Lure Coursing

 

WHAT IS LURE COURSING?
Lure coursing is one of the most intense canine sports.  The dogs chase a plastic bag that is attached to a string that twists and turns over 600 yards  through pulleys in a field to simulate fleeing prey.  Oddly enough, most of them don't seem to care that the "bunny" isn't live; the fun is in the chase.

 

LURE COURSING…the sport that all dogs love to play!

What is Lure Coursing and why do dogs love doing it? The answer is quite
simple.

Lure Coursing gives your dog the opportunity to do what comes naturally…to
chase, sniff the ground, jump, and pivot and chase again.

Regardless of the breed of dog, they are able to run and enjoy themselves in
a safe and controlled environment. There are no dangerous obstacles which
they can run into and the area is enclosed within a special dog park owned
by the Victorian Canine Association. This area is fully fenced and gives the
dog the perfect opportunity to play a sport that comes closest to what they
do naturally…to chase off lead.

The equipment used is quite simple and consists of 300 metres of fishing
line strung around several pulleys set into the ground to form the course. A
plastic bag is tied to the line and is powered around the pulleys by a
battery-operated motor. The operator can stop the lure at any time and can
change direction as well. For those dogs that regularly attend, we have
developed a system of thin pipes, which the lure will go through and then
stop inside. The dogs will then frantically search for where it has gone by
sniffing the ground, looking in the pipes or try to look under the pipe. The
lure can either proceed through the pipe or can reverse and trick the dogs
by coming out of the opposite end.

The smaller dogs endeavour to put their heads in the end of the pipes to see
where the lure has gone, while the bigger dogs just try and flip the pipes
over. Others will cut the corners and wait for the lure to come to them.
Little do they know that the operator will stop and reverse the lure. The
chase is then on once again.

This is a sight to behold and every dog owner is encouraged to give his or
her dog the opportunity to prove his or her skill at this sport. Words
cannot describe the expressions on owners' faces when they see their dogs
stride out in full flight and chase the lure. Even if they don't run the
whole course it doesn't matter. It is not competitive and is used to give
your dogs a fun activity and an easy way for you to exercise them.

This sport appeals to both big and small dogs and often several different
breeds run together. Imagine seeing a long legged Deerhound bounding along
with a short legged Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They both have their own
styles and are a joy to watch. If your dog is unsure of what to do they can
be run with an experienced dog so that they get the idea. The crowd
encourages the dogs and, if confused, their owners are encouraged to show
them how to run. This can cause quite a few laughs as well.

If you would like to see your dog do what he does best come along on the
first or third Sunday of the month to KCC Park, Dandenong-Hastings Road,
Cranbourne. The lure operates from 9.00 a.m.-12 noon (sometimes longer
depending on demand) and costs $1.00 per run. This is the cheapest way for
you to exercise your dog while you stand still. Your dog will love it and
you will love to watch your special friend do it.

This sport is run competitively in the USA and in other states of Australia.
In the future it is hoped to be able to offer competitive race days where
your dog is judged on its ability to follow the lure rather than speed.

The equipment and operator can be hired out to Clubs and Groups for fun
days, Christmas parties, fund raising events etc.