ASFA Lure Operators Guide

Afghan Hound Caryn S. Nelson

The Afghan Hound is the all-terrain vehicle of sighthounds, hunting by sight with the ability to execute powerful leaps, run swiftly and turn readily, while combining speed with power. The object of the Afghan hound was to hunt quarry over very rough and mountainous ground. The native country is one of crags and ravines. Hunting took them over vastly changing terrain, in mountainous country, but they also had to have the ability to spring and kill at the end. In light of this, lure coursing is not a valid test of the Afghan Hound’s inherent abilities for traversing greatly varying terrain and rarely tests endurance, as most trials are held on manicured, rather flat fields of moderate length.

In regard to lure operation, the concept of agility seems to be lost in the expectation that a hound execute unrealistic, contrived turns. A true display of agility by an Afghan Hound would be maneuvering rough terrain with ease, power and with flexibility to stay balanced while maintaining speeds high enough to be a match for the Caracul, Persian Lynx or the Abu Dashti, a small, very swift deer. Speed of this magnitude is rarely, if ever, seen in American Afghan Hounds today, so it does not present a concern to the lure operator as much it does with some of the other sighthounds.

The greatest concern when operating the lure for Afghan Hounds is the excessive amount of coat that is common in present day Afghan Hounds. It is not uncommon for the coat to get tangled in the line as they move close to it or across it.

It is not uncommon for the Afghan Hound to be possessive of the lure. As quoted from Mr. Kamal from Afghanistan, in reference to hunting with Afghans in their native country: “Very pack oriented with fighting very often. This was especially when someone from another town, or another family within the town took their dogs hunting together. When they got together.... fights, until they started walking to the mountain, and then all fighting forgotten, just hunting.” In other words, while the chase is on, the focus is on the prey/lure. While “fighting” is unacceptable in ASFA, this is not unnatural behavior for the prey-driven hound with an adrenaline build up. It may be in the best interest of all involved for the lure operator to keep the lure within a reasonable distance to maintain the interest of the Afghan Hounds on the course.

Afghan Hounds are comparatively easy to operate the lure for, with the greatest difficulty being to keep the coat from getting caught in the line and to maintain their interest by keeping the lure within a reasonable distance. Frequently Afghan Hounds will lose interest and take the shortest distance to (“cut”) or perhaps simply reserve their energy if the prey/lure is not within a reasonable distance.

Azawakh Deb Kidwell

The Azawakh running style is an upright gallop, similar to a Saluki, though their style is a bit more "leaping," like a deer or gazelle. Their speed ranges between that of a Pharaoh Hound and a Sloughi. Some individuals are faster than Sloughis.

Good running Azawakhs are very fast, agile and focused. Their cornering ability can be nothing short of amazing for a hound of their size. They usually follow the lure quite well and don't tend to spread out and cover the field. In general, the Azawakh has great enthusiasm for lure coursing.

In talking with lure operators who have previously run the lure for this breed, they commented that they have the speed and consistency of a course of good running Salukis and that they said that you don't have to worry about protecting them from themselves like Afghans, Whippets and Greyhounds. In all, they are an easy and enjoyable breed to run the lure for.

Basenji Russ Jacobs

Basenjis are a moderately angulated sighthound, without the extreme adaptation for speed found in some of the other sighthounds. Their size and construction makes them very good over rough terrain, and their moderate angulation and slower speed makes them capable of great agility on very sharp turns. Although they are also capable of surprising bursts of speed, typically they will not run all-out for an entire course. Instead, they follow at a steady speed, using sprint speed when they see a chance to snatch the lure. They usually run on course plans designed for larger, faster and more fragile hounds and a good lure operator keeps all this in mind.

