Beegin Tried Lure Coursing!!!

[PhocoenaGirl]

Today we went to a practice and certification event that GONE was having in Connecticut. Beegin was able to run two times. I am not sure if this is the courses are always the same or same length or anything but because the organizers didn't know Beegin was only 7 months, they didn't shorten the run the first time.

We had watched several runs with some beautiful borzois and whippets and Beegin seemed interested in watching the "bunny" go by but more interested in the other dogs and people around. Once it was our turn, he just took off after the bags though. I said "run, run, run" like I do when we play his version of fetch and he just started chasing it. He ran about 3/4 of the course following the lure but then he got to the far side and started looking around for me! Then he ran back to me at the start. His second run started the same and he ran a lot less tentative. Ears flying back, tail rolling in and out and much longer strides. He really seemed into the lure… that was until the vischlza (spelling???) puppies came around to the edge of the field and started barking and playing.

I could see him stop and analyze it. "Icky tasting plastic bag? ...or fun with three puppies?:rolleyes: ...PUPPIES!!!!" and he ran for them.

I really think he had fun. I brought my camera but forgot to take pictures. I was so intent on watching him!

I wondered do people train their b's for coursing outside of the trials (at home somehow) or is it just left to their instincts at a trial?

[sharronhurlbut]

See if you can talk to some of the folks who were on the course, they can get you into the lure practices…
Glad your b had a fun run!

[tanza]

@PhocoenaGirl:

Today we went to a practice and certification event that GONE was having in Connecticut. Beegin was able to run two times. I am not sure if this is the courses are always the same or same length or anything but because the organizers didn't know Beegin was only 7 months, they didn't shorten the run the first time.

We had watched several runs with some beautiful borzois and whippets and Beegin seemed interested in watching the "bunny" go by but more interested in the other dogs and people around. Once it was our turn, he just took off after the bags though. I said "run, run, run" like I do when we play his version of fetch and he just started chasing it. He ran about 3/4 of the course following the lure but then he got to the far side and started looking around for me! Then he ran back to me at the start. His second run started the same and he ran a lot less tentative. Ears flying back, tail rolling in and out and much longer strides. He really seemed into the lure… that was until the vischlza (spelling???) puppies came around to the edge of the field and started barking and playing.

I could see him stop and analyze it. "Icky tasting plastic bag? ...or fun with three puppies?:rolleyes: ...PUPPIES!!!!" and he ran for them.

I really think he had fun. I brought my camera but forgot to take pictures. I was so intent on watching him!

I wondered do people train their b's for coursing outside of the trials (at home somehow) or is it just left to their instincts at a trial?

No real training needed… it is mostly instinct... and sounds like he is doing good for his first time.... sometimes they will lose interest... one thing that should happen is when you have a baby puppy or a dog new to coursing, make sure the lure operator knows... that way they will (should) keep the bunny (bags) closer to the hound running.. to keep them sighted and interested.

[sharronhurlbut]

Oh, this is wonderful…so much fun for you and your b'.
So, tell us, how tired he was when he got home!

[PhocoenaGirl]

@sharronhurlbut:

Oh, this is wonderful…so much fun for you and your b'.
So, tell us, how tired he was when he got home!

He was asleep in the car. I carried him upstairs!:D