Minnesota - Lure Coursing Fun Run

[ljsabo]

The Minnesota Lure Coursing Association (MCA) is hosting a fun run on Saturday April 18. Our local ASFA group doesn't usually have many basenjis so I thought I would get this out there if anyone is interested in checking it out and see if their basenji is up for it! It is held at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington and usually starts around 9am. Hope to see more basenjis out there this year!

[Kananga]

What are the requirement typically? I haven't had much of a chance to read up on these events, but i've been very curious to try my B out with lure coursing.

[ljsabo]

For your first time there are no requirements, just a chance to see if your b is interested in chasing after the 'bunny'. Either they will have the prey drive or not, you will know.

Does your b show interest in chasing after bunnies, squirels, or even leaves now? If yes, it would be a great opportunity for him to come out and see if he likes coursing. It is a lot of fun to socialize with other dog owners (especially the b people) and to tire out your little one with some great exercise. If you are interested in reading more about the competing including the rules/regs part you can go to www.asfa.org. You can also come out to the fun run and I can tell you more about if you are interested and have questions once you see it.

Otherwise we also to LGRA which is straight racing held in Cambridge at the Isanti County fairgrounds, the course is straight and only 300 yards where as in coursing the course is much longer and curves. You can check out more info on LGRA at www.lgra.org including dates. For the past 2 seasons my b has been the only competitor in LGRA so having more come this year would be great!

[Kananga]

@ljsabo:

For your first time there are no requirements, just a chance to see if your b is interested in chasing after the 'bunny'. Either they will have the prey drive or not, you will know.

Does your b show interest in chasing after bunnies, squirels, or even leaves now? If yes, it would be a great opportunity for him to come out and see if he likes coursing. It is a lot of fun to socialize with other dog owners (especially the b people) and to tire out your little one with some great exercise. If you are interested in reading more about the competing including the rules/regs part you can go to www.asfa.org. You can also come out to the fun run and I can tell you more about if you are interested and have questions once you see it.

Otherwise we also to LGRA which is straight racing held in Cambridge at the Isanti County fairgrounds, the course is straight and only 300 yards where as in coursing the course is much longer and curves. You can check out more info on LGRA at www.lgra.org including dates. For the past 2 seasons my b has been the only competitor in LGRA so having more come this year would be great!

Hmm… I may check this out. My B always chases after leaves, squirrels, etc. He'll spot something far before I do and get worked up over it.

I guess it's worth a shot to see how well he does (or if he even shows interest).

[wizard]

I will definitely bring Gossy and see if she likes it.

[ljsabo]

That is fantastic! I can't wait to meet you both! If you need more info wizard send me an email. I am excited!!

[ljsabo]

Ops, forgot kananga on the last post. If you want more info shoot me a post on my personal page and I will get you my email addy. :-)

[Kananga]

I look forward to it. Sounds like I better prep my boy with some thorough exercise over the next 2 weeks.

[ljsabo]

Definitely! As you don't want him to pull or injur himself from over doing it that day.

I don't 'train' my dog rather we just talk daily walks (3 per day) and closer to racing season I do sprints with him – he loves racing me and of coarse ALWAYS beats me!

[Kananga]

Hopefully the weather cooperates on Saturday. Will they still do runs if it starts to rain?

[lvoss]

In most cases yes, they will still have the event even in the rain.

[Kananga]

Fair enough. Kananga does not mind the rain. :D

[ljsabo]

If it rains they will still course but it will depend on how hard it is raining. The latest weather update I heard today stated it was not suppose to rain until Saturday evening so lets just hope it holds out so we have a beautiful sunny 60 degree day!

[ljsabo]

Just wanted to remind anyone who is coming tomorrow to bring two leads as you will need one when releasing and one for the person catching your B if you are doing straight racing. I will bring extra just in case!

[Kananga]

@ljsabo:

Just wanted to remind anyone who is coming tomorrow to bring two leads as you will need one when releasing and one for the person catching your B if you are doing straight racing. I will bring extra just in case!

I'll be sure to bring an extra. Anything else recommended that I bring?

It'll be interesting to see how my B does once I get there. I have to give him some Benadryl before we leave in the morning (most likely an hour before) so he doesn't get upset from the car ride. Last time I took him on a longer drive he wasn't feeling too well. My vet recommended a low dose to help make him sleep on the drive. Otherwise I'm afraid he won't be eager to do anything from feeling sick. That's what happened when I took him to the dog park the other week.

So I'm hoping he'll be OK energy-wise once we arrive.

[ljsabo]

Bring a chair to sit in (as there will be a long waiting period in between runs), a crate for your B to hang out when you aren't running or walking around, snacks, plenty of water for you and your B and you should be all set!

I will be in a black Toyota FJ Cruiser so if you see my truck you can park by me.