“Good lure operation” is relative to the breed running. Good lure operation for Greyhounds is disastrous for Basenjis, and vice-versa. Although good lure operation is relatively easy for Basenjis — they are not blindingly fast, so the lure operator has time to react to what is happening on the field and they are not easy to hurt. Too many lure operators do a bad job with them because they underestimate them. The key to good lure operation for Basenjis is keeping the lure close enough to them so that they don’t become unsighted, or cut to catch up. Being less extreme than the sighthounds built especially for speed, Basenjis corner better and require less time to adjust to corners, or they should require less time. Hence, there is no need to take the lure through the corners 45 yards ahead of them. In addition, they are short enough that it is easy for them to become unsighted if the lure gets over a slight rise, or if the grass is too high.

With Basenjis, as with many other breeds, the lure operator has a great deal to do with a good or bad course. The more the dogs are challenged, the better they will perform. Keeping the lure 30 yards out ahead of a Basenji is not likely to challenge him, or to elicit a good performance from him. The most common error that lure operators make with Basenjis is this one—they keep it much too far out ahead of them. When I tell a lure operator that he or she needs to keep the lure close to Basenjis, I am almost always told that “everybody knows that”. But unfortunately, I still see the lure much too far out ahead of Basenjis, over and over again. Although it is easier to keep the lure well out ahead of Basenjis since little judgement, attention or skill is then required, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the dogs to do well.

However, it is true that Basenjis are capable of bursts of speed, and can catch a lure operator who is keeping the lure close enough to interest them. A good lure operator has the judgment to keep the lure close enough, and the attention and reflexes to make sure that a dog displaying a burst of speed or cutting a corner doesn’t catch the lure. Work for balance. Keep the lure relatively close to the Basenji, but be prepared to smoothly pull it out a bit further if a dog cuts effectively, or turns on the speed. If the operator is attentive and prepared, and the equipment is adequate, the relatively slow Basenji shouldn’t be able to catch the lure even when it is being kept fairly close to the pack.

Borzoi Denise Como

Borzoi have a different running style than most other sighthounds on the lure coursing field. They don’t run close, they tend to “fan out” on the field immediately after the “Tally-Ho!” Often you can see them thinking and making decisions. They are not “line followers” like Greyhounds and Whippets, who come from strong racing backgrounds and are bred and taught to follow the lure. A lure operator may need to consider keeping a longer lead on the lure while running Borzoi, to give himself time to make critical adjustments if the hounds make unforeseen directional changes.

Trying to keep tabs on three Borzoi that may be covering different parts of the course at the same time can be a nightmare for a lure operator, and should not be left to newbies or the faint-of-heart. Collisions between Borzoi on the field is an important factor to consider, as they are comparatively large, fast and powerful hounds. Trying to maintain the position of the lure to keep such hazards to a minimum takes a lure operator who understands the breed, and who has a sure hand combined with quick reflexes. An assistant (or huntmaster) standing near the lure operator to act as a “spotter” is very important to the lure operator while running Borzoi.

The spotter should be able to track Borzoi who have veered off from the lead dog of the trio and are out of the line of vision of the lure operator. The spotter can keep the lure operator informed of the movements of those dogs. That extra pair of eyes can make the difference between a smoothly run course or a disaster in the making.

Cirneco dell'Etna Jack Downing

The Cirneco is a medium- to fast-running hound. Primarily bred to hunt on rough and rocky terrain, riverbanks, and forests, they are very athletic and agile runners. As long distance hounds, they are capable of hunting for extended periods. Cirnechi are not typically sprinters and perform better on smaller, more compact courses. A breed trait is to voice (bark) while hunting.

Adept Cirnechi coursers are agile, focused and very enthusiastic. They follow the lure well and generally do not become "cheaters". Cirnechi are very athletic; some can be seen running at fairly advanced ages. They are an easy and enjoyable breed for which to run the lure.

Greyhound Laurie Soutar

Greyhounds can present some interesting challenges to the lure operator. While the lure operator’s first responsibility must be the safety of the dogs, every effort should be made to give the dogs the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities for the judges. Greyhounds rarely ‘fan out’ behind the lure like Borzoi, neither do they tend to run together in a close group like Whippets. They are the fastest of the sighthounds, and run with so much power and desire, that certain aspects of lure operation become critical to the safe operation of the course.

