Finding Your People: Mentors, Clubs, and Your First Event

Getting Started with Lure Coursing | Part 2 of 9

There is a particular kind of loneliness and fear that comes with loving a niche sport when you don't yet know anyone who does it. You've watched the videos. You've read what you can find. Your Whippet has pressed their nose flat against the window every time a squirrel crosses the yard, and you know they were built for this. But you have no idea where to actually begin, or who to ask.

In my experience, the lure coursing community is one of the most generous groups of dog people I've encountered. You just have to show up.

Bring your curiosity, kindness, and offer to help the volunteers.

Start With Your Breeder

If you got your Whippet from a reputable breeder who actively participates in performance events and titles their dogs, you already have your first mentor. A good performance or dual purpose breeder doesn't just hand you a puppy and wish you luck; they invest in what that dog becomes.

Don't be shy about reaching out to your breeder with questions. Ask them what they recommend for your specific dog. Ask if they'd be willing to meet you at a fun run. Most breeders active in the sport will jump at the chance to see one of their dogs on the field!

I make this a deliberate part of how I breed and place my Whippets at Visalore. When a puppy goes home, my relationship with that owner doesn't end; it evolves. I want to know how Roo is doing in her classes. I want to know what questions Jamie has. I want to know which days work best for Phoenix’s parents so we can match our schedules. We have a group text to share information about upcoming events we’ll be attending. We meet at those events, get caught up with one another, spectate, learn, etc. That ongoing mentorship is something I consider part of what it means to be a responsible breeder, and it is something I truly enjoy.

What If You Didn't Get Your Dog From a Performance Breeder?

Not every Whippet owner got their dog from a breeder with deep performance roots, and that is completely okay. Rescue dogs, rehomed Whippets, and dogs from show-only lines can all make wonderful coursing dogs.

In my experience, the vast majority of lure coursing enthusiasts are genuinely happy to take a newcomer under their wing. Most experienced handlers remember exactly what it felt like to stand at the edge of a field with a hound who was ready and a handler who had no idea what they were doing. Do not be surprised if someone offers you their racing jackets or slip leads when you first start out. Personality fit matters: look for someone whose approach to dogs (and life) aligns with your own, and don't feel obligated to stick with the first person you meet just because they're nearby.

I include myself in that offer. I am happy to answer questions, talk through your dog's readiness, discuss jackets & slip collar vendors, or meet you on the field. You can reach me through visalorewhippets.com or via text message.

Finding a Club and Locating Events

The AKC maintains a searchable database of affiliated clubs and upcoming lure coursing events at akc.org. Under the Events section, you can search by sport and by location to find trials near you.⁽¹⁰⁾

I recommend starting with a fun run or practice day rather than jumping straight into a trial. The lower-pressure environment gives both you and your dog room to figure things out without the stakes of formal competition. You might even want to just spectate without your Whippet for your first coursing day. Whatever you are most comfortable with. Some regional Whippet clubs and other sighthound clubs often organize informal coursing days specifically for newcomers, while others incorporate fun runs during trial days (time permitting). Find your local coursing club and reach out to them.

Junior Handlers: This Sport Is for Them Too

Lure coursing is genuinely a family sport. According to the AKC, junior handlers are eligible to participate in AKC Lure Coursing events with their Junior Handler number. They compete in regular classes alongside adult handlers and can earn the same titles on their dogs.⁽¹¹⁾ My 10 year old daughter decided to start doing this, and there’s no turning back. Of course the child must be able to independently handle the dog, release it, catch it, etc. Use your own discretion and set your Junior up for success when introducing them to dog handling for lure coursing.

Juniors who participate in lure coursing develop not just handling skills but a deep understanding of their dog's instincts and physical needs. They also learn about what it takes to put such an event together, and may offer to help the volunteers during their down time. In my experience, the coursing community is exceptionally welcoming to young handlers. If you're a junior handler reading this on your own: welcome! You belong here!

Junior handler, Victoria, catching her hound at the end of the course

What to Expect at Your First Event

Walk in ready to observe more than you participate. Watch how experienced handlers warm up their dogs, how they manage their dog around other hounds, how they interact with the lure operator, the hunt master, the judges. Ask questions between runs, not during.

Do not be surprised by the excited screams, barks, and yelps from the dogs in attendance. Every dog at the event cannot wait to get to the starting line, and they are not shy about letting the world know about it!  If you have hearing sensitivities, bring noise cancelling headphones.

Field etiquette matters. Keep your dog on leash unless you are explicitly in a designated off-leash area. Don't approach another handler's dog without asking. Be quiet and still when dogs are on the course to avoid becoming a distraction. Pick up after your dog. Thank the volunteers.

Don’t forget to bring a chair, a sun hat, sunscreen, water and snacks. Coursing events last all day. Some events have very decent food vendors (the foodie in me couldn’t leave this out).

And then just breathe. Your first event is supposed to be fun and educational, not perfect. Let it be exactly that.

Want to talk coursing?

I'm always happy to answer questions, talk through whether your dog might be a good candidate, or meet you at a fun run. Reach out through visalorewhippets.com or send me a text message. Wherever you are in this journey, just starting to wonder, or standing at the field with a hound who is absolutely ready, I'm glad you're here.

Next up: Part 3 — Is My Dog Ready? Evaluating Instinct, Temperament & Fitness

This post was written, reviewed and personalized by me, Lorena Caballero, and it was researched and refined with AI tools.

REFERENCES

10. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Lure coursing regulation and resources. https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/rules-and-regulations/

11. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Junior resources. https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/junior-resources/