HLCC Lure Operator Handbook For 2012
Transcription
HLCC Lure Operator Handbook For 2012
HLCC Lure Operator Handbook For 2012 Revised July 2, 2012 For The Lure Operator, Field Master, Field Master Assistant and Support Assistants “Our dogs are our best friends, but they are also athletes and just like any race, marathon, track or other sporting event a human might engage in, we are obligated to provide them with the best tools and the safest environment for them to run, exercise and display their skills and agility, and most of all to have fun.” Contents: 1. Equipment: Lure Machine, Lure, String and Battery 2. Lure Course Set-Up: Pulleys, Pulley Removal, Battery Installation and Fencing 3. Setting Up Finish Zone Field Pulleys 4. Setting Up Starting Cones 5. Setting Up Finish Zone Field Pulley Cones 6. Setting Up Gallery/Spectator Safety Cones 7. Operating the Lure Machine: Jogging and Pulsing 8. Running Fast Dogs: Greyhounds and Whippets 9. Lure Operator Duties 10. Weather 11. Lure Operator Authority 12. The Finish Zone 13. Lure Coursing Terms 14. HLCC Lure Coursing Staff 15. Glossary of Lure Coursing Terms Above: The Injoy lure machine, utility cart, hand truck, cones, pulleys, extension cords, battery and battery board, lures, water bowls, fencing and fence posts, tools, field first aid kit, coursing blankets, slip leads, muzzles, VETWRAP and everything else. 1. Equipment: The Hawaii Lure Coursing Club uses the INJOY Lure Coursing Machine. Our Injoy Lure Coursing Machine uses the standard take up wheel: A 12 inch diameter wheel with a solid 4 inch diameter core that will hold approximately 1200 yards of line. The Injoy wheel is constructed of high density plastic that can be used for lure coursing or drag lure coursing set-ups, and uses a Sears Deep Cycle Marine Battery for power. The Injoy Lure Coursing Machine is capable of driving the lures at high speed – up to 40 miles an hour – in order to accommodate the fastest dogs, and also allow the lure to remain safely ahead of the dogs during the run. The Lure: The lure is either a plastic bag (large white trash bag) or animal skin (skunk, raccoon, fox or rabbit) used to simulate running game - rabbit, fox, hare or other small animal, and is attached to a string and the lure coursing machine. Originally, the use of three lures was adopted to prevent the tangle at the finish with three unmuzzled dogs diving at the same moment for the same prize. However, if you watch the dogs at the finish, it quickly becomes clear that no matter how many lures, the dogs all tend to go for the same one anyway. We have had very good luck using either a skunk or raccoon as a lure. The speed of the lure is controlled by the Lure Operator with a switch that is wired to the lure machine via an extension (25 or 50 foot) cord. The use of a white plastic bag in lure coursing came about because the standard lures were getting hung up in pulleys which at the time were evolving, and the weight issue on the machines on a wet field relative to cloth or skin lures also dictated an adaption. HLCC use lures of real animal skin and has specially designed 4 inch Injoy pulleys for use with the animal skins. At times, we also use a lure of both animal skin and plastic with dogs on the field: placing a plastic bag and an animal skin immediately behind the bag. Therefore, we recommend the use of one lure, which also minimizes the chance of a "take" occurring, as its limits the opportunity for a dog that might be for whatever reason, too close to the lure to go for a take. We will run 3 Whippets at a time, but limit the Greyhounds to 2 at a time and typically run one dog at a time. The String: This line has less stretch than nylon and is #24 braided polyester string (commonly referred to as DACRON which in fact is the trade name of DuPont’s polyester fiber). The reduced stretch gives you almost instant lure response on long take up or drag style courses. It comes in 400 yard spools. String Maintenance: Periodically, the string will get stretched and will need to be tightened. You must use leather gloves to do this. The line can cut right through light gloves and severely cut you. Run the string out as far on the course as you can. Make sure it is farther that the actual course length. knot. The knot recommended is the socalled “Fisherman’s Knot.” It is best to do this when no one is around. However, if you have to perform this task during the coursing event, announce to everyone that you are going to tighten the string and for them to get a tight hold on their dog’s leash. This knot is recommended because it is easy to learn and tie. Lay both ends of the strings (lines) parallel, tying an identical overhand knot with each working end to enclose the adjacent standing part - then tighten the knots until they are embedded together as shown. The sound of the lure motor, the moving line and the attached lure will excite the dogs and you don’t want them attempting to chase the lure while you are doing this. It may look complicated, but it’s not. It’s just tying one end of the string (line) to the other using a simple overhand knot. With your gloves on - in one hand jog the switch and maintain an even medium slow speed while the line comes in - working the line back and forth on the wheel with