There is this AKC game called Lure Coursing. Lure Coursing is a game Sighthounds get to play. In this game, lures are attached to a motorized cable which has been set up in a specific course. Dogs are run individually for titles like a Junior Courser or they can be put in threesomes during a trial. This is very basic, if you want to learn more about the subject, check out our lure coursing page.
February 24th of this year, the AKC opened up this exciting game to all breeds. After all, Sighthounds aren’t the only dogs that display prey drive or the desire to chase. When we found out that our V kids were eligible to play, we knew we had to enter. Luckily, there was a coursing ability test being offered decently close to home, so we sent in our entries and waited anxiously for this weekend.
Yesterday, we learned a lot of the ropes. Everyone has to be on site for roll call (which was at 8:30) and inspections. Once all the dogs have been inspected and are cleared (they look for any signs of limping or heat) the games begin! Coursing ability was after Junior Coursing and Qualifying runs, so we got to watch the Sighthounds work the field. It was so cool. We laughed at the experienced dogs who anticipated the turns and cut across the field to get ahead of the lures. We were impressed with the lure operator who keeps the lures far enough in front of the dogs so they can’t catch them, but close enough that the dogs don’t lose interest. We even got to see duos running together to get their qualify for their next trial.
After the Sighthounds had their go, all of us newbies got to play. There were ALL kinds of breeds — Westies, Border Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Manchester Terriers, Cattle Dogs, Chinese Cresteds, and our two Vizslas! Everyone had a really great run and we were all pretty excited that our breeds get to play this game now too! Karma and Indy first saw the lures that day during inspections. The officials did a practice run to check the course and as soon as our V’s saw the lures, they paused, perked up their ears, and tried to get that lure! We had a feeling they would do great!
And they did! Karma and Indy both had great runs — even garnering compliments from the judges both days. Today, our friends, Dave and Gordon West came by to watch and cheer Indy and Karma, and we are pretty sure they caught the bug!
So with back-to-back qualifies, Indy and Karma just need one more leg to earn their CA (coursing ability) title! We’ll definitely keep our eyes peeled for another test nearby!
If you want to see their runs, here are links to their youtube videos:
And below are a few favorite snaps —
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