Frequently Asked Questions

 Please bring:

• A secure flat collar or well-fitted harness 
• A standard leash (4–6 ft recommended) 
• High-value treats and a favourite toy.
• Water for your dog 
• Weather-appropriate footwear and clothing for you
   

The following are not permitted during training:

• E-collars 
• Prong or pinch collars 
• Flexi / retractable-style leashes
   

If you’re unsure whether your equipment is appropriate, feel free to ask before your session.

Dogs can begin training and introductory exposure as young as 12 weeks of age.  Puppy sessions will be age-appropriate, low-pressure, and focused on confidence and fun rather than performance. 

For competition eligibility, age requirements depend on the organization:

• Rats! Canada permits dogs to compete starting at 12 weeks of age. 
• Happy Ratters requires dogs to be 6 months of age before competing.
   

There is no upper age limit for participation. Senior dogs are welcome as long as they are healthy and comfortable working, and activities can be adjusted to suit individual needs.

No experience is required for Intro classes or many workshops. These sessions are designed specifically for dogs and handlers new to rat sports. More advanced classes and trials do require prior experience or demonstrated interest in finding rats. 

Absolutely. Rat sports are open to all breeds and mixed breeds. Every dog works differently, and we celebrate that. 

 Yes. Rat welfare is a top priority. All rats are housed in either a heavy duty steel cage or secure, ventilated tubes and handled by experienced staff. Dogs never have direct contact with the rats, and all activities are designed to be safe and low-stress for everyone involved.

There are strict rules set by the governing organizations regarding rat care, handling, and the length of time rats may be used during training or events. GTG Rat Sports follows the welfare standards and regulations outlined by Happy Ratters and Rats! Canada to ensure ethical, humane treatment at all times.

We offer:

• Private lessons 
• Intro, Novice/Advanced, and Masters/Champ workshops 
• Fun matches 
• League play 
• Sanctioned trials 

Availability varies by season and schedule. Current offerings are always listed on our website.

Both Happy Ratters and Rats! Canada are rat sport organizations, but they offer very different styles of play.

Happy Ratters focuses on urban ratting. Dogs search for rats hidden in everyday, city-style environments using items like boxes, bags, bins, children’s toys, furniture, and other creative obstacles. This style emphasizes teamwork between handler and dog, problem-solving, and navigating realistic urban clutter together.

Rats! Canada is the more traditional barn-style ratting that many people recognize. Searches take place in a ring filled with hay bales, and the sport is more instinct-based, with dogs working more independently to locate the rats using their natural hunting abilities.

Both organizations place a strong emphasis on rat safety and positive experiences for dogs—the main difference comes down to whether you prefer a handler-guided urban search or a more independent, instinct-driven hunt.

 Yes. Dogs must be registered with the appropriate governing organization in order to compete and earn titles.

• Rats! Canada requires dogs to be registered through their website.  To register your dog, click here and follow the instructions.
   
• Happy Ratters requires dogs to be registered through a thrid party organization called Secreterrier.  To register your dog, click here, setup a user ID, and then follow the instructions to register your dog.
   

Registration is handled directly through each organization and is separate from event entry with GTG Rat Sports. Dogs may still participate in training, workshops, and fun matches without being registered.

If you’re unsure whether your dog needs to be registered for a specific event, we’re happy to help clarify before you enter.