It is very important that the lure be kept at least the minimum of 10 yards in front of the dogs. If the lure is kept the required 10 to 30 yards ahead of the dogs, you will notice that the dogs do not break stride at the corners - they have time to prepare themselves. This is important, as the dog’s breathing is regulated and assisted by the action of the legs. Without sufficient lead into a steep corner, the dog will be forced to break stride, interrupting the breathing rhythm, and it will take the dog 4 or 5 complete strides to regain his speed and breathing. This puts him at a distinct disadvantage against the dogs that are behind him that do get sufficient lead going into the corner. Greyhounds also have the highest incidence of coursing injuries amongst the sighthounds, and the lure operator bears responsibility for some of these injuries. These dogs generally have so much desire, that when buried in a corner, or having the lure turn out from under them, will generally try to force the corner, which can result in shoulder, toe and pastern injuries. It is also important that the minimum 10 yard lead is maintained on the straights, as a Greyhound that is closer than 10 yards to the lure will attempt a take, and this places the dog at risk of falling and getting tangled in the line while it is still moving, or striking a pulley or hold down with his face. It will also generally cost the dog his lead as he checks his speed to make the attempt.

In order to not encourage and reward cheaters, the lure operator should not ‘zap’ the lure ahead to get in front of the cheating dog, but should run the lure for the dogs that are making an honest effort. Every effort should be made to get the cheating dog back on the lure. Slowing the lure slightly to shorten the lead can sometimes be enough to get cheaters to commit to the lure, as long as you can do so safely. Care should also be taken to insure that the lure comes to a stop well back from the equipment at the end of the course, as Greyhounds will sometimes ‘catch’ the lure and try to continue to run with it. Every effort should be make to slow the lure down naturally at the end of a course to allow the dogs time to check their speed and plan their stop. It may be necessary to increase the lead of the lure in the last stretch in order to give the lure operator sufficient time to end the course safely. When the lure is brought in at full speed, and then stopped suddenly by stepping on the line, the chances of the dogs colliding with each other, the handlers or the equipment is greatly increased. In order to reduce the chance of the hounds running into the equipment (or the ladder!) the lure machine should be offset at a right angle, about 20 feet from the lure’s line of travel. This way, if a dog (or the lure) overruns the finish, there are no obstacles. An offset start/finish also offers the lure operator better perspective on the first and last straights.

Ibizan Hound Peter Parker

The AKC standard states the following concerning the gait of the Ibizan Hound. “A trot in suspension; elegant and graceful in manner. ... In speed the Ibizan is in the same class as other coursing breeds, and is without equal in agility and high jumping and broad jumping ability, being capable of springing to great heights from a stand still.”

The FCI Standard No. 89- Ibizan Hound states the following on the breed’s gait: “Nimble and bright......, gallop is very fast and gives the impression of great agility.”

The practical application of these standards is that the Ibizan Hound is a good courser. They generally have extreme enthusiasm and are very vocal; however, they do run clean and would rather chase the lure and not each other. The breed typically follows very well; however, the Field Champions tend to hedge the corners like other experienced hounds. The Ibizan Hound can usually corner with excellent agility, but the fastest hounds will give up some agility to gain that speed. They are generally faster than the Pharaoh Hounds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The Ibizan Hound is sometimes as fast as a Saluki or Borzoi; however, this is the exception rather than the rule. The Saluki and Borzoi should outrun the Ibizan Hound on a 200 yard straightaway.

The Ibizan Hound’s endurance will be demonstrated by being able to run consecutive courses with minimal fatigue and continued enthusiasm.

Irish Wolfhound Karen Frederick

Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred to balance speed with strength. Their intended prey was not particularly fast but reportedly had the endurance to outlast most of its predators. Wolfhounds had to be able to catch up with a wolf as well as have the strength to kill it at the finish. It’s reported that a wolf can run at 28 mph for the first 200 yards and can sustain 22 to 24 mph for a mile or two. After that, his speed would be reduced to about 12 mph. It took a fine balance of speed, endurance, and strength for an Irish Wolfhound to be successful in his original setting.

