I have become a member of the American Chesapeake Club companion events committee. The ACC has a bulletin that comes out every other month. In the bulletin is news about members dogs, health articles, performance articles, field and show news and so much more. This month the new issue of the bulletin came out and it had a article that I wrote for the companion events committee on Lure Coursing in it so I thought I would share it with you.

JoAnn and Gambler at the 2013 UKC Premier.

The AKC offers a Coursing Ability Test (CAT), an introductory event fashioned after the sport of lure coursing. It tests a dog’s basic coursing instinct or hunting-by-sight ability. The CAT is open to all breeds and has become quite popular with Chesapeakes.

Lure Coursing is a system of mechanized lures and pulleys that stimulate the unpredictability of chasing live prey. Lure Coursing was developed for sighthounds that are bred to hunt by sight. In 1991 the AKC instituted Lure Coursing tests and trials for sighthounds only, introduced the CAT for all breeds about 4 years ago and recently added the Fast Cat, a 100 yd. dash to the lineup.

And he’s off!

In Lure Coursing dogs pursue an artificial lure (white plastic bag) that zigzags across an open field in a course of 300 to 600 yards. The course length depends on the dog’s height and breed. Chesapeakes generally run a 600 yard course as they are over 12″ at the withers and are not brachycephalic. Dogs must be registered with the AKC and at least one year old to run at an AKC approved event. Dogs with a PAL number or are enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program are also eligible. The test is a non-competitive pass/fail event and all dogs entered will run one at a time. They must pursue a lure and complete the course with enthusiasm and without interruption within a stated maximum amount of time. Max time: 600 yards – 2 minutes; 300 yards – 1 1/2 minutes. Females in season cannot enter. You can only enter once per event. Safety is the primary consideration when setting up a course. In a CAT there aren’t any turns more acute than 90 degrees. Dogs can wear any type of collar except chokers, pinch (prong) or electronic training collars. Before each event an inspection committee inspects the dogs for lameness, fitness to compete and females in season. In order to earn an AKC title your dog must complete a course at least 3 times. Depending on the title you will need more qualifying runs to title.

I got it!

Titles and the number of qualifying runs required are:

• Three passes = Coursing Ability (CA) title
• Ten passes = Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) title
• Twenty Five passes = Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) title
• Fifty passes = Coursing Ability Excellent 2 (CAX2)
• Every additional 25 passes will give you a higher numbered title
• Fast CAT = titles are dependent on points earned

Get over here Gambler you are done!

AKC Regulations governing CAT can be found at: http://www.akc.org/events/coursing-ability-test/

Recce, my friend Mel’s Chesapeake.

If you would like to give lure coursing a try, check out the tips below:

• Make sure your dog isn’t lame, is healthy and in good shape. If unsure consult your Veterinarian.
• Go to a lure course practice day to see how your dog will do. The operator will adjust the speed of the lure according to the level at which the dog is capable of working. This is a great way to find out if it is a sport you and your dog will enjoy.
• You can make a practice lure by attaching a string and a bag to a pole. Then encourage your dog to chase it trying to bring out their prey drive.
• Your dog should have a good recall.
• The nature of lure coursing is such that only the dog running the course should be near or in sight of the lure and course.
• Keep in mind that you will need to be physically able to hold and release your dog as well as catch it when done.
• Have fun, that is what running events with your dog is about.

Go Recce go!

Lure coursing gives owners another venue to explore when looking to do performance events. It really doesn’t take much time or training and the dogs get exercise while the owners enjoy watching their dogs perform and could possibly bring home a title that is the icing on the cake.

I almost got that bag!

Photos: Last three Recce, owned by Mel Phillips, VA he has his CAA title