From the 2013 April-May-June AWSS Newsletter
Lure Coursing Shelties
by Linda Rorem
Lure Coursing Shelties
by Linda Rorem
Lure coursing for all dogs has been added to the AKC performance program. Now all breeds and mixes can participate in a fast-paced, fun activity based on the lure coursing trials provided for sighthounds. Many Shelties are taking quickly to this new opportunity.
In the Coursing Ability Test (CAT), the dog runs alone, unlike the sighthound coursing trials where dogs run in twos and threes. To pass, the dog must pursue the lure enthusiastically and without interruption, completing the run within the time limit. The first level title, Coursing Ability (CA), is earned by passing three times. Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) is earned by passing ten times, and Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) is earned with 25 passing runs. While the coursing trials are scored competitively, the Coursing is run on a pass/fail basis. CATs may be held by licensed lure coursing clubs either as stand-alone events or in conjunction with a licensed lure coursing trial.
In the Coursing Ability Test (CAT), the dog runs alone, unlike the sighthound coursing trials where dogs run in twos and threes. To pass, the dog must pursue the lure enthusiastically and without interruption, completing the run within the time limit. The first level title, Coursing Ability (CA), is earned by passing three times. Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) is earned by passing ten times, and Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) is earned with 25 passing runs. While the coursing trials are scored competitively, the Coursing is run on a pass/fail basis. CATs may be held by licensed lure coursing clubs either as stand-alone events or in conjunction with a licensed lure coursing trial.
Jet
-- Northlight Flying High, HRD I-s,g, HTD II-ge, HTD I-g, STD-s, CA -- airborne
in full pursuit
The courses are laid out in a large field, which may be fenced or unfenced. A light, long cord runs on a pulley system in a continuous loop from a motorized machine through spools set into the ground alongside cones that mark the course. There are straightaways, several turns, and sometimes cross-overs. Fastened to the line is a lure consisting of a set of white plastic bags that serve as the “prey.” The operator of the machine sits up high for a good view and controls the speed of the lure. CAT courses are shorter than those in the sighthound lure coursing trials and there are no turns sharper than 90 degrees. Dogs that measure more than 12 inches at the shoulder run a course of approximately 600 yards, which must be completed within two minutes. Dogs under 12 inches and dogs of short-muzzled breeds run approximately 300 yards within a time limit of 1-1/2 minutes.
At the beginning of the event, each dog is checked for soundness of gait and bitches are checked to make sure they are not in season. Dogs with lameness are not allowed to run, nor are bitches in season. The participating dogs are run one at a time, following a posted run order. As the preceding dog finishes the course, is leashed and leaves the field, at the direction of a steward the next dog is brought to the starting point, where the judge waits and can provide any additional information if needed. At the start, the dog is held by the handler next to the line and a little back from the lure. At the word “tally-ho” from the judge, the lure starts off and the dog is slipped to begin the pursuit. While it isn’t required, a quick-release collar specially designed for lure coursing is fun to use (and many are decorative like this one, which Jet’s Samoyed friend Bode shares with her). The base of the strap is attached to one ring. The free end is put through the second ring, the strap is doubled over, then the end goes back through the second ring and back through the first ring. The handler holds both the looped part and the end of the strap as he or she takes the dog to the starting point. When ready to release, the handler just drops the looped part, holding onto the end of the strap -- the strap slides through the rings and the dog is instantly freed while leaping into action.
For many dogs, little or no training is necessary. They see the movement of the lure and want to chase it. Some might need some encouragement and practice. At home, you can attach a plastic bag to a cord that is attached to a pole, and sweep it across the ground, encouraging the dog to chase it.
In lure coursing trials generally the ideal is for the dog to follow directly after the lure. Many Shelties, like many other herding dogs, may tend to cast out to one side or the other, trying to get around the lure as their herding instinct kicks in. Sometimes people have expressed a concern that lure coursing might be detrimental to the wider movement desired when sending a dog around livestock. I suppose this could be a possibility with some dogs if some care is not taken, but Jet easily distinguishes between the two activities, and lure coursing hasn’t affected the way she goes around or handles livestock.
For many dogs, little or no training is necessary. They see the movement of the lure and want to chase it. Some might need some encouragement and practice. At home, you can attach a plastic bag to a cord that is attached to a pole, and sweep it across the ground, encouraging the dog to chase it.
In lure coursing trials generally the ideal is for the dog to follow directly after the lure. Many Shelties, like many other herding dogs, may tend to cast out to one side or the other, trying to get around the lure as their herding instinct kicks in. Sometimes people have expressed a concern that lure coursing might be detrimental to the wider movement desired when sending a dog around livestock. I suppose this could be a possibility with some dogs if some care is not taken, but Jet easily distinguishes between the two activities, and lure coursing hasn’t affected the way she goes around or handles livestock.
The line runs around a spool, near a marker cone, as Jet approaches one of the turns.
Lisa Stoddard’s Victoria -- ALCH Pinnacle Victoria Secret CGC/TDI, TG1, NW1, CA;
like Jet and many other Shelties, she often runs a bit to the side, trying to head off the lure.
like Jet and many other Shelties, she often runs a bit to the side, trying to head off the lure.
There are also the dogs, in any breed, who quickly figure out the game and will run partway out, anticipating the direction of the lure, then pause or even lie down, waiting for it to come back around. To try to prevent this habit from developing, the course designers try to use different layouts. If the dog does succeed in trying to ambush the lure and starts to pounce on it, it is quickly speeded up. Occasionally a dog will actually catch the lure, but it is just stopped, the dog lets go, and it is started up again, unless it is come off the track or there is some other complication. Safety is foremost, but there can be mishaps like tripping, or getting to close to the moving cord and getting a rope burn, but those occurrences are rare.
Some dogs don’t want to stop at the end of their run, so it is a good thing to have a recall on your dog for once the action ends. The operator of the machine may cause the lure to jerk back and forth to entice the dog to try to catch it, enabling the handler to catch the dog. Some sponsoring clubs exact a small fine if the dog can’t be caught within a few minutes.
Some dogs don’t want to stop at the end of their run, so it is a good thing to have a recall on your dog for once the action ends. The operator of the machine may cause the lure to jerk back and forth to entice the dog to try to catch it, enabling the handler to catch the dog. Some sponsoring clubs exact a small fine if the dog can’t be caught within a few minutes.
Above: As the finish point is reached, the lure is stopped.
Many dogs like to take the opportunity to catch the bags. Right: Victoria finishes her Coursing Ability title – with a ribbon for qualifying and a rosette for earning the title. |
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My little blue merle girl Jet went to her first coursing event last January. I had a suspicion she would like this activity very much, as she is highly inclined to pursue anything that moves. She took to it at once. She keenly watched the lure going and coming, and when it was her turn, she immediately leaped into action. She followed the lure keenly, and was one of the “lure-herding” dogs. At the end of her run, panting and happy, she came around to the front as the lure stopped, and stopped herself right on command. She had two runs that day, morning and afternoon, and was keen and fast on both of them. She loves this sport, and has since run several more times, qualifying each time and earning her CA and legs toward her CAA. She is ready to go coursing any time!
Photos of Jet by Jan Schlobohm; photos of Victoria by Lisa Stoddard and Dave Gansz
Photos of Jet by Jan Schlobohm; photos of Victoria by Lisa Stoddard and Dave Gansz
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For more information
about Coursing Ability Tests: http://www.akc.org/events/coursing-ability-test/
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