Scent Work Class
Happy Ratters
🐀 Happy Ratters: Urban Hunting for Every Dog
Fun • Teamwork • Confidence • Instinct
Happy Ratters is a scent detection sport designed to let dogs do what they love most—hunt!
The goal is for dogs and owners to enjoy a fun, positive, and successful experience while strengthening their bond and prioritizing safety.
In a supportive, trusting environment, dogs learn to search for safely contained rats hidden among everyday “urban” items like barrels, boxes, and trash bags. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or already competing toward titles, Happy Ratters offers enrichment, challenge, and teamwork for every team.
What to Expect
Our drop-in Happy Ratters classes welcome dogs of all ages and experience levels. Each team works one at a time with the instructor for personalized coaching based on their skill level.
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New to Happy Ratters?
We’ll introduce your dog to the rats, burrow, and bridge, helping them build confidence and understand the game at their own pace. -
Already experienced?
You can run full courses, work on multiple-rat hides, and sharpen your handling and strategy for trials.
Every class is tailored to meet your team where you are—no prerequisites required!
📍 Location: The Noble Beast Dog Training, 428 Zimmerman St., North Tonawanda, NY 14120
💰 Drop-in: $35/class
🎟️ Class Pass Options:
6-class pass — $185
12-class pass — $350
Class passes can also be used for Happy Ratters Game Nights.
Purchase a class pass HERE then use the code to register for drop-in classes utilizing the link above.
🎮 Game Nights
Each Game Night spotlights a different Happy Ratters game—like Box-a-Rat, Dump Hunter, or Relay Hunts—to keep things exciting and build skills through variety.
These sessions are also drop-in and open to all levels. Whether you’re training for competition or just looking for a fun, instinct-driven activity, Game Nights are a great way to challenge your dog and join the Happy Ratters community.
Why Teams Love Happy Ratters
🐾 Builds confidence and focus through instinctive hunting
🐾 Strengthens communication and teamwork between dog and handler
🐾 Provides mental and physical enrichment for all breeds and abilities
🐾 Offers a welcoming community that celebrates fun and camaraderie
Join the Hunt!
Come see why so many teams are getting hooked on this exciting scent detection sport. Click Book Now to view all upcoming classes and events!
Happy hunting! 🏆
Happy Ratters Class Instructor
Cheryl Kuntz CPDT-KA
Cheryl is a Certified Dog Trainer with experience in both K9 Nose Work and Happy Ratters. She teaches our Happy Ratters drop-in classes and Intro to Nose Work sessions under the guidance of Certified Nose Work Instructor, Jessica. Cheryl and her dog, Kramer, have earned titles in both sports and love sharing the joy of scent detection with new teams. Her calm, supportive approach helps dogs build confidence and have fun while learning to hunt!
🏅 Ready to Take Your Rat Hunting to the Next Level?
For teams interested in trialing or competing in Happy Ratters, there’s a clear and exciting path to earning titles and showcasing your dog’s natural hunting skills!
Happy Ratters trials offer a supportive, fun, and safe environment for all dogs to hunt in “urban” settings while strengthening their teamwork and confidence. Trials are open to all breeds, sizes, and abilities—and there’s truly a level for everyone.
To get started:
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Register your dog with Happy Ratters through SecretTerrier to obtain a competition number.
➡️ Register your dog here -
Review the rulebook and explore upcoming trial opportunities, class levels, and games.
➡️ Visit the Happy Ratters website
Whether you’re preparing for your first run or chasing advanced titles, our classes and game nights help you build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the ring.
Join the fun, celebrate your dog’s instincts, and become part of the Happy Ratters community! 🐀🏆
What to Expect in Class
K9 Nose Work & Happy Ratters classes are a one-dog-at-a-time activity. Each dog will have their own station with seating and a crate, separated by dividers to reduce distractions. When not actively searching, dogs should remain crated. You may also choose to crate out of your car.
What to Bring
✔ A well-fitted collar or harness and a 4–6 ft leash (HR teams will run “naked” in the search area)
✔ Soft, high-value treats (no dry biscuits!)
✔ A crate cover (optional)
✔ Chews, stuffed Kongs, or snuffle mats for crate time
✔ A copy of your dog’s up-to-date vaccination records
Cancellation Policy
Your registration reserves your spot in class. Refunds are available under the following conditions:
7+ days before class: Full refund (minus processing fees)
Within 7 days of class start: 50% refund
After class start: No refunds
For drop-in classes, cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance to receive credit toward a future class.