Being the largest of all sighthound breeds, the length of a Wolfhound’s stride can be quite impressive at full speed. The slower rate of turnover can fool individual people into thinking that a large hound is slower than it actually is. A Wolfhound covers much more ground per stride than a smaller hound. The comparative speed becomes evident when good running Wolfhounds compete against the other sighthound breeds. Those breeds are faster, and should be, but Wolfhounds can often surprise spectators watching the mixed breed courses.

A smaller Irish Wolfhound may not necessarily be a faster one. A larger, well-constructed male can have better speed but will probably sacrifice some agility. A conformationally balanced hound will be able to generate speed most effectively. A Wolfhound should be able to cover ground smoothly, easily and efficiently and they will be the ones that surprise lure operators. Realize that larger frames and more mass will need increased time to complete the difficult turns in coursing. It also means that it takes a little longer for a Wolfhound to get to full speed and a lure operator shouldn’t need much lead out of the lure initially.

Irish Wolfhounds that love lure coursing are usually smart enough to figure out the game. It normally does not take long for a Wolfhound to start anticipating and guessing where the lure is going. Generally, they are not a breed that runs directly behind the lure but will run better if the lure is kept within the ten to fifteen yard range in front of them on the straights with an extra ten yards given before turns, especially tight ones or downhill turns.

You won’t be able to predict the speed of a Wolfhound on the coursing field. Conformation and current physical condition will influence a Wolfhound’s performance. They are not self-exercisers at home and can fall out of peak condition quickly. They also don’t generally have the drive of a Greyhound or Whippet. They will not typically run themselves to injury. They will not overdo and will pace themselves behind the lure.

As a lure operator, you may see a large variation in how well Irish Wolfhounds run. They can show some speed as long as their owners make the effort to get them into good physical condition for competition.

Italian Greyhound Teri Dickinson / Rick Brown / Denny Baker

The origins of the IG are hidden in the mists of time. There is some debate (even among IG fanciers) about whether they were bred specifically to hunt, only as companions or both. Regardless of that debate, the fact of the matter is that in the here and now, they are allowed to course, and many of them want to. In fact some of them want to very, very badly, to the point of a Whippet-like fanaticism.

IG’s have been coursing in ASFA since 1996 and we have learned many things about running IG’s. First, their physical abilities are not in question. The only injuries we know of have been to the lure operator’s pride when the little *$#*$^’s catch the lure. IG’s are tough little dogs. They crash and burn just like whippets and come up running.

Mentally, IG’s seem to fall into one of two categories. Some are maniacs, who would chase the bunny to their deaths. Many of these dogs are naturals and show great excitement the first time they see another dog course. Other IG’s show good initial chase instinct, but seem unwilling to run an entire course. Good lure operation can help encourage these runners to stay with the lure.

The first big surprise for “new to IG” lure operators is how fast they are off the line. Remember those now immortal words of Rick Brown, “those little peckers are fast.” Many a lure has been taken 20-30 yards from the line when the lure operator underestimated the sprinting capabilities of these tiny coursers.

The second thing the lure operator must remember is that these dogs have a limited line of sight compared to the taller hounds. Most IG’s don’t seem to jump up looking for the lure when unsighted, and the lure operator must be careful to strike a balance between keeping the bunny far enough ahead, but close enough so the dogs can see it over small terrain changes. IG’s corner well (as might be expected), and do not need to be led out as much as a Wolfhound or a Borzoi might. Fast for their size, they are relatively slow compared to the other breeds and are not pushing nearly as much mass around the course, so the end result is that they are amazingly agile.

On the whole, IG’s don’t exhibit a strong tendency to cheat. As stated previously, they will generally stay right on the bunny for the whole course, or may tend to peel off at the first or second turn, or after running 200 or so yards. If a dog does seem to want to quit, as much as is practical, the lure operator should try to slow the bunny and bring that dog back in.

Training young IG’s should be the same as any sighthound, except that smaller lures should be used. How would you like to be trained using a lure bigger than you are? IG’s should be teased a lot with the lure, lots of herky-jerky to encourage them to pounce and kill. Use of a reversible motor to run the lure out a short way and then bring it back is great for encouraging enthusiasm in young dogs.

