sandymere 8,263 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 I spent a pleasant though hot afternoon at a local show on Sunday, it’s nice to see a few dogs and support a local hunt. There was racing after the showing and Mrs. S and I like to watch. Neither of mine will chase the drag but a little bit of me always fancies getting a bred down grew just for the racing. One reason I don’t is the fighting that seems ever more common during and after the race. Now I have a little experience with training greyhounds for the track where aggression is not allowed and dogs that interfere during the race don’t last long, not so with lurchers. As an example at the show on Sunday there was a heat of 3 lurchers two of which, I believe, were kennel mates. One of the pair interfered, leaning on, growling, etc, with its kennel mate the whole distance and at the end of the race attacked the third dog. Thankfully all were muzzled but the third, although a first defended it’s self, was quickly over powered and driven down by the larger aggressive hound. I’d not be at all surprised if the next time it races its performance is marred by the experience, especially if it were a young inexperienced dog. So to the point why race an aggressive dog? In this case the problem animal didn’t chase the drag but rather the other hound so racing it was pointless and only risked injury to others through interference also by attacking another’s dog it’s risks creating nervousness/aggression in that animal and lastly if the muzzle had come off, not a rare occurrence, some poor sod has a big vets bill and all because he wanted to run his dog on the drag. I’m not sure what the answer is but maybe we need to take a little more of a responsible approach and just as some dogs won’t race as they don’t chase the drag except that some shouldn’t race because of aggression. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bird 10,014 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 Its a shame when it does happen, as it can spoil what is just a bit of [Fun]. I Dont race lurchers my self, as i think it can be the last thing you wont from [some] lurchers, [ Injuries,yaping,]. Lets face it, they get Feckin Hurt enough in the field working, and the last thing you wont is dog opening-up, when it as been used to running in wound up [situation's] form raceing. Its hard enough keeping things calm, when they on the back of live quarry. No not for me, but i know [Loads] of people [Do] all you can do make sure they all have [Muzzle's] on, as alot of running dogs have a [Jealous] nature when running something live or not, and because its a bit of [Fun] not pro, dogs+ this will never change.???? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socks 32,253 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 i dont race my lurchers as i get enough thrill racing the greys ... however if i was to run a simulated coursing or racing event i would make it a rule that any dog that started niggling another would be disqualified ... i find it a very bad trait in running dogs that turn their head ... these dogs obviously cant be run with other dogs if they are fighting over a lure what would they do over live game ... i can happily take my dogs and run them alongside any other dog on any quarry in the full knowledge that their sole focus is on the game and not on spoiling for a fight ............ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest anonymous Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 I'd ban it. Same with showing..... I'd be embarrassed to race my dog or show it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dogman89 0 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 thats why i wont race my dogs if others arnt muzzled, i wouldnt want my dog to get 200yds and a fight break out, bout time i got there dear nos what damage would have been done Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest anonymous Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 thats why i wont race my dogs if others arnt muzzled, i wouldnt want my dog to get 200yds and a fight break out, bout time i got there dear nos what damage would have been done To be honest, don't think that would bother me. The reason I wont race my dogs apart from the fact no f****n dog of mine would chase a crisp poke, I reckon its for woossies.......... What pleasure do you get out of knowing you've got the fastest poofiest dog in the show? Get them fighting, then maybe you can pretend they've done a bit of work.............. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mars 42 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 i dont race my lurchers as i get enough thrill racing the greys ... however if i was to run a simulated coursing or racing event i would make it a rule that any dog that started niggling another would be disqualified ... i find it a very bad trait in running dogs that turn their head ... these dogs obviously cant be run with other dogs if they are fighting over a lure what would they do over live game ... i can happily take my dogs and run them alongside any other dog on any quarry in the full knowledge that their sole focus is on the game and not on spoiling for a fight ............ I used to race my Bull X bitch and she Was Fine and only chased the lure, but She Was Attacked by a saluki type dog. Of course she retaliated and pinned the dog to the ground, thankfully the muzzle stayed on and no damage was done, But since that incident i`ve not been able to run her on a lure as she just squares up to the other dog... Not that i`me that bothered, it was only done as a bit of fun & a way of passing a bit of time, now i just do Obedience with her instead. I have to say though socks that any agression in the field is totaly focused on the Quarry, to the point that i`ve seen other dogs take rabbits from her mouth Perhaps if it was made known at these events that if during a race a dog turned its head to another dog it would be disqualified, then it would gradualy get better.... Oh and "Why? do people allow their dogs to bark so much,!!!!! fecking racket, !!!! Mars... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest anonymous Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 i dont race my lurchers as i get enough thrill racing the greys ... however if i was to run a simulated coursing or racing event i would make it a rule that any dog that started niggling another would be disqualified ... i find it a very bad trait in running dogs that turn their head ... these dogs obviously cant be run with other dogs if they are fighting over a lure what would they do over live game ... i can happily take my dogs and run them alongside any other dog on any quarry in the full knowledge that their sole focus is on the game and not on spoiling for a fight ............ I used to race my Bull X bitch and she Was Fine and only chased the lure, but She Was Attacked by a saluki type dog. Of course she retaliated and pinned the dog to the ground, thankfully the muzzle stayed on and no damage was done, But since that incident i`ve not been able to run her on a lure as she just squares up to the other dog... Not that i`me that bothered, it was only done as a bit of fun & a way of passing a bit of time, now i just do Obedience with her instead. I have to say though socks that any agression in the field is totaly focused on the Quarry, to the point that i`ve seen other dogs take rabbits from her mouth Perhaps if it was made known at these events that if during a race a dog turned its head to another dog it would be disqualified, then it would gradualy get better.... Oh and "Why? do people allow their dogs to bark so much,!!!!! fecking racket, !!!! Mars... Imagine lure racing a saluki cross lol, bet that guy had a sense of humour...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tyla 3,179 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 i've been lure coursing a few times but wont do it again. i cant stand the other dogs screaming to get at the lure, not their fault but down to slack owners. My dogs are primarily hunters, thats why i keep them and i dont want them learning any bad habits ( they have enough already!) off their plastic bag obsessed running mates. Never seen a fight break out racing but seen enough daft stuff to have lost interest in the lure coursing game. its a shame really as both dogs love it and the bitch does well. The worst thing is i can keep mine quiet but its not fair on them when all around them are screaming like banshees! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scallywag 78 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 My dogs work silent but bark at sim races. It drives me mad and probably gets on other peoples' nerves too - I try to stay away until it's their time to go but you need to stay in earshot to hear when it's your race. I don't think I'm a slack owner and I normally have good control over the dogs but haven't found a way to stop them barking with excitement before a race. I also don't think their conduct at a race is necessarily any indication of their working ability - some dogs don't bother to to chase at all, some turn their heads or think it's a game but put them on live quarry and they're dead serious. They know the difference. Fighting isn't ok but I think the racing is fun, something to do out of season and don't take it all that seriously, although I know some people do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Timid Toad 18 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 well i have run racing and courcing events at shows for years and we ALWAYS muzzle and always make sure any dog that causes problems to other dogs are banned but i find the biggest problem when running the racing is normally from people watching with their dogs and not being able to keep them under control .. not fair on a dog racing if a loose dog without a muzzle gets away from its owner during a race mind i have found a hefty fine normally makes them hold onto their dogs better he he Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paid 935 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 I ran my dog in 1 lure coursing event, and he showed dog aggression to his competitors, so that to me is his competitive lure coursing career over. Shame as I quite enjoy it, but for others enjoyment, I won't do it again with this dog, as it ruins a good day out in my opinion. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tyla 3,179 Posted June 1, 2009 Report Share Posted June 1, 2009 My dogs work silent but bark at sim races. It drives me mad and probably gets on other peoples' nerves too - I try to stay away until it's their time to go but you need to stay in earshot to hear when it's your race. I don't think I'm a slack owner and I normally have good control over the dogs but haven't found a way to stop them barking with excitement before a race.I also don't think their conduct at a race is necessarily any indication of their working ability - some dogs don't bother to to chase at all, some turn their heads or think it's a game but put them on live quarry and they're dead serious. They know the difference. Fighting isn't ok but I think the racing is fun, something to do out of season and don't take it all that seriously, although I know some people do. Thats a fair comment, i cant comment on other peoples dogs working abilities as mine are far from perfect. i just cant understand how anyone can stand there with their dog doing somersaults on its lead and screaming its head off and not try to stop it. Mine are keen but they know i wont tolerate noise like that so it seems unfair to put them in a position where they are the only ones not aloud. My older bitch used to open up on rabbits after coming back from injury and it took alot of work to stop her doing it so i tend to shy away from anything that encourages the trait. Just my opinion though, no doubt there are others available Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest reload Posted June 2, 2009 Report Share Posted June 2, 2009 The atmosphere of racing can see dogs go bad, nuts, fecking metal... The few times I have done it, I didn't like the way the dogs got so hyped up, lots of peoples dogs barking and screaming........You can see why some dogs get nasty, barging, and turning there heads etc. I would not run the risk of letting my dog develop those sort of bad traits... Having a few goes on a lure at home with a few mates is one thing but the big events with the nutty atmosphere I don't think does dogs many favors? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest gyppo Posted June 2, 2009 Report Share Posted June 2, 2009 The atmosphere of racing can see dogs go bad, nuts, fecking metal...The few times I have done it, I didn't like the way the dogs got so hyped up, lots of peoples dogs barking and screaming........You can see why some dogs get nasty, barging, and turning there heads etc. I would not run the risk of letting my dog develop those sort of bad traits... Having a few goes on a lure at home with a few mates is one thing but the big events with the nutty atmosphere I don't think does dogs many favors? what a load of rubbish theres some cracking working dogs do the main events each year and never turn there head Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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