk, so take a moment to check who is ahead of you and this wll help you to know when it’s your turn, so that you can toilet your dog in plenty of time.
- Since we can’t predict the weather, feel free to bring a sunshade canopy if you’re not working from your vehicle, and lots of water that will help keep your dog cool, and you might want an umbrella or something to stay out of the sun.
- To minimize interruptions, only the competing team (owner and dog) will be allowed in the barn area at any given time. Other owner and dogs will not be permitted in the barn during trials and will have to wait behind the closed off area. If you have any concerns about this arrangement, or your dog requires extra or certain additional changes, please let us know in advance before the trial day.
- Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as they are not available at the venue.
- The nearest toilet facilities are 2.4kms away at Upper Coomera Skate Park, 233-247 Reserve Road, Upper Coomera, 4209.
- Trials can involve some waiting, so make yourself comfortable and be prepared for that.
- Each dog will participate in three timed rounds, but these will not run consecutively. After each round, you and your dog will need to leave the search area and wait in line for your next turn. This gives your dog a chance to relax and recharge, as sniffing can be tiring. If you believe your dog would do better with all three turns consecutively, please inform us as soon as possible before the trial day.
- Treats are not allowed in the search area. You may pat and praise your dog for a job well done, but food treats should be saved until after the round to prevent contamination.
- Keep in mind that the search area is in a barn, and there may be environmental factors beyond our control, such as small lizards or flying insects. This shouldn’t deter your dog from successfully searching for their target. All bales will be moved before the trial.
- The judges’ decisions are final. All rounds will be recorded, so if you have questions about a result, feel free to approach us for clarification.
- As per the rules, if a dog c***s its leg or squats, it will be disqualified, regardless of whether urine is present.
A belly band/ nappy can be worn in the trials, however the rules are still relevant, if the dog c***s or squats, it still leads to a disqualification in that round. If your dog doesn’t have a belly band/ nappy and toilets during the trial, the price of a bale will be charged ($30) as the bale will need to be removed.
- Please pay for your trials before the date using the same banking details that have been previously provided. Spare change isn’t kept at the venue, so if paying cash on the day for extra trials, please bring exact monies.
- If your dog qualifies for a title, they will receive a certificate and a rosette for Amateur Ratter, a certificate and rosette for Intermediate Ratter & the same again for Advanced Ratter along with ribbons for each qualifying round. Please ensure your dog’s name is accurately recorded on the registration form, as this will be the name printed on the certificate.
- A ribbon will be awarded for every qualifying round, and those rounds can carry over to the next trial date. A dog needs three qualifying rounds to earn titles for Amateur Ratter, Intermediate Ratter and Advanced Ratter.
- We will start trials early for the dogs that are extremely fearful, very reactive, or cannot be in or around a group setting. If you think your dog might fit this category, please message us before the trial date. If you arrive early, kindly keep noise to a minimum and stay outside the barn area.
- And most importantly… have fun with your dog! 🐕 😊
We’re excited to see everyone and hope this answers any questions you might have. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to reach out! 😊 We also have full example videos and demos on our page.