the other hand so it winds around the wheel evenly. Take it SLOW AND EASY, beginning, because letting up the line at full RPM biggest mess and tangle seen. especially in the the motor take will create the you have ever Stop it before it gets about 50 feet in front of the lure machine. Hand wind the line back into the wheel if this is done at the end of the day. Otherwise, leave it there as it will be taken out to the start soon. When The String Breaks: Yes it will happen, and when it does its best to be prepared and ready to fix it immediately in the field. When you have dogs waiting to run and people waiting to course their dogs, now is not the time to panic. The string maybe wrapped around the starter motor shaft or somewhere else. Whatever the cause, the string is broke, and you need to fix it fast. Locate the two ends of the string and get ready to tie a Battery Maintenance: The battery should be fully charged prior to each weeks lure coursing event. Most 12 volt batteries will read 13 volts when fully charged. Note: If the battery is not fully charged you can have big problems. Never let the battery get below 11 volts while in use. There can be severe consequences for the battery and the solenoid on the lure machine. It can weld shut or lock up. Position the pulley and hammer down one 9 inch spike into the center hole on the base of the pulley. Step Four: Now, from the tension pulley you just set into place go over another 24 inches directly to the right in line with that pulley and hammer down one 9 inch spike into the center hole on the base of the pulley. 2. Set-Up: Lure Machine and Pulleys Step One: Locate a smooth flat surface on the grass free of small rocks and dampness. Position the machine so it is straight on the field. Use 8 each, 9 inch spikes and hammer down flush to the plastic base all 8 spikes into the ground. Check that the lure machine is secure in the ground and if not relocate to a more suitable place. Step Five: Finally trace the 4 tension pulleys with the line and position the pulley such that they evenly divide the angle of the string. Hammer the remaining spikes into each of the pulleys. Step Six: Place the Hold-Down Pulley approximately 3 feet away from the machine in line with the string on the lure coursing machines wheel and the first tension pulley. Secure the hold down pulley with 4 each 9 inch spikes. Next, pull the string out straight from the machine and put your first Tension Pulley approximately 10 feet from the machine. Position the pulley and hammer down one the 9 inch spike into the center hole on the base of the hinged pulley. This is so you can reposition it later after all the pulleys are in place. Each pulley has 3 holes for the spikes. Step Two: Now, go back 5 feet and approximately 24 inches to the right of the line and put a tension pulley there. Again, position the pulley and hammer down one 9 inch spike into the center hole on the base of the pulley. Step Three: Go back to the first tension pulley and directly right of it approximately 24 inches put a tension pulley there. Pulley Removal: The process for removing a pulley and the spikes from the ground is as follows: Grasp the pulley base and pull straight up until all spikes have been removed from the ground. This usually works in most normal soil conditions, however if the spikes just won't budge, you can use a pair of pliers to remove each spike individually. CAUTION: using the pulley top or stainless steel center section as a handle to remove the spikes from the ground can bend the axle and render the pulley inoperable. 3. Set-Up: Finish Zone Field Pulleys: Battery Installation: Place the battery board on the side of the lure machine with the starter motor and connect one of the battery cables to the correct polarity (positive to positive and negative to negative) on the battery. Note: Do not connect the other cable until you have completed the entire set-up of the course. This will prevent any possible problems with the lure machine starting up and injuring someone while you are setting up the course. After all 5 of the pulleys for the lure machine are set in place you will need to set-up the 2 Finish Zone Field Pulleys. Take the line straight out from the last pulley as far as you need to go and lay a finish zone field pulley. Position the pulley and hammer down one 9 inch spike into the center hole on the base of the hinged pulley and adjust so that it will evenly divide the angle of the string. Hammer the remaining spikes into the hinged base of the pulley. Fencing: After everything has been set-up and inspected, place the fencing around the lure machine and all 5 pulleys. We have six steel fencing posts that are positioned around the perimeter of the machine and the pulleys. For the safety of the dogs, people and spectators, we use orange plastic fencing, approximately 5 feet high, to keep people and dogs from entering the lure machine/pulley area. The posts are hammered in to the ground after positioning with a steel mallet. Above: a close up view of one of two specially designed 4 inch Injoy pulleys for animal skins. These pulleys not only help increase the speed of the lure by allowing the lure to run smoother, but they also provide added safety for the dogs as the lure passes through