ABOUT BLUENOSE RAT SPORTS

Bluenose Rat Sports was founded in 2025 out of a passion for rat sports and a need for more training opportunities on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Based in Lunenburg, we offer private lessons, workshops, fun matches, and trials that bring dogs and their people together to learn, build confidence, and have fun. Our approach celebrates each dog as an individual, with their own motivations, strengths, and way of figuring things out.

Creating a welcoming, supportive community is at the heart of BRS. Whether you’re trying something new or pursuing competition goals, we want you to feel comfortable asking questions, celebrating progress, and enjoying the journey with your dog.

Hi, I'm Alice

With a background in behaviour training and a strong focus on relationship and motivation, I love thinking outside the box to find training techniques that suit each individual dog. There’s always something new to learn from the dog in front of you.

My ultimate goal is to help you build a better relationship with your dog. The sport gives us a place to start; the understanding and teamwork you develop together reach beyond it.

Creating a welcoming, supportive environment is just as important to me. I want handlers to feel comfortable asking questions, trying something new, and celebrating progress without pressure or judgment. Whether you’re brand new or an experienced competitor, you and your dog should feel like you belong.

My introduction to rat sports began with Louie, my low-drive Belgian Malinois × Dutch Shepherd, and what felt like a never-ending search for a sport he actually enjoyed.

Then we tried rat sports. Louie loved it, and I was hooked. That first experience grew into a passion, and we now compete at the highest levels.

Along the way, I discovered that not every dog approaches the game like Louie. I became fascinated by those differences: what motivates each dog, how they tackle a search, and what helps things click for them.

WCERA

SENIOR JUDGE
TRIAL HOST
CANADIAN COORDINATOR

As the first WCERA judge in Canada, I’m passionate about helping WCERA grow here. I bring curiosity and a love of creative problem-solving to my work, celebrating the different ways dogs and handlers learn to work together.

CERTIFICATIONS

RATS! CANADA

JUDGE
TRIAL HOST (COMING SOON)

My experience as a competitor shapes the care I bring to judging. I value fair, thoughtful judging and appreciate the work behind every team, from those finding their confidence to those competing at the highest levels.

HAPPY RATTERS

PROVISIONAL JUDGE
TRIAL HOST

As a provisional judge and trial host, I’m excited to create welcoming opportunities for teams to enjoy rat sports together. My focus is on encouraging handlers and dogs to work as a team, celebrating progress, and sharing the enjoyment that first got me hooked.

RAT WELFARE

BELOVED PETS.

VALUED TEAMMATES.

Our rats are part of the Bluenose Rat Sports family. At home, they’re beloved pets who are just as spoilt as our dogs, and that same love and care follows them into every lesson, workshop, and event.

We follow the rat safety and care guidelines set out by RATS! Canada, Happy Ratters and WCERA. This includes protective containers designed for the sport, regular rotations and rest breaks, and careful attention to weather conditions and each rat’s comfort.

Between turns, our rats rest with their companions in a quiet, well-ventilated space with clean bedding, food, and water. We watch for signs of tiredness, stress, or discomfort and give them additional rest whenever needed.

Their wellbeing always comes before a training goal or competition result. We want everyone who joins us to share that respect for every animal involved, whether they’re searching or waiting to be found.