Denmaster

The Denmaster Course is by far the most intense game trial to ever exist. For centuries dogs have been bred
to catch fox, raccoon, possum, moles, rats, rodents and other pesky varmints and small game to protect the
livelihood of the farmer and farming community. As time went on other effective ways were introduced and the
small game dog was slowly replaced. It is the goal and vision of the AAPBA to preserve the spirit, tradition, prey
drive and gameness these dogs have had bred into them. The Denmaster Course will judge dogs on how
effective they are in their underground ability and how they are stimulated using their natural instincts in the face
of their quarry. Dogs fall into 4 different classes separated by level of achievment in the difficulty in the courses.

Here is a brief run down of the order of events.
Your dogs name is called. You enter the Denamster ring 5 feet from the 3 tunnel openings. 2 of the 3 openings
are "false and unscented" tunnels that lead to nowhere. Judge will give the command when to relaese and time
starts. Dog begins underground course and owner waits until judge gives the ok to leave the openings and
approach the den. Dogs find quarry and judge gives command to retrieve your dog.

The Denmaster rules are designed for the safety of the dog and its owners. These rules must be followed for
safety and to avoid disqualification.

1. All dogs in waiting area must be 5 feet apart at all times.
2. No Females in heat in or around Denmaster course.
3. Tunnels will be scented before and during (as needed) by Denamster Officials.
4. Once entering the appointed start area no scent, rag, bait or any other materials are allowed in.
5. Tunnel time will start as soon as release command is given.
6. Tunnel time will stop as soon as dog completes the course by entering the "Quarry Den". Quarry Den time will
start at that point.
7. Judge will grade or score dog in the tunnel and quarry den.
8. Incase of a tie there will be a re-hunt.
9. The winner is determined on the score and time.
10. Judge can start, re-start or stop competition anytime.
11. Judges option to skip or disqualify competitors if not ready for event.
12. Challenging judges decisions and calls results in immediate disqualification.
13. Arguing with judge, assistant judge or any unprofessional attitude, inappropriate behavior, loud profanity and
any form of dog abuse will result in disqualification.
14. Disqualification if any party connected to competitors or competitors looking at judges score sheet.
15. Disqualification if dog bites owner, judge or anyone else.
16. No offensive or inappropriate attire. Please dress professional. Casual or formal is accepted.
17. Barefeet and sandals are prohibited.
18. Awards and results are presented at the completion of event.
19. All rules and decisions are final, No refunds available.

Dogs fall into 4 classes that they must compete in. Male and females in same classes. Dogs are scored on hole
entry, tunnel negotiation and time and quarry den activity and time. Scores are different depending on which
class the dog is competing in. Please pay particular attention to the difference of each class requirement. The
Denmaster Course will judge dogs on how effective they are in their underground ability and how they are
stimulated using their natural instincts in the face of their quarry. Dogs fall into 4 different classes that are
separated by level of achievment and the difficulty of the courses.

Puppy Earth Class
12 Months and Under
Puppies have to negotiate in a 10x10 inch hole and tunnel length to be determined by host club with one turn.
Owner is allowed to assist with no points deducted on hole entry.
With the win of 4 "hunts" the owner has the opportunity to stay in Puppy Earth Class until the dog comes of age
or choose to advance into the more competitve Novice Ground Class. Choice is final.

........................................

Denmaster
A canine to quarry hunt through various levels of difficulty

DENMASTER

One turn

Puppy Earth Class Course

1st turn

Novice Ground Class Course (Example)

2nd turn

Note:
Host club will decide
on directions of turns in
all courses and
classes. Club will
come up with their own
courses using the
guidlens set forth by
the AAPBA and the
aapba.com site.

Protective barrier

Special Note: The
AAPBA ensures no
animals will be harmed
or mistreated in any
way. We take special
precaution and care of
all quarry and live bait
used for the
Denamster Course.

Example: Rats, Mice
etc...

1st turn

Pro Dirt Class Course (Example)

2nd turn

Protective barrier

3rd turn

4th turn

Dead End

False Tunnel

Expert Den Class Course
(Example)

Protective barrier

1st turn

2nd turn

3rd turn

4th turn

5th turn

6th turn

7th turn

8th turn

Dead End

False Tunnel

Note:
False tunnel entries
should be considered
to be move din different
locations to ensure the
dog is using it's sense
of smell rather than
relying on memory.

� AAPBA Est. 1997

The Denmaster Award

This award is given to proven owner/competitors that has achieved mastery in the sport
of the AAPBA Denmaster Course. The Denmaster has to have trained and competed 5
dogs successfully to the level of the Expert Den Class. This award holds the true
meaning of superiority, skill and knowledge of the canine to quarry training.

Expert Den Class
Congratulations, the elite hunters welcome you!
Dogs have to negotiate in a 10x10 inch hole and a tunnel length of 70 feet or better including inclines and declines
with no less than 7 turns including "dead ends" and false entries. Owner is not allowed to assist with hole entry.
Dogs are scored on hole entry and tunnel negotiation and time and quarry den activity and time. Points are
accumulated toward the Nations Top Ten Expert list.

Pro Dirt Class
Welcome to the pros!
Dogs have to negotiate in a 10x10 inch hole and a tunnel length of 45 feet or better with 4 or better turns including
false entries and "dead ends". Owner is not allowed to assist with hole entry. Dogs are scored on hole entry and
tunnel negotiation and time and quarry den activity and time. With the win of 4 "hunts" the dog advances to the next
class, The Expert Den Class.

Novice Ground Class
1 Year Old and Over or an advanced Puppy Earth graduate.
Dogs have to negotiate in a 10x10 inch hole and a tunnel length of 30 feet or better with 2 turns including false
entries. Owner is allowed to assist with no points deducted on hole entry. Dogs are scored on hole entry (scored on
level of assistance) tunnel negotiation and time and quarry den activity and time. With the win of 4 "hunts" the dog
advances to the next class, The Pro Dirt Class.

Learn about the
Alpha Dog Award

Home

Email Us