CATs and Dogs: What is a Coursing Ability Test?

Have you ever seen a dog running flat out, in full on hunt mode, and thought how beautiful they look? Does the look of pure joy on your dog's face bring a tear to your eye? Then FastCAT and Lure Coursing might be events to look into.

What is the difference between FastCAT and Lure Coursing? What dogs can participate? How do you teach the dog to do these events? Let's explore this fun topic!

FastCAT vs Lure Coursing:

FastCAT is a 100 yard straight run to test a dog's speed as they chase an artificial "bunny." A plastic bag is attached to a pulley system and a motor, and the dog runs as fast as they can, and receive a score based on the time they take to run 100 yards. This test is only one dog running at a time. The score is converted into miles per hour and that is multiplied by the dog's handicap. The standard handicaps for FastCAT are 1 for 18" or taller, 1.5 for 12" to 18", and 2 for any dog under 12". These miles per hour are then translated into points. Once a dog reaches 150 points they qualify for a BCAT title with AKC. 500 points is called a DCAT, 1000 points is an FCAT, and an additional FCAT# can be earned for every additional 500 points. Dogs must be at least 12 months old before they can participate.

Lure Coursing is done over a longer course, usually 600+ yards, and the line and lure zigzag around the course, mimicking a rabbit or other small game. Dogs run in packs of three and wear different colored jerseys or jackets to help identify the dogs as they run the course. OFten dogs are required to wear a basket muzzle in order to participate in trials. There are multiple organizations that hold Lure Coursing trials. AKC (American Kennel Club), ASFA (American Sighthound Field Association), and LGRA (Large Gazehounds Racing Association) are the most common ones here in the States.

Lure Coursing has more criteria to be judged on than FastCAT. Dogs are judged on how well they follow the lure, agility, speed and endurance. Dogs can earn a maximum of 50 points per run at a trial.

The titles are as follow (Taken from the AKC lure coursing page https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/getting-started/ )

(JC) Junior Courser, dog must complete this lure coursing test twice and in each instance must run alone and receive a qualification after showing enthusiasm and no interruptions in each run from two different AKC judges.

(QC) Qualified Courser, a certificate is issued by an AKC judge once a dog shows he/she can run with another hound of the same breed or similar running style and can complete the course cleanly with no interference with the other hound, with no interruption and enthusiasm.

(SC) Senior Courser, dog must earn qualifying scores (with competition) at four AKC lure coursing trials under three different judges.

(MC) Master Courser, dog must have earned a SC and have earned an additional 25 qualifying scores (with competition) in either the Open, Veteran or Specials stakes.

(FC) Field Champion, dog must earn 15 championship points including two majors (majors = 1 st place earning a value of of 3,4, or 5 pts according to the Schedule of Points by Breed) under two different judges and at least 1 point must be earned in competition with a hound of the same breed.

(DC) Dual Champion, dog must earn an FC title in Lure Coursing and a CH title in conformation dog shows.

Who can participate in these events?

Any dog with an AKC, FSS, PAL, or AKC Canine Partner number, over the age of 12 months, in tact or altered, can participate in FastCAT; however, females in heat are not allowed to attend FastCAT.

With Lure Coursing, only certain breeds are eligible to participate. This list is again taken from the AKC. (https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/eligible-breeds/ ) There are additional eligible breeds in other organizations.

AKC Recognized Breeds

• Afghan Hound

• Azawakh

• Basenji

• Borzoi

• Cirneco Dell’Etna

• Greyhound

• Ibizan Hound

• Irish Wolfhound

• Italian Greyhound

• Pharaoh Hound

• Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Saluki

• Scottish Deerhound

• Sloughi

• Whippet

Miscellaneous Group*

• Norrbottenspets

• Portuguese Podengos (Medio & Grande)

• Peruvian Inca Orchid

Foundation Stock Service Breeds*

• Thai Ridgeback

How do you train for this type of event?

Most sighthound pups will chase anything that moves and catches their attention. After all, they are sighthounds; but to prepare your pup for this game, you may want to look into getting a flirt pole, and teaching them about the joys of catching plastic bags as a young pup. *Never leave your puppy unattended with a plastic bag!*

Another fun game to teach your sighthound puppy is how to chase treats that you toss across the floor. This engages their chase instincts, but also teaches them to re-engage with you after they have chased their treat. (Hint: this is also a great way to tire out a puppy brain on a wintery or rainy day.)

Tug toys can be useful in helping your puppy learn to interact with things that move. You want to make sure that if you teach your puppy to tug with you, that you also teach them how to disengage when it is appropriate.

Manners, manners, manners

If you decide that these events sound like a fun option, and you want to try them out, consider volunteering at an event before you enter your own dog. This will give you the chance to learn the game and see how it is done before you bring along your puppy. Most clubs are desperately seeking volunteers to help with timing, start line management, field entries, and of course there is always the set up and take down process for these events. While you are volunteering and learning the ropes you will see many different personalities - both canine and human - and how they act at these events. As far as the people go, remember to be polite and courteous. Yes, even if others are choosing not to be.

For dogs, teach your dog how to handle his excitement. You want the dog to be revved and excited, but not obnoxious or out of control. You will see many dogs in high states of excitement and arousal at the idea of the chase. This is great, but dogs need to understand that the game is only able to be played if they remain manageable.

Participating in these events builds confidence and good relationships, in dogs and people. Find a local club and try it out. Your dog will love the chance to run, and you might make some great memories together.