'I'm proud of my baby girl!!': Border Collie gets top place in barn hunting competition and dog owner teaches internet about this wholesome dog sport

Author image for Briana Viser
Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
May 21, 2026 7:30 AM EDT

What is barn hunting? Well, you'll just have to find out!

This owner learned about barn hunting around the time that she got her border collie, and is slowly and progressively learning about dog sports. It's such a fun and wholesome way to bond with your dog, and it's increased her understanding of dogs and their behavior so much. They started barn hunting in November when the dog was 10 months old, and they've achieved their RATCH, which is Rat Championship. It's the highest level title in the sport and they can just keep getting RATCH over and over again. 

The owner claims that one of the biggest things barn hunt has taught her is to trust her dog more and to just have fun. She's grateful for the sport and sees the long-term benefits. It's not that competitive, and the local communities are very supportive. Everyone just wants to have fun with their dog. Even though this little border collie is a brat sometimes, she is highly intelligent and impressive. She goes on to explain in the comments about ratters, and all the ins and outs of barn hunting. If you haven't heard of it, this is a great way to read about a wholesome story and learn something new while you're at it. 

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  • 01
    ** DESSER YHO
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 02
    I learned about barn hunt around the time I got her and have been learning about dog sports slowly
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 03
    more and more and it is such a fun way to bond with your dog and has elevated my level of
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 04
    understanding dogs so much. We started barn hunt in November when she was 10 months old, and
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 05
    now at 16 months we achieved our RATCH which is Rat Championship which is the
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 06
    highest level title in the sport and after that you just keep getting RATCH over and over again
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 07
    One of the biggest things barn hunt taught me is to trust my dog more and just have more fun and
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 08
    its paid off and for that Im grateful for the sport. I also love that its not very competitive and
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 09
    my local communities are very supportive. We all just want to have fun with our dogs
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 10
    My dog is such a brat sometimes but she impresses me everyday and Ive had such a pleasure
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 11
    raising her and trying new things with her and having her challenge me in the best ways
    via u/owolowiec16
  • 12
    Remarkable_Yak1352 You just introduced me to a new activity! I didn't know about. Im checking this out for my bc mix.
    via u/Remarkable_Yak1352
  • 13
    recovering-succubus This is such an inspiration!!! My girl is 5 months now and
    via u/recovering-succubus
  • 14
    I'm so excited to start sports when she's a little older! Congrats!!!
    via u/recovering-succubus
  • 15
    XxRed VelvetxX This is new to me and I looked it up. Turns out there
    via u/XxRed VelvetxX
  • 16
    is a club pretty close to me. May have to look into it when my pup is a little older. Cool! Grayson to your doggo!
    via u/XxRed VelvetxX

  • Barn hunting is a dog sport that test their natural animal instincts and abilities in safe conditions. There are a series of obstacles like straw maze and hay barrels to run through. Dogs get to jump, climb, sniff, follow rats, and practice their innate instincts in a safe environment. There's something so wholesome and adorable about watching your dog in a setting that's both playful and challenging. You really get to see your dog in a different environment. It's not the same as a dog park, or a beach, or resting on the couch. It bonds the two of you to see him or her like that. You can start barn hunting at 6 months old, and it's a great way to train the dog and make your bond between you two even stronger. This story really touches my heart, and if I had a dog I would take him barn hunting. 

  • 17
    edmdudeobviously This is awesome! Congrats to the both of you looks like a great baby right there
    via u/edmdudeobviously
  • 18
    Igrrll ⚫ 7h ago Great job. You 2 of course you need to share your
    via u/Igrrll
  • 19
    babies successes thank you! Soo we can cheer her on with you!
    via u/Igrrll
  • 20
    BorderCollie777 Wow I'm proud of you and your pup with all those ribbons!! Congratulations!
    via u/BorderCollie777

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dogs dog training cute doggo border collie
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