Lure Coursing |
Lure coursing doesn't require much training, any fit hound can do it. There is little
risk - in all the years of lure coursing in Sweden there have only been a
couple of damaged claws and one broken leg, and these were not wolfhounds, as they
usually know how far they can push themselves without getting into trouble.
Equipment can be bought over the internet - you need a motor connected to a car battery and a couple of pulleys. It costs a couple of hundred euros but it's worth it. Getting a wolfhound to run after a plastic bag does require some patience. The most important thing is a lot of enthusiasm the first time (running along with them and cheering). Normally the lure is started when it is a couple of metres in front of the hound, but the first time it is better to place it behind the dog so she can see it moving and passing her before she is released. Also, the first time it is best to let the dog catch the lure after a short distance. Some skin can be placed in it so it smells more interesting. Tekla ran after the lure at her first attempt and seemed to think it was OK but no amazing experience, but soon she was howling with impatience the whole way there in the car. She would also try to put her muzzle on because she knew there wass no running without it (the dogs must have a special, lightweight muzzle that allowshem to breathe freely). The big problem was getting to the start without being pulled flat on the grass - actually only Thomas could do that. We usually let the dogs run twice each time, and they knew they have to wait for their turn, which made it even more exciting. The most important part is to warm up the dog before the run (just walking around) and cool off afterwards (walking again). Octan also runs, having watched Tekla for many months he almost blew up with pride when it was his turn. We started with very short runs when he was eight months old. However, this cannot be recommended for all wolfhounds - Octan is small (62 kilo) and was always very well coordinated, never falling as a puppy, something that Tekla and other wolfhounds that we know did a lot. Don't let people tell you that wolfhounds are no good at lure coursing - they tried that with us, but I believe I can get almost any wolfhound to run, given time and patience. There is no better exercise, and it is fantastic to watch them doing what they have been bred for over thousands of years. And unlike other forms of hunting, they don't get punished for it. It was amazing how Tekla would change when hunting, she became a wild beast with crazy eyes and every muscle tense - I never saw her happier, and it was great when show judges were surprised at the amount of muscle on her when they 'went over' her - no wolfhound in Sweden had more muscle. The additional benefit for Tekla it was that she had severe hip dysplasia and only her muscles keep her in decent shape. Anna Blom |