Est. 1981
The Lower Mainland Whippet Association
What Is Lure Coursing?
Sighthounds were originally bred to hunt many types of game, from small rabbits to the large wolves and deer. Put simply, lure coursing is a simulation of the chase. Two or three hounds of the same breed, selected by random draw, line up at the start line and, on the signal from the Huntmaster, are simultaneously "hand-slipped" by the handlers. The dogs follow an erratic course and are judged not only on speed, but on enthusiasm for the lure and the chase, follow (chasing directly behind the lure and not cutting corners), agility (cornering ability, sure-footedness, etc.), and endurance (not running "out of gas" at the end of the course).
The hounds are judged by two qualified judges and the one that crosses the finish line first is not always the winner. Courses are set up over a large area and can range from 400 to 1,500 yards in length. The length of the course, the length of the straightaways, the sharpness of the turns, and the terrain, as well as many other factors are variables used in designing the "hunt".
Equipment requirements are a lure machine, pulleys, line, and a lure. The lure machine reels in the line at speeds up to and above 40 mph. At the end of the line is the lure -- usually white plastic streamers -- which the hounds chase. Pulleys are placed in the ground and the line is strung around them, permitting the lure to change directions and thereby simulating the turns made by live prey. Each hound runs twice (unless dismissed, excused, or disqualified for interference) and all the scores are posted for the exhibitors to see. Placements are awarded for 1st through 5th (called NBQ or Next Best Qualified) and points for a Field Championship are awarded to the top four hounds in each stake (breed).
ELIGIBILITY....
Only purebred Afghan Hounds, Basenji, Borzoi, Scottish Deerhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Saluki and Whippets one year of age or older and registered with the Canadian or American Kennel Clubs may enter lure field trials. Spayed females, altered males and those with show ring disqualifications may also compete.
WHAT IS A FIELD CHAMPION ....
A Field Championship is awarded to hounds who have earned 100 lure coursing points with at least one first or two second placements over competition. The maximum points per trial is 40, which is based on four times the number of dogs in the stake, to a maximum of 10 dogs. Points are also awarded for second, third and fourth, with a maximum of 30 points for 2nd, 20 points for 3rd and 10 points for 4th. All trial results are submitted to the Canadian Kennel Club which keeps accurate records for each hound. The official results and awarded points are published in Dogs in Canada magazine.
JUDGING AND SCORING ....
Each run or "course" is scored individually by two judges with the following considerations: a maximum of 15 points for enthusiasm, 15 points for follow, 25 for speed, 25 for agility, and 20 for endurance, for a possible total of 100 points per judge. Their scores are added together for a total out of 200 points. Each course consists of two or three hounds of the same breed, wearing coursing jackets of brilliant yellow, pink and blue so that the judges can differentiate between them. The running mates are selected solely by random draw. Each hound runs twice, unless excused, dismissed or disqualified (usually for interference with another dog).
In the second, or "final" run, the course is reversed and new running mates and coursing jacket colours are drawn. Thus, the total score for the two runs is out of 400 points. The highest scoring dogs wins and points are awarded to 1st through 4th place accordingly.
GETTING READY ....
Just as you would not expect to win Best in Show or High Score in an Obedience Trial with an ungroomed or untrained dog, neither should you expect to win at lure coursing without training, conditioning and some experience running with other hounds.
CONDITIONING THE ADULT DOG ....
Muscle can be built by road working two to four times a week from a car, bicycle, or on foot at a slow, steady show gait or trot. Start out with short distances and then gradually increase to several miles. A daily brisk walk of three to four miles is excellent conditioning for both hound and owner. Practise is also need in developing running skills and lung capacity. Free running in a large, safe area is the best.
TRAINING FOR PUPPIES AND ADULTS ....
The one distinguishing characteristic that differentiates sighthounds from other breeds is that they primarily hunt game using sensory information from the eye. Most sighthounds will naturally chase anything that moves - other dogs, rabbits, paper, leaves, etc. Some hounds do not take to the lure at first for many reasons and need training to catch on to the idea. The best piece of equipment to train an adult or puppy to chase the lure is a POLE LURE.
THE POLE LURE ....
A pole lure consist of a six-foot length of bamboo (found in most hardware stores or garden centres), a similar length of cord (lightweight), a white plastic bag cut into streamers and something white and furry (a rabbit skin or fake "fun fur"). Attach the streamers and fur to one end of the cord and attach the cord to an end of the pole. Swing the pole in a circle or back and forth and encourage the dog to run and chase it. Keep it on the ground, not in the air. TRAIN ONLY ONE DOG AT A TIME. Let him catch it right away and praise him. Let him grab it and pull on it. If he won't let go, don't scold him, but coax him into letting go. After he has caught onto the idea, only let him catch it when he has put a lot of effort into it. Quit BEFORE he looses interest and NEVER USE THE POLE LURE FOR MORE THAN 5 MINUTES. Always leave the dog wanting more.
A hound really learns to concentrate on the lure and develops agility. It is advantageous to train your hound to a pole lure BEFORE using a lure machine. You will find, too, that both you and your dog get a terrific amount of fun with the pole lure.
THE LURE MACHINE ....
Puppies are never too young to run behind the lure. SHORT runs with the puppy capturing the lure are great fun for the puppy. The beginning adult is always run ALONE on straight or zig-zag runs. The length of the training run should be varied. When the dog is running enthusiastically alone for some time, an experienced dog of the same breed will be added.
Puppies should always be run alone. They need time to mature mentally and should not be tempted to play with the other dogs by running them with another dog when they are too young. It is very essential that the hound be concentrating only and wholly on the lure before he is ever run with another hound. Interference, whether playful or aggressive, is severely penalized at lure field trials.
Hounds derive an incredible amount of pleasure from chasing a lure competently. As owners, we also receive pleasure in watching them perform. Training a dog is fun as you watch the improvement from week to week. Once trained, a hound never looses his competence. It is up to all of us to help develop each dog's potential and then experience the thrill of a job well done.
WHY LURE COURSE AT ALL? ....
Sighthounds are more than just pretty statues in the show ring. They have latent ability to run and chase at top speed with incredible agility, endurance and enthusiasm. Denying a sighthounds the opportunity to prove his heritage is very selfish. The pleasure derived form lure coursing makes for happier, healthier hounds. WHY NOT TRY IT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF?
FOR MORE INFORMATION ....
For more information regarding lure coursing, practice sessions, and trials, contact the Lower Mainland Whippet Association at 855-7427 (ask for Barb). SEE YOU THERE
