If don't see the answer to your question below, please contact the Field Trial Chair.

What is a Field Trial?
A Field Trial is an event sponsored by PCTC that has two types of competitions: Go-To-Ground and Lure Coursing Races.

Must I be a PCTC Member to participate?
No, non-members may participate in the Field Trials.

Can my dog participate if he's never done it before?
Absolutely! These events are second nature to most terriers and the excitement of the more experienced dogs will definitely rub off onto your dog.

Can my dog participate if he's not a Cairn terrier?
Both the Go-To-Ground and the Races are open to any Terrier that is able to negotiate a 9-inch tunnel.

How does Go-To-Ground work?
Go-To-Ground consists of a series of tunnels with an opening at one end for the dog to enter and live quarry in a cage at the other. The dog will have one minute in which to enter the tunnel and reach the quarry; during this time the dog may come out and re-enter several times. Once the dog has reached the quarry, he must work the quarry for a period of 30 seconds (scratch, bark, whine, growl, dig, bite at cage, lunge at cage, etc.). Any definite breaks in work mark the dog's time, even if the dog starts up again.

Go-To-Ground has 2 events: Novice Tunnel & Open Tunnel. The Novice (short tunnel) event is for dogs which have never qualified to participate in the Open (long tunnel) event at a PCTC Field Trial. Once a dog has received a score of 100 points in the Novice Tunnel, it must compete in the Open (long tunnel) Class.

For more information on Go-To-Ground, see the complete Field Trial Rules.

How do the Races work?
The race course consists of a 75-foot flat track with a starting box at one end and a barrier containing a 9-inch tunnel at the finish. Dogs are baited with a furry lure while in the starting box. Once the dogs are released, the lure is reeled in towards the finish just out of their reach. The first dog through the tunnel at the end is the winner. There are 2 types of races: flat and hurdle. The hurdle race contains four 9-inch hurdles between the starting box and the finish.

For more information on the Races, see the complete Field Trial Rules.

How often are the Field Trials held?
PCTC holds the Field Trials once a year in the fall (October/November). Check the PCTC Calendar for updates.

How do I enter?
Upcoming Field Trial events will be listed on the PCTC Calendar. There you will find an entry form and an address to send your form and payment, or you can register and pay online.

How much does it cost?
The Flat Race, Hurdle Race, and Go-To-Ground events are each $4.00. If you enter the same dog into all three events, it's $10.00. KinderRun (flat race for puppies under 6 mos. old) is $2.00.

In which Class do I enter my dog for Go-To-Ground?

• If your dog has never done Go-To-Ground or has never scored 100 points in the Novice class, then enter your dog in the Novice Class.
• If your dog has scored 100 points in the Novice Class, enter your dog in the Open Class.
• If your dog has earned a PCTC Working Championship or AWTA Certificate, enter your dog in the Special Class.

In which Class do I enter my dog for Flat/Hurdle Races?

• If your dog is at least 3 months but less than 6 months old on the day of trial, enter your dog in the KinderRun Class (flat race only).
• If your dog is at least 6 months but less than 12 months on the day of the trial, enter your dog in the Puppy Class.
• If your dog is 12 months and over but less than 7 years on the day of the trial, enter your dog in the Adult Class.
• If your dog is 7 years or older on the day of the trial, enter your dog in the Veteran Class. If you feel he is still competitive with the Adult dogs, you may enter him in the Adult Class instead of Veterans.
• If your dog has earned a PCTC Sporting Championship, enter your dog in the Champion Class.

For videos and more photos of Field Trials, see the PCTC Event Photos & Videos.