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Lure Coursing at AthleticDogs.com

Lure coursing is a dog sport that involves chasing a mechanically operated lure. The sport was developed as a more civilized version of hare coursing, which is now banned in much of Europe and the US. The original hare coursing was essentially an exercise in killing the prey...a bloody, violent exercise that many regard as cruel to the animal being pursued. While many coursing organizations do still use live hare for events and give extra points for the dogs able to catch (kill) the hare, most clubs have moved away from the practice in favor of lure coursing.

Most lure coursing competitions are limited to purebred sighthound breeds, though the popularity of the sport has encouraged more and more non-sighthound breeds to give it a shot. Many coursing clubs around North America have begun to open their trials to other breeds, and even mixed breed, dogs.

Sighthounds are a class of about 13 breeds like greyhounds and rat terriers – any dogs that instinctively chase prey by sight. Sighthounds include greyhounds, Afghan hounds, Borzois, and Whippets. There are other breeds that the AKC and CKC allow to compete in lure coursing, such as the basenji and rhodesian ridgeback, that the international federation does not. The AKC is working on reorganizing the breed groups which could result in the hound group being divided and a separate sighthound group added. If this occurs, the dogs eligible for lure coursing trials will be clearer.

Lure coursing trials use pre-designed 600 yard courses that have at least four turns. The mechanical lure, usually a piece of cloth or a fox tail, is moved by remote control along the course on a string that winds around the set pulleys. The dog tracks the lure, by sight, along the predetermined path.

Lure coursing titles in both testing and trials include:

• Junior Courser (JC) The dog runs a 600 yard course with four turns by himself and must earn two qualifying tests under two different judges to achieve the JC title.
• Senior Courser (SC) The SR title requires the dog to run with at least one other dog and earn a qualifying score at four AKC tests.
• Master Courser (MC) The MC title is earned by achieving 25 qualifying scores in Open, Open Veteran, or Specials Stake tests (and have the SC title).
• Field Championship (FC) A trial title, the FC is earned by accumulating 15 points with at least two first place wins (of 3+ points).
• Lure Courser Excellent (LCX) Once the FC is earned, another 45 Championship points are required to achieve the LCX title.
• LCX Levels (I, II, III, IV, etc.) For every 45 Championship points earned after the LCX title, a dog can move up the numbered levels.

Lure Coursing Training & Equipment

Lure coursing, like any other dog sport, requires a certain amount of training in order to succeed at trial. Training for lure coursing includes:

• Basic Obedience All show dogs must be experts in basic obedience. That is, they must follow your commands and signals (sit, stay, stand, heel, etc.) without fail and not be distracted by other people, dogs, or activity around them. The AthleticDogs.com ebook series, Basic Training for the Athletic Dog, walks you through every fundamental skill your dog needs to succeed in any dog sport.
• Conditioning The dog must be in top condition for lure coursing. It is essential that your dog enjoy some form of cardio exercise on a daily basis. There are a number of other dog sports that you and your dog can enjoy together that will also keep him or her in great shape including agility, disc dog, pull sports (canicross), and dock dogs. The multi-sport athletic dog not only improves his or her all-around conditioning but mastering the skills for various sports tends to improve their performance in each one as well.
• Lure Practice Many breeds, especially sighthounds, instinctively chase moving objects, but that instinct must be encouraged and rewarded to ensure success in lure coursing trials.

The equipment you will need to practice lure coursing includes:

• Space A wide open space of at least 2 acres, preferably fenced, is enough to get started in lure coursing. Many local clubs own property for practice and training that you can use.
• Quick Release Collar
• Lure Coursing Machine Pre-built, motorized machines are available to train your dog.
• Accessories  Pulleys and braided nylon string will keep your dog running allow you to set up your own courses and keep your dog running!

Lure Coursing Organizations

There are lure coursing organizations and clubs throughout North America. Most limit coursing events to sighthounds and other typical coursing breeds, but some host events open to all breeds, even mixed breeds!

• AKC
• American Sighthound Field Association
• Luratics   This southern California lure coursing club is open to all breeds!
• Lure Coursing Fanatics
• Mixed Breed Dog Club of America