How to Get Your Puppy Interested in Lure Coursing

Lure coursing can be an enjoyable sport for both sight hounds and their owners. Some puppies are natural lure coursers, while others seem clueless. Even if your puppy falls into the clueless group, there are steps you can take to get him interested in lure coursing.

1. Step 1

   Tie a white plastic bag onto the end of a 6-foot piece of rope. Make sure the bag is securely fastened.

2. Step 2

   Place a treat inside the bag, something your puppy finds irresistible. Bacon grease and bacon usually work well.

3. Step 3

   Allow your puppy to see and smell the bag. Then, using the rope, wiggle the bag back and forth in front of your puppy. When your puppy attempts to grab the bag, praise her.

4. Step 4

   Start running with the rope, letting the bag drag behind you on the ground. Your puppy should be chasing the bag. Praise your puppy when he shows interest in the bag and tries to grab it.

5. Step 5

   Periodically, put one of your puppy's meals into a white plastic bag. Have him chase the bag for a few seconds, then let him "catch" the bag and dig into his food. Allow him to rip the bag if he wants, but make sure he only eats his food and not the plastic.

6. Step 6

   Now that your puppy is interested in the plastic bag, contact local sighthound clubs to find out about lure coursing trials or fun runs. Take your puppy to observe the other dogs when they run. Encourage your puppy to get excited when he sees the bags moving.

7. Step 7

   Talk to your local lure coursing club members about having your puppy participate in a fun run. Have your puppy start with a straightaway, out and back, of no more than 100 yards.

Items you'll need: 

• White plastic bag
• 6 foot piece of rope
• Treats

More Information Can Be Found At Ontario Lure Coursing Association

From: eHow.com