Lure Sports
The term lure sports is used to encompass a group of activities all designed to challenge the prey drive of canine athletes. In all of these activities, dogs chase an artificial lure such as a plastic bag or a bit of fur that is pulled on a line at high speeds by a small motor. In most variations, dogs are required to wear a muzzle and/or some form of identification such as a colored blanket or collar.
Straight Track Racing
In straight track racing, also called sprint racing, dogs of similar sized and/or breeds are grouped together and must chase a lure down a straight path. The course is typically 200-300 yards long and tests the sheer speed of a dog in pursuit of prey.
Terrier Racing
Terrier racing is a variation of straight track racing that quickly grew in popularity at working terrier trials. Instead of crossing a finish line, however, the terriers must chase the lure through a small hole to simulate going to ground in the pursuit of quarry. There are two varieties of terrier racing: flat in which no obstacles are used and steeplechase where dogs leap over low hurdles.
Lure Coursing
The sport of lure coursing is designed to simulate the chasing of prey during the hunt, such as a greyhound chasing a hair. The course typically has several turns and changes in direction, testing the dogs agility and athleticism. A popular variation of traditional lure coursing is the Course A Lure, where dogs chase the lure through a modified agility course, frequently including low jumps and tunnels.
