Next Show Lagniappe Cluster   August 2 - 5, 2012 There will be a reproduction seminar at the show Microchips will be available at the show Coursing ability tests date Feb 26, 2012 For more information contact:  DEBBIE VERDON  985-641-0383 debverdon@charter.net

 LURE COURSING
IN SOUTH LOUISIANA

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 For Information contact: Debbie Verdon – 985-641-0383 email debverdon@charter.net
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                                     Deborah Bahm – 985-871-0554 email debmar@ix.netcom.com

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 IF YOU WISH TO BE PLACED ON THE LURE COURSING MAILING LIST,
PLEASE CONTACT
DEBBIE VERDON 985-641-0383 debverdon@charter.net \

To:          All Licensed Lure Coursing Clubs

Subject:   “DOING THE CAT” (COURSING ABILITY TEST)

The first Coursing Ability Tests were held in late February in Georgia and Florida hosted

by the Bluegrass Coursing Club, the Greyhound Association of Northern Georgia and the Sunshine State Coursing Club of Central Florida.   Since those initial events, the word has spread that this is a fun event for all breeds of dogs.  Thus far 90 events have been held

or are scheduled with over 1,100 entries to-date.  Performance Events has received much positive feedback from both participants and hosting clubs.  Some of these stories can be found on the CAT website: www.akc/events/coursing_ability_test/.

From the experience gained, the initial Regulations appear to need only minor clarification.  Perhaps the most frequently asked question is about course design.  The initial

Regulations stated the course shall be “basically rectangular” with no turns more acute

than 90 degrees.  This will be modified to stress safety while leaving the specific design to the judgment of the club.  The new wording regarding course design will be – “The

course shall be designed with safety for non-sighthound breeds as a primary

consideration.  There shall be no turns more acute than 90 degrees.” 

Other minor clarifications: (1) Is a dog brachycephalic?  If there is a question, the judge will decide.  However, the American Bullmastiff Association wants all judges to know that a Bullmastiff is a brachycephalic breed.  (2)  For advanced titles, the number of passing runs required includes those used to earn a lower title.  For example, the Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) title requires 10 passing runs.  This is seven additional passing runs over the three required to earn the CA title.   

Performance Events has received many e-mails and pictures regarding the positive experience enjoyed by new participants that were initially a bit skeptical but were made to feel welcomed by friendly and helpful host club members.  While some advanced

publicity is required since the club is reaching out to new participants, clubs have found CAT events to be an enjoyable and profitable way to introduce new people to their activity and club.  Safety is always a consideration with new owners and dogs.  With over 1,100 runs to-date, there has been no reported incidence of any kind.        

A list of upcoming events can be found at:  www.akc.org/pdfs/events/coursing_ability_test/CAT_upcoming_Events.pdf.  

Results are posted at: www.akc.org/events/coursing_ability_test/results.cfm.

CAT events can serve as an attractive component of a larger community outreach effort.  Several all-breed clubs and national/regional specialty clubs have contacted the Department regarding holding a CAT event in conjunction with their events.  We have referred them to the local lure coursing clubs.   

We encourage all licensed lure coursing clubs to consider hosting a CAT event.  Questions should be sent to either Bob Mason, Lure Coursing field representative at RAM@akc.org or Lisa Carroll, Manager of Performance Events at LAC@akc.org.

Please e-mail your comments to Lisa Carroll, Manager of Performance Events, LAC@akc.org, no later than Friday, July 8.   Comments may be sent by Clubs or individuals.

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