the field pulleys. Additionally, the four corner cones are also less likely to fly up in the air as they did when using the animal skins with the shorter pulleys. Now, where you just placed your last finish zone field pulley make a straight line directly towards the fence facing the marsh: it should be approximately 50 feet and locate the next pulley. Position the pulley and hammer down one 9 inch spike into the center hole on the base of the hinged pulley and adjust so that it will evenly divide the angle of the string. Hammer the remaining spikes into the hinged base of the pulley. A Correct We recommend the slippers use slip leads to release their dogs. There are 2 each Yellow Lure Cones and 2 each Green Start Cones that are set up approximately 20 apart and 20 feet in front of each other. B Incorrect Pull the line out and down the field from the last finish zone field pulley and attach the lure to the line. 4. Set-Up: Starting Cones: We hand slip our dogs, so the lure should be placed 20 feet in front of the dogs with no slack and is so marked by Yellow Lure Cones. The dogs will be held behind the Green (starting line) Start Cones side by side. Handlers may restrain the dogs in any fashion as long as it does not interfere with the start of another dog. The distance from the Green Start Cones to the first Finish Zone Pulley is approximately 550 feet or approximately 183 yards. 5. Set-Up: Field Pulley Cones: There are 2 field pulleys in our course. Each of the 2 field pulleys has a set of 4 of the large Orange safety cones positioned around it. No dog, spectator or participant is allowed beyond the cones when a dog is running. Approximately 10 small orange field line support cones are used to keep the dogs waiting to course, their handlers, participants and spectators from venturing into the coursing field. They are placed approximately 8 -10 feet apart down the field. In addition to the “Field Pulley Cones” there are smaller “Field Line Support Cones” that are positioned about 3 feet apart in front of the line that runs from one field pulley to the other. There are also small field line support cones that run from the finish zone field pulley up the line towards the lure machine. 6. Set- Up: Gallery/Spectator Cones 7. Operating The Injoy Lure Machine: Operating a lure machine is not an easy task by any means, and it varies from week to week and from dog to dog. It takes skill, knowledge, experience and instinct as well as practice to run the lure machine. With practice you can and will get good at it, but it does take time. Basic Operation: To make it run, you hold the button on the switch down to make the lure go and release the button to stop or slow down the lure. Tip: The process of “jogging the switch” is the normal way a lure course is run. For the safety of our coursing dogs, dogs awaiting their turn to course, participants and spectators there are cones to warn people to keep back. The best method of pulsing or jogging the button on the switch is to push and release the button quickly. To run the lure fast, press and release the button quickly and frequently. To slow the machine down, press the button just as quickly but less frequently. There may be times when you may need to press and hold the button down for one to three seconds. However, “Pressing and holding the button down for more than five seconds at a time is not recommended. Running the motor continuously for more than five seconds at a time causes excessive wear on the motor brushes, causes rapid heat buildup in the motor and most importantly, runs down the battery more quickly than the short varied pulse method of operation.” Lure Machine Operation What makes a good lure coursing dog: “a dog that knows it’s “just a game,” but is willing to play anyway because it's fun. Some dogs just don't ever get that sense of fun, and some seem lose it after a few runs.” But, the ones that get it never lose that sense of fun. “A great lure operator knows the “feel” of the lure operation.” A lure operator must be able to overcome distractions and concentrate on what they are doing. They must also be able to index the course distance, which is why it might be a good idea for them to take the lure around the course without a dog for a few times. Lure Operators must be able to adjust to the visual space and feel what is at stake, i.e., the safety of the dogs. Each coursing dog is different in its speed, agility, endurance, enthusiasm and ability to follow the lure. Some dogs prefer the lure right in front of them; some dog’s need it further away and moving fast. Run the lure at a speed that allows the dog to keep its head up while running. It’s the slowing and speeding up of the lure, learning to watch the different dogs as they run, learning to tell when the dog in front is not the lead dog, when a cheater should not be rewarded with the lure - that is what a lure operator needs to learn. If the dogs head is angled down low and appears to be pouncing while running then lure is too close. Whenever a dog gets close enough to the lure to try to pick it up, that dog is going to be handicapped in his performance on the course. Due to the varying talents of the lure operator and the dogs, and occasionally due to an underpowered lure machine, takes