Diane Hill coined the phrase “the diminutive devils” in reference to the IG’s and that’s a pretty good summation of the way they course!

Pharaoh Hound Marilyn M. Smith / Janie Hale

While not as fast as Whippets or Greyhounds, agility, keenness, endurance and determination describe the Pharaoh Hound's ability for coursing. Their persistence is only exceeded by their enthusiasm. Pharaoh Hounds can be a lure operator's nightmare. On the go out or the first straightaway, Pharaohs often work the lure with each other. The faster dog may over run the first turn allowing the slower dog to gain the advantage as the lure goes around the course. Many times the lure operator takes the lure away from the front, cutting dog, afraid that it will be caught. This should not be done as Pharaoh Hounds run for the catching of the lure not just the chasing. Yes, Pharaoh Hounds do get creative and sometimes seem to rewrite the rules and course plans but they must be commended for their great pleasure of catching the lure at the end of the course.

Because many course plans are only a few hundred yards some Pharaoh Hounds get frustrated when the run is over so quickly. Good lure operators will keep the lure in front but not so far away that the trailing Pharaoh Hound gets lost at the next turn. The lure operator's job is a difficult one as well as a very important one. Lure operators must always be alert for the safety of the running hounds.

— M. M. Smith

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While there is controversy whether the Phoenicians transported the dogs to Malta where they were preserved or whether Malta is where the breed originated, today as in ancient times, farmers still use them for rabbit hunting. In Malta the Pharaoh Hound is known as the "the dog of the rabbits." They continue to be treasured and protected by the people of Malta who have designated them as Malta's national hound. Lure operators can come to understand the running style a bit better through learning how they are currently being used for rabbit hunting on the extremely rocky terrain of Malta. The hounds are run in pairs called "mizzewgin" where they work as a team. It is through the use of the dogs very keen sense of smell and eyesight that Pharaohs locate rabbits in rocky terrain. Maltese rabbits do not dig burrows, they hide under rocks. To encourage the rabbits to leave the safety of the rocks, the handler may release a ferret that crawls between the rocks to flush them out. It is the Pharaoh's unique foot that allows them to grasp the rocks and negotiate the rough terrain safely as they chase the rabbit. A quote from Peter Gatt’s Kelb Tal-Fenek states: "People who have seen the terrain on which they hunt are quick to comment that other sighthounds would break their legs if they would travel at such speed on this type of ground." It has been said by some that the Pharaoh's foot almost functions like a hand. I can attest to that after watching my Pharaohs in action!

Yes, Pharaohs are very vocal. Many people not familiar with the breed do not understand the importance of their bark. In Malta they generally hunt at night because that's when the rabbits come out to eat and the temperature is cooler. The handler turns the dogs loose and then waits and listens. In a real hunting scenario, it is through the bark that the handler knows the location of the hounds, if they have located a rabbit and are in hot pursuit, or if the rabbit has found cover in the rocks. The Maltese name given to describe the unique high pitched "I have found it bark" is "kurriera." So when you hear the Pharaohs barking you'll understand they're doing what they are supposed to do!

As with some of the other sighthounds, lure operators can expect Pharaoh Hounds to hunt the lure rather than just chase it. They are bred to use their intelligence, sense of smell as well as their keen sight when hunting. Of course, then there will be times that you'll just shake your head and think, what are they doing?

— J. Hale

Rhodesian Ridgeback Annie Chamberlain

The first corner is critical. If young, inexperienced dogs are not led through the first turn they encounter, this often leads to a dog that won’t course, ever. So that first practice turn is critical. It needs to be a big, wide turn, not a ninety-degree turn.

Fat, out of condition Ridgebacks tend to lope along behind the bag. They never do anything more than that. Most lure operators only see fat, out-of-condition RR’s.

