Lure Coursing in NZ

Does your dog like to chase things? Do you want a chance to let your dog have real doggy fun? Dubbed as “the fastest fun for four paws”, lure coursing is back in Taupo on Saturday 10th November. The Sighthound Field Coursing Club (Inc) is holding a Fundraiser Fun Day open to all dogs – any breed, size or shape are welcome.

These days, there’s much talk about engaging dogs in activities of all kinds —especially competitive ones. They’re all interesting and fun for both dog and human. One that you might have never heard of is Lure Coursing. This is based on an activity that is one of the oldest reasons people have owned dogs: hunting. Most dogs have a hunting instinct. Sighthounds, like Greyhounds, Whippets, Afghans and Deerhounds are designed to track things using their amazing eye sight. They then rely on their fast speed to catch their target.

One of the oldest hunting-dog sports is live game coursing; the Egyptians participated in this sport as long as 4,000 years ago. All it took was a horse, an open area and fast game to give the dogs the rush that they needed. In the 1800s, coursing became popular in the United States and was changed from a hunting event to a competitive coursing event using live game, and called ‘closed park coursing’ — something that organized sporting groups no longer practice in the United States.

However, the sport changed during the last century when the use of live game was banned in many countries. In the 1970s an American hunting enthusiast and dog breeder designed the mechanical lure, which is used competitively today in a sport called, simply, Lure Coursing. The Sighthound Field Coursing Club was formed in New Zealand in 2003 by a group of enthusiasts and meets are held throughout New Zealand. Most of the meets are held in or around Taupo as it is central and the ground holds up well and allows coursing in all conditions.

In the modern day Lure Coursing we have a safe, friendly, fast-paced, fun chase sport. Dogs run after a "bunny" lure (usually a white plastic bag) that is attached to a line controlled by a machine and a lure operator. The machine runs the line at the speed determined by the lure operator (and the dogs) and the dogs chase the lure. The contest recreates a hare's route to elude a pursuer. To do this, the hare's path is created using a long cord roughly 600 and 800 metres in length that is put through a series of pulleys making a set of turns.

Lure coursing is good, healthy exercise that gives a dog a chance to do something with its owner that excites it, and strengthens that special bond between human and canine - because it is encouraged and praised for something it enjoys. Dogs naturally chase the lures and do not require much training. They love to run and chase, and this is a great family event that can allow the dog to safely display his natural tendency to run and chase small moving things. It also allows owners to meet with other like minded dog owners.
• Lure coursing is a great way to spend time with your dog, meet new people and enjoy the beauty of watching the athleticism of the dogs.
• The rewards of lure coursing have certain long-term effects to both humans and canines: improved physical skills, the promotion of physical health and a good condition. They also include a particularly familiar short-term effect – the state of well-being.
• While lure coursing may not be a cure-all for canine behavior problems, many people that regularly participate in dog sports report that their dogs are generally more responsive and focused.
• Involving your dog in lure coursing is great for its physical and mental health. Increased muscle tone and strength can help the dog maintain a healthy weight and prevent injuries. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems and can be helped with a solid exercise program.
• The best reason to go lure coursing is for the rewards to the dog and your pleasure in that.
• Lure coursing is different things to various people. It's an opportunity to let your dog succumb to their natural instinct; it’s an enjoyable day spent with friends who have a common interest; it’s time spent with your "best friend" in a fairly secluded and beautiful outdoor setting; it’s a visually exciting sport that is both poetic and strenuous. Best of all, it is something that the dogs themselves love to do.
Safety is paramount at a Lure Coursing Meet. Courses are run in a fully fenced field with short grass. We always 'walk the line' before we start coursing to make sure there are no hazards. The only dogs allowed on the field are the ones running the course. Puppies are treated differently than adults but even a pup as young as 8 weeks can give it a go!

The Fun Day is being held on Landcorp Farms, Broadlands Road (just past View Road) between 10 and 4pm. Cost is $5 per dog, and all proceeds are going towards bringing an experienced Judge and mentor, Per Nordahl from Sweden to judge at the Championship Show in Taupo on 26/27 January 2013. Per has been involved in lure coursing for 35 years and has a wealth of experience to share. He will be holding training seminars throughout NZ during his trip.

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