Coursing isn't only about the speed, but also about the dog’s desire to hunt

Hunting and exercise. If the dog loves both these activities, then coursing is the perfect activity for it. This cross-country race is based exactly on the desire of the dog to catch its prey.  

Hunting and exercise. If the dog loves both these activities, then coursing is the perfect activity for it. This cross-country race is based exactly on the desire of the dog to catch its prey.

Coursing, such as typical oval racing, is mostly associated with greyhounds. Cross-country races are becoming an increasingly more popular sport even for other active dog breeds. Of course, also for their masters. This way, the ancestors of the dog don't matter. The important thing is the desire to hunt.

Hare coursing, that is, running after a live hare, rat or cat, is prohibited in the Czech Republic. You can only try Lure coursing, when the dogs hunt for an artificial substitute or some tassel.

Dogs run the races preferably on a slightly sloping surface and empty meadow. The bait is dragged by a winch across the meadow zig-zag, so that it simulates a running hare. The route of the race should consist of natural obstacles, so that the dogs could also show their intelligence. The goal is to catch the bait.

The race has two parts, in each of which the dogs run a different route. There are always two dogs of the same breed and sex against each other, distinguished by colour cloths. Their performance is evaluated according to speed, effort to catch the bait, dexterity, endurance and intelligence. The maximum amount of points to be earned in one round is 100. If the dog gets 50 points, then it can advance to the second round. The winner is, naturally, the one with more points.

So, in coursing, it's not only about time in which the dog is able to catch the bait. Overall, its hunting instincts, that will show during the race, are important. Therefore, it's not good to force your dogs into racing if they're not into hunting. You will not get a good performance from them without the desire to hunt.

The best way to find out is to visit a coursing training. You don't need any special equipment for that. But if you decide to race, you must get a coursing licence. It is limited only by the age of the racer, that is, your dog, and its fitness. For racing, you must get a muzzle and a coursing cloth or a collar.

 

Related articles

Dogs and cats of the world III: Dogs in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – a holiday paradise in south-eastern Asia, the promised land for travellers. It is no problem to communicate here in English, the prices are relatively low, the locals are poor, but friendly… However, to dog lovers, apart from the fairy-tale...

Cuddling with cats can be healing as well

A pet brings joy, that’s what everybody who lives with one in a joint household knows. With its playfulness and unconditional love, it often distracts us from stressful thoughts and duties. It teaches us to live here and now, to concentrate on the...

Dog history IV: Bobbie

In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs, after all, play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what have they already managed to achieve during the time of us living together. Bobbie walked an incredible 4000...

Cat records

Same as with dog record holders, we will find many cat records as well. For example, do you know, what is the record in the number of cats living under one roof? 

Dog records

Are you interested in how big the tallest dog is, how small is the smallest one or perhaps how many balls a dog managed to stuff in its mouth? Among the typical records such as age or size, we will find also a few more peculiar ones, so let us have a...

The mystery of cat’s purring

Everyone, who has a cat at home, is definitely aware of its beneficial influence. When you are down or worried, nothing beats a purring ball of fur settled on your lap or a cat which massages you with its small claws. However, did you know, that...

Cat trees and scratching posts

It is clear to every cat owner, that a fluffy needs its own place where it will feel safe, where it can laze about, play, scratch and climb. Not every cat will like a scratching post or a tree, but if your cat belongs among those who love it, the...