Introduction to Quarry (IQ) - This test serves to introduce the dog to Earthdog, and consists of a 10-foot tunnel with one right-angle turn. At the end of the tunnel is a cage of rats; their scent is distributed throughout the trail. In this untitled level, the handler can encourage the dog into the tunnel, and the judge may assist by shaking the cage or making noise.
Junior Earthdog (JE) - The second level is more difficult than IQ, in that the scented tunnel is 30 feet long, with three right-angle turns. The trail must be completed in 30 seconds, and the dog must “work” the caged rats for 60 seconds. At the end, the dog must allow the handler to remove him without injury to either the dog or handler. This test must be completed twice under two different judges.
Senior Earthdog (SE) - This level is like the JE level, with the addition of added distractions, such as a false unscented exit and an unscented bedding area with used rat bedding at the end. The time requirement is extended to 90 seconds to travel the tunnel, 15 seconds to begin working the rats, and 90 seconds to work the rats. Finally, the dog must recall to the handler within 90 seconds. This test must be completed three times under at least two different judges.
Master Earthdog (ME) - The mastery level is significantly more complex. Now the dog must work cooperatively with a “bracemate” (selected at random by the test committee) for 100 - 300 hundred yards, and actually hunt his way to the den. Along the way, he must investigate an empty unscented den when asked by his handler. Then both dogs must find the entrance to the real den and mark it.
The active den is like the SE den, but with two additional obstacles: a 6-inch diameter PVC pipe placed crossways to replicate a loose root, and a constriction where the tunnel is made more narrow. While one dog is working, the other must wait his turn as quietly as possible. The ME test must be completed four times under three different judges.
 Reggie finished his Senior Earthdog title on August 28, 2005, and earned the first leg of his Master Earthdog title November 13, 2005. He earned his fourth Master leg and his ME title on June 24, 2006. As I mentioned above, Reggie was born to be an Earthdog!
The American Working Terrier Association (AWTA) also conducts several types of Earthdog tests. Reggie earned the Certificate of Gameness (CG) title in April 2005, and was also the top performing Border Terrier that day.
 Halo has followed in Reggie's footsteps enthusiastically, qualifying twice in the Intro to Quarry class at her first AKC earthdog test. She readily earned her Junior Earthdog (JE) title on June 11, 2007, at only her second AKC earthdog weekend.
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