Lure Coursing for Dogs: What It Is and How It Works

Also known as dog coursing, it takes place on an open and level outdoor space where a mechanized line pulls around an object for dogs to chase.   

The star of the lure course? A white plastic bag that can reach speeds of up to 40 mph! The bag is often cut into strips to mimic the movement of fleeing prey, and dogs run after it.   

Lure coursing may take place in a competitive setting or at a casual community “fun run” in a local park—or you can even DIY it in your backyard. While competitive events are often limited to sight hound dog breeds, any healthy dog who enjoys running and chasing can participate in the sport.  

The most important lure coursing equipment? The dog lure course, of course.  

However, you can’t show up empty-handed. You’ll also need:  

• A lightweight flat collar without tags: Collars that slip, tighten, or choke are prohibited. 

• A fixed-length leash: Retractable leashes are always an unsafe choice, especially in an environment with a group of excited dogs, because they can snap, fail, or cause rope burn.  

• Paw protection: Rub paw wax on paw pads or wrap paws with Vet Wrap to prevent injuries from rough terrain.  

• A travel water bowl or flask: Give your dog a chance to get comfortable drinking out of the bowl before taking it on the road. 

• A travel first aid kit: Accidents hopefully won’t happen, but it’s always a good idea to pack a kit with items for wound care and paw and nail injuries.  

• A shade tent: Many lure chasing events are in open fields without trees, so it helps to have a spot to cool down.  

While some pet parents might want to bring dog treats, it’s best to skip them. Treats can be distracting, and lure coursing taps into a dog’s innate drive to chase—so there’s no need to train and reward the behavior. The chase itself is the reward.  

Pet parents with sight hounds who want to compete in lure coursing should look to the American Sighthound Field Association or AKC Lure Coursing for local competitions. 

They can also check out local dog training clubs or festivals that hold exhibition fun runs, so their dogs can enjoy the sport without the pressure of competition.  

Want to try a DIY version of lure coursing at home? Try using a flirt pole—a toy attached to a string with flappy fabric that taps into your dog’s innate chase drive—as you run around your yard together.  

A lure course for dogs has many benefits. It lets your pup: 

• Engage in an instinctual, self-rewarding behavioral pattern 
• Build physical fitness 
• Enjoy mental enrichment  
• Have fun in a safe environment 

Want to give your pup a shot at the sport? Ask the following questions first: 

• Is my dog fit and healthy? Most dogs can enjoy it if they’re ready for the sport’s rapid acceleration and quick turns. 
• Can my dog follow basic commands? Lure coursing takes place off leash, so your dog should have a solid sit, stay, and recall to safely participate. 
• Does my dog enjoy chasing things? The drive to pursue toys and wildlife usually translates into wanting to catch the plastic lure. That said, some dogs aren’t motivated by a plastic bag and opt out—and that’s OK! 
• Is my dog well-socialized and well-behaved around other dogs? Lure coursing is a fast-paced, amped-up activity, which can trigger reactivity from some dogs.   

If your answer to all questions is “yes,” your dog is probably a good fit for lure coursing.  

Competitive lure coursing events allow only sight hounds. These include:  

• Afghan Hound 
• Basenji 
• Borzoi 
• Cirneco dell’Etna 
• Greyhound 
• Ibizan Hound 
• Irish Wolfhound 
• Italian Greyhound 
• Pharaoh Hound 
• Portuguese Podengo Pequeno 
• Rhodesian Ridgeback 
• Saluki 
• Scottish Deerhound 
• Sloughi 
• Whippet 

That said, healthy, trained dogs of most breeds who have reached physical maturity and a natural prey drive can try recreational lure coursing.  

There’s a sport and activity for every pup, and lure coursing might not be the best for some dogs, including:  

• Reactive dogs: Skip lure coursing if your dog tends to bark at everyone and everything you encounter on a walk.  
• Lapdogs: Lure coursing is a high-drive, active sport, so pups who’d rather hang on your lap aren’t a great fit. 
• Brachycephalic dogs: Short-muzzled breeds, like French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, are prone to breathing difficulties and overheating, so fast-paced activities like lure coursing may not be a good fit. 
• Long, low, deep-chested breeds: The speed and tight turns might be challenging for low-rider breeds, like Dachshunds and Basset Hounds.  
• Dogs driven by scent: Scent hounds, like Beagles, might focus more on smells in the field than the lure.  
• Anxious dogs: Lure coursing events can be overwhelming due to noise, energy, and a busy environment. 

Is lure coursing safe for dogs? 

Yes, lure coursing is safe when run by a knowledgeable organization. However, you should also take into consideration your dog’s health, training, and temperament to make sure they’re a good fit.  

Does lure coursing use real prey animals? 

No, no real animals are used. The lure is usually a simple white plastic bag.  

Is dog coursing competitive? 

Yes, lure coursing is an official dog sport with governing bodies, eligibility requirements, and titles. However, there are also non-competitive events.  

What age can dogs begin lure coursing? 

Sight hounds must be a year old before competing in official events, while dogs participating in fun runs should be fully grown for their breed. 

Can any dog try lure coursing? 

Maybe. While most fit and well-socialized dogs can enjoy a shot at a fun run, some dogs and certain breeds might be better suited for other activities.