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To make
your own rat scent, scoop some litter and excrement from the rats' cage
into a pail, add water and a cloth. Let it sit for as long as possible.
Guide to hosting a Go-to-Ground Event
Guide to laying out the GTG den site
See Layout*:
Decide on the spot to place your GTG liners. It should be well away from your other events and on level ground. Try to plan that the earth will have good drainage in case it rains. It is advisable to sink the liners at least 4" to 6" in the ground to prevent shifting.
A 10' liner for the Novice classes and a 30' liner for the Open and Championship classes must be provided. The inside measurements of the liner are to be 9" square the whole length of the tunnel, including the entrance. The bottom of the liner must be open to the earth. The Novice liner must have one right angle turn and the Open/Championship liner has three. The bends may be in either direction. Try to make the liners look as natural as possible. THE JUDGE MUST BE ABLE TO SEE THE TERRIER AS IT IS RELEASED. The entire area must be enclosed to prevent spectators from disturbing the terriers or the judge at work.
Scenting the liners
The tunnel floors must be scented with rat scent. To make your own rat scent, scoop some litter and excrement from the rats' cage into a pail, add water and a cloth. Let it sit for as long as possible. Use this to scent the entrance (lightly) and the rat cage area. Tie a 30' string to an experienced terrier's collar and send him/her through the tunnel. Untie the string from the dog, leave the string in the tunnel. Then tie the scented cloth to the entrance end and pull it through the tunnel.
Care and protection of the quarry
People new to trials often are concerned about stress or danger for the rats. Humane treatment of the quarry is strictly observed. Only adult male laboratory (white or hooded) rats may be used at JRTCC sanctioned trials, except where prohibited by law (see Trial Committee Chairman for more information). The rats must be well caged to prevent any injury. The quarry must be caged in a substantial terrier-proof cage (this is backup safety as the terriers are behind another barrier at the end of the tunnel). Clean bedding, food and water must be available.
Instructions for administering the event
Have on hand clipboards, pens, note pads, stop watches (2), bug spray, and GTG score sheets (colour coded).
Your judge and steward are often at the GTG site for hours, without a break and in all kinds of weather. Make sure someone checks on them regularly to supply everything they need...food, beverages, protective clothing. Try to locate your den site where the judge can have some type of shade.
When the GTG is going to close, make several announcements over the Public Address system. Giving owners plenty of time to get there in case they are competing in another event.
Any special request by your exhibitors (schooling or discussions with the judge) should be postponed until after the competition.
Physical Layout
