Is a live animal used?
No. The lure is artificial, usually a plastic bag or a strip of fabric. That was the whole idea behind the sport: the dog gets to use its chase instinct without hunting anything.
Speed and running
Lure Coursing
A plastic bag pulled fast along a cable, round a course full of turns in an open field. The dog chases it by sight, just as it would on a hunt. No animal is involved.
About the discipline
What Lure Coursing is
Lure coursing mimics hunting by sight. The lure is artificial, usually just a plastic bag, and a motor pulls it along a cable round a course with turns.
On a race track dogs go round an oval. Here the course twists across open ground. Judges look at speed, but also at agility, enthusiasm and how well the dog sticks to the lure.
It started out as a sighthound sport. These days more and more events are open to any breed, just for fun.
How it works in practice
How it works
- a course with turns, laid out with pulleys across a field
- a motor-driven lure at varying speeds
- dogs run one or two at a time, in coloured blankets
- speed, enthusiasm and follow are scored
- a vet check before the start
- the field is checked for holes and debris
Which dogs it suits
- sighthounds, by tradition
- any healthy dog, at open events
- dogs that take off after anything that moves
Not for dogs with joint or heart problems. Taking turns at speed puts real strain on the body.
What you need
- coursing machinery, at a club
- ID blankets
- water and somewhere for the dog to cool down
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Lure Coursing
Can any breed take part?
At official competitions, usually only sighthound breeds. But there are more and more fun events open to every breed.
What are the risks?
Turns at high speed can lead to injuries, especially on uneven ground. That's why organisers check the field beforehand, and dogs are warmed up and checked over by a vet.
How do I know if my dog enjoys it?
You'll know within seconds. A dog with chase drive takes off after the lure without any encouragement, eyes glued to it. If it looks back at you, sniffs the ground or gets bored, this just isn't its thing. Don't push it and don't try to hype it up artificially.
The rule figures on this page come from FCI - Regulations for international sighthound racing and lure coursing events, 2026. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Straight Racing
A straight-line sprint after a lure.
Canicross
Running off-road with the dog clipped to your waist.
Bikejoring
The dog runs ahead of the bike and pulls it.
Scooterjoring
The dog pulls a purpose-built off-road scooter.
We do not run Lure Coursing
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.