Lurcher Puppy Racing

[EMILY]

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Just wondered if someone could shed some light on lurcher puppy racing and also the simulated coursing for puppies - obviously pups have to be 6 months or over to ocmpete, but does the format take a similar line to the adult lurcher racing/coursing at shows? I am keen to let Zair our pup have a go when he is old enough but have to say that I am worried about him injuring himself at such a young age, particularly when there is so much discussion about exercising should be limited etc and no long runs for puppies - does this not go against racing/coursing lurcher pups at shows? Also, please could someone advise on the best type of muzzle to buy for a lurcher to use when coursing/racing and where they can be purchased etc - also any tips on getting the pup used to wearing one would be grand! - Many thanks.

 

[stormydog]

HY

I RACE REGULARLY MY LURCHERS BUT NEVER STARTED UNTIL THEY WERE 9 MONTHS. THE CHASE PART COMES EASY BUT ITS THE BUILD UP TO MAKE A RACING DOG YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR. YOUR DOG IS PROBABLY VERY FAST SO ITS TEMPTING TO "LET EM AT IT"..FEW PROBLEMS FROM THAT ARE.."BLOWING HIS LUNGS" THIS MEANS HIS LUNGS WILL STRETCH TO SUIT HIS PHYSICAL EXERTION HIS USING, BUT IT WEAKENS THE LUNG WALLS. THEY NEED TIME TO DEVELOP. THE OTHER PROBLEM I FOUND IS YOU CAN TURN HIM INTO A "LURE MANIAC". MY OLDER DOG IS THIS, HES BONKERS WHEN THE GUYS ARE EVEN SETTING THE TRACK UP! MUZZLES YOULL FIND AT WWW.JANSGREYHOUNDGIFTS.CO.UK SHE KEEPS A GREAT SELECTION AND WILL ADVISE YOU ON THEM. I PREFER THE PLASTIC COATED WIRE RACING TYPE, THERES PROBABLY A PUPPY VERSION OR EVEN A WHIPPET TYPE. STICK IT ON HIM AND PLAY WITH HIM. REMEMBER JUST GO EASY AT THIS STAGE WITH HIM AND YOULL DO OK !!

:luck: JOHN

 

[EMILY]

Great John - thanks very much. I will wait until he is around 9 months before trying him out then and meanwhile can get him used to the muzzle etc at home. I am planning on going to lots of shows this year with him and so can have a look at the puppy racing to see what its all about for a couple of shows before considering entering him. He is a little speed merchant at the moment (particularly around the furniture!!) but I try not to let him get over the top out walking for fear of damaging his muscles/bone growth etc as he is currently only 4 months. - I might see you at some shows this year!

 

[stormydog]

Great John - thanks very much.  I will wait until he is around 9 months before trying him out then and meanwhile can get him used to the muzzle etc at home.  I am planning on going to lots of shows this year with him and so can have a look at the puppy racing to see what its all about for a couple of shows before considering entering him.  He is a little speed merchant at the moment (particularly around the furniture!!) but I try not to let him get over the top out walking for fear of damaging his muscles/bone growth etc as he is currently only 4 months. - I might see you at some shows this year!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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YEH NO DOUBT YOU WILL IM IN BELFAST BUT THIS YEAR IM PLANNING ON TRAVELLING ACROSS A FEW TIMES AS I HAD A SAMPLE LAST YEAR AND ENJOYED IT! WE LACK SHOWS OVER HERE, THERE WAS MORE A WHILE BACK BUT SEEM TO BE DYING AWAY.

:luck: JOHN :thumbsup:

 

[rodders]

Hi Emily Be careful when running your dog in puppy races at lurcher shows.Not all lurcher pups are keen for a lure.Some pups would rather chase or play with another dog rather than run the lure.Not only can this cause injuries it can also put your dog off racing altogether.I would suggest when you feel your dog is keen to chase you run him solo behind a lure until you know he's only interested in the lure and not other dogs.Most lurcher show organizers will be glad to give you solo runs if they have the time.Failing that,have you a local whippet racing club? I find they always make you welcome and will gladly give you a run or two while they are trialling whippets.Good luck :thumbsup: Karen

 

[milly]

Hello Emily,

in respect of getting your puppy used to wearing a muzzle,i've always found the best way is to walk your dog whilst wearing the muzzle,this way they forget all about it,and it stops them trying to paw it off.Good luck :luck:

from retired number 1 lurcher racer :- " lol

 

[milly]

p.s.I don't know if you're aware,but they sometimes put lurcher racing on at Cullompton in June.It's actually a whippet event,but the last couple of years,I know they've done lurcher racing and showing!Its not that far for you ,is it?Just thought i'd mention it.

 

[EMILY]

p.s.I don't know if you're aware,but they sometimes put lurcher racing on at Cullompton in June.It's actually a whippet event,but the last couple of years,I know they've done lurcher racing and showing!Its not that far for you ,is it?Just thought i'd mention it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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Many thanks for all your replies. Cullompton is not far from me and I will definately try to get to that show so I can watch the racing and take Zair in the puppy show class (it will probably be one of his first!). I will practise with a lure beforehand as he does currently prefer to chase after my other dogs when walking so I think he would probably do the same in a race! I am more into the showing side of lurchers, but thought that as the lurchers seem to enjoy the simultaed coursing and the racing so much I would give Zair a taster when he is ready. Looking forward to meeting some K9'ers at some shows this year!