Lure coursing, the most popular event for the Sighthound breeds, entails an open field competition. This competition attempts to create a simulation of a hare's zigzag path to evade a pursing hound. The hare's path is generated by a continuous-loop line through a series of pulleys simulating a non-uniform set of turns. Instead of a live bunny, a set of white bags attached to the line attract the hound's attention.

At a competition, hounds of the same breed run in trios with traditional greyhound style racing blankets. The hounds are judged not on time, rather on enthusiasm, ability to follow the lure, speed, agility and endurance.

A hound may earn recognized titles through the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) similar to the titles for conformance competition. The rules for the competitions are similar for ASFA and AKC.

Quick Index

Getting Started
Tools of the Trade
Tricks of the Trade
People Involved 
Common Scenario
Puppies Coursing
Thumbnails to Images of Lure Coursing
Other Information on the Web

How To Get Started

The best way to get started is to bring your dog to a coursing practice where new participants learn the tricks of the trade. Coursing comes naturally to most sighthounds (they seem to chase anything that moves). As well as excellent exercise for the hounds, lure coursing is a fun outdoor event for hounds and humans alike.

Tools of the Trade

The most important "tool" is of course the sighthound. Remember that coursing is strenuous exercise so it is always a good idea to bring extra water and a water bowl for the hound. A portable cage with a sun cover is helpful on hot days.

The only other tool required is a slip collar (MAHA has several extra slip collars of all sizes for newcomers). A slip collar is simply a wide leash with a set of metal loops. The collar is held in such a way that when released, the hound is set free to chase the lure.

Tricks of the Trade

Every person that participates in lure coursing has opinions as to the best ways to prepare themselves and the hound. Here is a sample of "tricks of the trade" that members of MAHA have found effective.

• Always bring plenty of fresh water for your hound. They will need water to drink after the strenuous exercise. A good rule of thumb is to bring a gallon of water per hound.
• A "cold" hound is much more likely to receive an injury. Warm up a hound with a long walk before it courses. "Cool" down the hound with another long walk after it courses. At a practice, if your hound has not been warmed up, inform the huntmaster that you are not ready and skip your turn at a practice until the hound is ready! Nobody at MAHA will ask you to run a hound that is not ready during a practice. (Of course at a competition, it is your responsibility to be ready when your turn arrives.)
• Many people add a small amount of pedialyte or a similar infant electrolyte formula to their hound's water supply. This replaces necessary electrolytes safely. Try a very small amount at first to test for any adverse effects.
• Several members of MAHA rub down their hounds before a run with liniments, especially a product called Trainer's Choice. This is actually a product for horses. Many claim that this product applied before a run and later in the day reduces muscle stiffness and soreness. (Insider secret, it is rumored that several members of MAHA use the same product on themselves after a long day in the field, but they will never admit it.)
• Don't feed your hound for at least several hours before it runs. Sighthounds have potential problems with bloating or gastric torsion. Food in the stomach may increase the possibility of these troubles.
• If there are potential problems with aggression from your hound, muzzle it. Several muzzles are available that allow free breathing and drinking of water.
• Encourage your hound to relieve itself (#1 and #2) while you walk it out before you run. Nobody wants to win the "Do Pee" award at a lure coursing event. (Insider secret, if your hound is the first to relieve itself at a lure coursing meet, you may win the "Do Pee" trophy. Accept the trophy, but when nobody is looking, put it back in the trophy box and act like you never saw it.)
• A portable cage for your hound with a thick blanket underneath it is a wonderful idea. It allows you to keep the hound safe while you socialize.

• Ask questions if you do not understand. New participants are always encouraged. Practices are a time to learn for the hounds and the people. If you are confused, there are several people there to help.
• Bring food and non-alcoholic beverages for yourself.
• Introduce yourself to others and wear a name tag if they are available.
• Apply to join MAHA. We are really cool!
• It is a really good idea to purchase a slip collar made for your hound. Although MAHA has several available, hounds have different size necks and you may not find a perfect fit.
• Don't become frustrated if your hound is slow to pick up coursing. Many of the hounds that win Best in Field had troubles when they first started out.
• Bring folding chairs and a ground blanket for yourself.
• Bring sunglasses and sun screen.
• Don't step on the line.

What are the people doing?

• Handlers (usually the owner) hold the hound at the starting line and retrieve them at the finish line.
• Judges sit in the field to rate the performance of the hounds.
• The Lure Operator controls the mechanized "bunny".
• The Hunt Master ensures that the hounds, handlers, judges and lure operator are ready. The Hunt Master starts the hounds and indicates when the handlers should retrieve their hounds.
• The Paddockmaster ensures that the hounds "on deck" are ready for their turn. Paddock Masters are generally in charge of making the event go smoothly for all involved.

Common Scenario

When your turn arrives, you bring your hound with a slip collar to the starting line. Hold your hound tightly as the lure is brought to the starting position. The lure operator will call out, "Hold your hounds!" before moving the lure.

The slip collar is placed on the hound (all other collars must be removed) and the hound is positioned to the side of the handler facing the direction that the lure will start.

The hunt master calls out "Judges are you ready?", then "Lure Operator are you ready?" and "Handlers are you ready?". When all handlers give a positive verbal response, the hunt master signs to the lure operator to start the lure. When the lure is of sufficient distance from the hounds, the hunt master yells, "Tally-HO!!!" and the handlers slip the hounds!

The hounds chase the lure for the duration of the course and the handlers pay special attention to not stepping on the line. If there are problems during the run (such as the hounds losing the lure), the lure operator may stop the run. Depending on the circumstances, the dogs may rerun immediately at the starting line, take a break and go again later, or start the run in the field where it stopped.

After the completion of a successful run, the handlers are told to "Retrieve your hounds!". The leads are placed on the hounds and they are walked on the other side of the field to "warm down".

Puppies Coursing

In practices, puppies (hounds under one year in age) are allowed and encouraged to run a short course. This short course is usually less than 100 feet. Puppies are not allowed to run the full course in practices.

Thumbnails to Images of Lure Coursing

MAHA has a collection of images from our lure coursing events. Click here to go to thumbnails of these images.

Other Coursing information on the Web
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