Lure Coursing Field Training Manual: The Basics of Running Dogs on the Field And Using the Equipment

Another exclusive from Pat Bennett! Beautifully printed in full color, this Field Training Manual for Domestic Dogs is an in-depth guide for everyone getting started in lure coursing. It not only details how to use continuous-loop systems but also deals with topics on how to run dogs safely. Wicked Coursing equipment is highlighted throughout.

This Field Training Manual contains detailed information on everything from how to properly lay out a course to how to keep dogs on the lure to their best advantage, to basic field first aid, conformation suitable for coursing, and how to run the dogs safely, as well as maintenance of your equipment. It is the precursor and lays the basic foundation for our Principles of Lure Coursing Professional Certification Training Course, a comprehensive 256 page training curriculum that builds on the information presented in this manual. The Field Training Manual is a wonderful reference book and a must-have for your crew.

Here's an overview of the contents:

Introduction - Lure Coursing Basics and Benefits

Section I. The Basics and Safety 

A: Lure Coursing Field Positions  

1. Lure Operator
2. Huntmaster
3. Paddock Master
4. Table Manager

B: Lure Coursing Basics – Field Setup And Operations  

1. How to create a safe course
2. What constitutes an unsafe course
3. Angle chart for field pulleys
4. How to keep dogs on the lure to their best advantage

C: K9 Physiology, Safety and First Aid 

1. How to evaluate a dog for safe coursing 
2. Locomotion and Gait Analysis
3. How this applies to lure coursing
4. Age as a factor
5. Weight as a factor
6. Dog safety on the field 
7. General Injuries
8. Injuries Specific To Lure Coursing
9. The Basics of First Aid

Section II. Equipment 

A. Operation and Maintenance

1. The Battery
2. The Motor
3. Cooling System
4. Drive Pulley
5. Field Pulleys 
6. Lures 
7. Field Tool Kit 
8. Attaching the lures to the line

 B. Field Equipment Emergency Repairs

1. The Solenoids 
2. The Motor 
3. The Wiring Harness 
4. Wireless and Wired Controllers 
5. The Drive Pulley 6. Field Pulleys

 C. Scheduled Maintenance 

1. Monthly and Annual Maintenance Schedule

Section III. Field Setup, Course Layout, Field Work

A. Field Setup

1. Setting up the machine; start & finish
2. Setting up the pulleys
3. Line tension
4. How the line and the pulleys fit together
5. Running Dogs on Your Course
6. Ready to Run
7. Stopping the lure in the right place
8. Running through turns
9. Reversing the lure – Wired and Wireless Models
10. Dogs cutting the field
11. More Field Work – Slip Collars

B. Section III Recap

Section IV. AKC Fast CAT  

Section V. Comprehensive Recap and Preliminaries 

Section VI. Sample Course Layouts 

Handout: Gait Evaluation Sheet 

Anatomy Charts 

CLOSING NOTES