The good dogs that are fast, agile, and in condition are a lure operator’s nightmare. Because the dogs hunt in trios, one dog will chase, while the other two flank. During the course, the chaser becomes a flanker and vice versa, several times over. This optimizes the chances of catching the “game” but makes running the lure very difficult. Sometimes one dog will run to the high ground, jump up and down waiting for the chance to get the lure, then take off at a dangerous angle to the dogs running the lure.

RR’s are also better at waylaying the lure than any other breed. Sometimes they lie on the line and wait, or they range up along the lure and just when you think it impossible, with one quick turn of the head, they have the lure. You almost never see the head turn, they are so fast.

RR’s are noted for their sit spins to change direction. Rather than run out and turn in a circle, they sit down on their haunches and then lift themselves into the air going in the other direction. This can be very disconcerting to the lure operator, especially if the dog doing this isone of the cutting dogs.

RR’s are a challenge because you have to know where all three dogs are at once, and they are seldom in the same place. Running inexperienced dogs with experienced dogs is probably the most dangerous situation. You have the inexperienced dog chasing along behind the bag, while the other two are ranging all over the field. RR’s usually are somewhere in the vicinity of the lure, but their concept of follow does not include running behind the bag. Dangerous collisions can occur if the lure operator is not very careful.

Saluki Jack Helder

Running the lure for Salukis is similar to running the lure for Greyhounds or Whippets, in that these three breeds have in common the ability to sustain continuous high speeds for the duration of a course. In fact, Salukis in good condition often get faster as the course develops. After all, they were bred to run miles, not yards. Given the frequency with which the fastest Salukis tend to be buried in turns, however, it seems as if some lure operators think Salukis are significantly slower than Greyhounds. In fact, Salukis in general are only a bit slower than Greys and a fast Saluki can keep up with many Greys. Salukis also should have far more agility than most Greys, and Salukis tend to have a good awareness of where other Salukis in their course are located, which reduces the risk of collision. However, Salukis are less likely to run in tight formation like well-matched Greyhounds and Whippets. A few Salukis even have a tendency to “work” the lure like Borzoi or RRs and can “trap” a lure operator. As to risks: a Saluki’s agility can wind it around a string very quickly if it catches the lure, and Salukis with feathering can become entangled in string almost as quickly as Afghans, so LOs and Huntmasters need to stay on their toes. Salukis who run with complete extension (front and rear) and their head low tend to cover lots of ground quickly, while head-up runners are generally a bit slower. However, many Salukis have an extra burst and can surprise a LO who doesn’t maintain concentration.

Scottish Deerhound Ellen Bonacarti

“A Deerhound should resemble a rough-coated Greyhound of larger size and bone.”

This description from the Scottish Deerhound breed standard should be kept in mind by anyone who is running the lure for Deerhounds. Deerhound owners frequently complain that lure operators underestimate the speed of their dogs and experienced lure operators will tell you that it’s very easy to do exactly that.

Deerhounds are deceptively fast. Tall and long-legged, they may give the impression that they are going much slower than they really are. A Deerhound may not have the explosive speed off the line of a Greyhound or Whippet, but when he gets up to speed on a straightaway, he is really flying. It is important to get the lure well out in front when running it for a Deerhound. Their size and weight means they can’t decelerate and corner like a smaller, lighter dog; they need plenty of lead through the turns. A Deerhound who gets buried in a corner is not going to recover as quickly as a smaller dog. Deerhounds are quite agile but they shouldn’t be expected to demonstrate that agility by attempting to make turns with the lure under their noses. Deerhounds aren’t as forgiving of lure operator error as some breeds. All too often, after being buried in a corner one time too many, a Deerhound will learn to hold back in anticipation of a turn, or learn to make wide looping turns instead of digging in. Keep in mind another sentence from the Deerhound standard: “Deerhounds do not stoop to their work like the Greyhounds”. A couple of bad spills attempting takes can turn a Deerhound off to lure coursing entirely. So give him plenty of lead into turns and time to make the turn and get back up to speed.

At the end of the course, slow the lure gradually and don’t bring it in too far. Some Deerhounds are notorious for having “no brakes” and frequently end up dodging the lure equipment and lure operator’s ladder if they aren’t given sufficient space to come to a stop. Others like to make diving, sliding take attempts which can result in injury if done at full speed.

