Music City Dog Sports

Introduction to Barn Hunt is a 5-week group class held once weekly for 1–1.5 hours, covering rat odor introduction, indicating behavior, tunnel navigation, and home practice games. Advanced dogs join ongoing classes at Open, Senior, or Master levels, with weekly sessions tailored to competition readiness. Private evaluations are required for advanced dogs before joining ongoing classes.

Pricing Summary

Introduction to Barn Hunt classes are 5 weeks long and cost $125.00. Advanced classes are ongoing and require prior completion of the intro class or approval from Kristy. Trial entry fees are separate and listed in event premiums.

Music City Dog Sports, LLC is a dog training business in Nashville, TN, specializing in Barn Hunt, a scent-based sport where dogs use their natural hunting instincts to locate live rats hidden in straw bales. The business is led by Kristy Netzer, who offers structured Introduction to Barn Hunt classes for beginners, as well as ongoing advanced classes for dogs competing at Open, Senior, and Master levels. Classes are held in a dedicated warehouse facility and focus on building dogs’ scent work skills, teaching them to indicate rat tubes, and navigating straw tunnels and climbs. The program is designed for all dog types and sizes, with an emphasis on positive, reward-based training that respects the dog’s individual style. The business also hosts and organizes official Barn Hunt Association (BHA) trials, providing opportunities for dogs to earn AKC-recognized titles. No money is won in competition—focus is on fun, bonding, and skill development.

Students have earned national and state rankings in Barn Hunt, including multiple RATCH (Ratting Champion) and other high-level titles. The program welcomes dogs of all ages and backgrounds, from puppies to seniors, and provides home exercises to reinforce training between classes. Kristy offers private evaluations for dogs with prior Barn Hunt experience before placing them in ongoing classes.

The business promotes safety for both dogs and rats, using ventilated PVC tubes and ensuring rats are not harmed. Training is grounded in clear, step-by-step methods that help owners understand their dog’s unique indications and build confidence in the sport.

Accomplishments

Music City Dog Sports students have earned multiple AKC-recognized Barn Hunt titles including RATCH, RATO, RATN, and others. Dogs from the program hold top national rankings in Masters, Open, and Senior classes, including #1 in Tennessee and national breed rankings. Kristy Netzer’s students have set all-time record times and are among the top performers in the Barn Hunt Association.

How to Get Started!

Sign up for the Introduction to Barn Hunt class by completing the Class Notification form on the website. New classes start periodically, and applicants are contacted when enrollment opens. Advanced dogs must email Kristy for a private evaluation before joining ongoing classes.