Dingo Lure Coursing in Pensacola - March 2002
At the Hound Dawg Howliday in Pensacola, FL, Dingo had an opportunity to run through a lure course. In the lure course, Dingo chased a white ...
A humane alternative to hare coursing - Lure coursing
There's no need to have live lures in coursing. The almost identical drag coursing activity (also called lure coursing) takes place ...
Healthy competition should be fun
Like many, I enjoy competing with my dogs, but at what point does the individual dog no longer have importance? I have come to discover that human aspect of dog competition can rear ugliness to those who fall into the prestige of winning.
Healthy competition should be fun and realize that you’re not going win every time. If your dog does not enjoy the activity or can no longer perform that activity, yet you continue, then competition has be come unbalanced and you can be assured that that individual dog’s well-being no longer has importance. Personal story: My little girl was a top Lure courser in the country. We were competing at the ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association) Nationals; this win would have secured her ranking on the top 5 for the year. The Lure course field was set for 900 Yards, the equivalent to 9 football fields. For those who don’t know what coursing is, basically, its plastic bags tied to a string and pulleys, which is electronically operated and the dogs chase it. Dogs are judged: on Enthusiasm, Follow, Speed, Agility, and Endurance, against the other dogs of the same beed.
It was late summer a scorching 90+ degree day, my girl had completed 5 runs and we were now competing for Best in Field out of 148 dogs, at a National Trial. Winning this would be a great honor, a great win, and a really nice ribbon. Bless her heart she was rearing to go, although her energy had been depleted, she didn’t have enough time in-between runs to recuperate, she appeared to be favoring her right rear leg, and it was hot!!! I made a difficult decision for the both of us and opted to withdrawal her from the final run. Many thought I was crazy because she really had a good chance of winning, but to me it was just not worth it. Love and respect your dog, competition is not about the winning.
Not every dog is going to enjoy or excel in every sport. Be fair and don’t be afraid to call it quits. Seek activities that give your dogs heart, let them experience different activities and select a sport that is best suited for both, this can add enjoyment and fulfillment in both your lives
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