Silken Windhound Tom Golcher

Silken Windhounds fall into one of two categories. Some are very lure intense, who would chase anything that moves. Others show good initial chase instinct, but seem unwilling to run an entire course. Good attention in lure operation is a must to help encourage these runners to stay with the lure an entire course.

Silken Windhounds, like whippets, rarely interfere with other hounds in a course and can be very fast off of the start line and can show quick bursts of speed throughout a course. Do not underestimate the sprinting capabilities of these coursers.

With the exception of those that seem to lose interest after the first couple hundred yards or so the size and running style can be compared closely to the whippet. The lure operator must be careful to strike a balance between keeping the lure far enough ahead, but close enough so the dogs can see it over small terrain changes. Silken Windhounds corner well and do not need to be led out as much as a Wolfhound or a Borzoi. They are fast for their size and are not pushing nearly as much mass around the course, so the end result is that they are amazingly agile.

On the whole, Silken Windhounds do not exhibit a strong tendency to cheat. As stated previously, they will either stay on the lure for the whole course, or may tend to peel off at the first or second turn and stalk the lure instead of give chase. When a Silken Windhound seems to want to quit, as much as is practical, the lure operator should try decrease the distance from lure to hound, giving him the feeling that he is catching the prey. I find this will, often times, keep the hound interested.

Training young Silken Windhounds should be the same as many sighthound and should be teased a lot with the lure as soon as practical and encouraged to chase and catch the lure. Youngsters should always “Win” and end with a positive experience if at all possible. I do not recommend the use of a reversible motor to run the lure out a short way and then bring it back. This teaches the young sighthounds very quickly that if he stops the lure will come back to him.

Sloughi Dominique Crapon de Caprona

The Sloughi is the smooth sighthound of the Berber people. Its origins are to be found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya). There, the Sloughi is an all-around working dog whose duties range from guarding the household and the herds of sheep or goats to hunting all kinds of game for its owner and occasionally himself. The Sloughi hunt alone or in small packs. They hunt in open spaces relying on their keen vision to detect any movement of game and to chase it, but also on their keen sense of smell to flush game. In Africa, Sloughi were used to hunt various species of gazelle, desert hare, desert fox, jackals, hyenas, and ostrich. Today, Sloughi hunt mainly desert hare, desert fox, and jackals. This is a long distance running breed with speed and stamina and a keen prey drive.

The running style of the Sloughi is a mix of power and agility. Good coursing Sloughi turn on a dime and are very fast on the straight. The running style should not be the upright gallop of the Azawakh. The Sloughi cannot flex its shorter back quite as much as the Greyhound. The running style is more tight and pulled together than that of the Saluki. In this breed the dogs can be quite a bit bigger than the bitches, resulting in dogs that excel in more open and wide courses, and bitches who do better on tighter courses with more turns.

Because Sloughi hunt in packs, they tend to turn their heads while coursing to check on the whereabouts of other dogs running with them. This should not be confused with interference. The Sloughi is just looking to see where the others are. Kennelmates have been observed to hunt the lure as a team, trading places behind the lure across the course making it sometimes difficult to judge. For this coordinated coursing to happen, the dogs have to check where the others are on the course.

The tremendous leaping power of some Sloughi make them a excellent breed for steeple chasing. The speed of this breed is also well documented on the racing track.

Whippet Linda Garwacki

The Whippet is really the ultimate sprint speed specialist. Though more agile than your average Greyhound, some of the same considerations need to be given in pulling the lure for a fast Whippet. Because of a Whippet's Instant 0-35 mph capability out of the slip, the lure needs to be given plenty of distance between the dogs and the first turn in order to get the lead dog through the first turn without sending him/her into the next county.

Confusion can come from the wide variation in Whippet speeds. This may be more evident in this breed than most of the other Sighthounds. But overall, for their size, the Whippet will show you more speed and agility in a course than all others. But speed is what the breed is all about. There should never be a doubt about that.