and missed takes are common, but they can be avoided. Keep the lure ahead of the dog by 10-30 feet, depending on the dog. The biggest single factor in good lure operation is being able to maintain enough lead. 8. Coursing Fast Dogs: For example, Greyhounds and Whippets are very fast off the line. You must get the lure out and running fast. But, you must also slow the lure down into the finish zone so they can stop safely. If the lure gets too far in front of the runners, they may lose interest and slow down or quit entirely. Remember, Greyhounds can’t turn on a dime and they need enough space to slow down. When they attempt to put on the brakes too quickly, toes and toe nails can be broke if they don’t have enough time to stop. An experienced hunting dog will always try to catch its prey by choosing the shortest and most efficient way. The successful attempt to get the prey in an easy and efficient way is a sign for the dog’s ability to learn and shouldn’t be thought of as laziness on the part of the dog. A lure coursing dog will attempt to catch his prey by running on the side and slightly behind the lure, and when it begins to slow down he will lower his head and try to catch the lure with his mouth. After the lure has stopped, he will try to hold the lure both with his mouth and with his feet. If two dogs are attempting to catch the prey (lure) one will usually defend his prey (lure) against his competitor in the manner described above. When a Greyhound has to stop fast, the dog’s front legs, from paw to stop pad are flat on the ground. We have seen Greyhounds who were not wrapped injuring their stop pads or receiving a cut on the top of the toe. Greyhounds should only be run by an experienced Lure Operator. Note: Always let the dogs catch the lure as it’s their prize. However, at the finish, our Field Assistants and catchers should attempt a quick retrieval of the lure, not allowing the dogs to destroy the lure. We want them to leave wanting more. distance ahead of the runners while allowing the dog’s constant visual contact. 10. Inclement Weather: Remember, if the lure coursing field is less than great, a good Lure Operator can improve how the dogs will perform on it. The best Lure Operators are the ones that make the dogs look their best. The distance from the Green Start Cones to the first Finish Zone Pulley is approximately 550 feet or approximately 183 yards. Our course is a straight drag lure line course, with a 50 foot catch area. Note: On our course, Whippets and Salukis will run from 30 to 32 mph and Greyhounds 36 mph and higher. Irish Wolfhounds have ran from 29 to 33 mph. The average course speed is approximately 30 mph. Please be aware that heavy overnight dew, or rain on the day also make the lure slow. The line gets wet from the grass and starts slipping on the pulleys, plus the drag of the lure on the wet grass, all contribute to slowing down the speed of the lure. 9. Lure Operator Duties: a. Lays out the course with the help of assistants. b. Makes at least one test run of the lure before the first course of the day. c. Stops the lure 50 feet before the lure machine, if possible. d. Attempts to keep the lure 10 to 30 feet in front of the dog at all times after the course begins. e. Operate the lure in a smooth, uniform and consistent manner. This process involves adjustments in speed to maintain a safe Note: When using animal skins the drag on the lure can be considerable if the ground is wet or it has just rained. You might want to consider using white plastic bags in this situation. 11. Lure Operator Authority: During the running of the course, the Lure Operator has the authority to stop the lure if a hazard develops or when a loose dog or other object enters the coursing field. The Lure Operator may also stop the lure at any time and for any safety reason as the lure operator deems appropriate. Furthermore, the Lure Operator and Field Master Assistants reserve the right to stop or limit any dog’s participation due to age, body condition, lameness, physiological limitations, temperament, weather conditions or any other factor that could affect the safety of the dog, other participating dogs, or spectators either dog or human. The Lure Operator must always be on the alert for unauthorized persons, hounds, or objects coming onto the field and with which a dog could collide. Of particular concern are dogs that are not properly controlled or secured when they are not running. The course is considered finished only when the lure comes to a complete stop. It is the Lure Operator's responsibility to stop the lure safely away from the lure machine. When the lure has stopped the Lure Operator will shout, "Retrieve your hound(s)" to the handlers, and until this verbal command is given, no handler may retrieve a dog or enter the finish zone with a dog. This is to prevent possible injury to the running dog or dogs, or another non running dog or human. 12. The Finish Zone: Sometimes the Lure Operator may need to step down on the line as the lure passes the second pulley and is headed toward the lure machine, in order to insure that the lure does not accidentally run into the area of the lure machine and pulleys and for the safety of the coursing dogs. It depends on the dog you are running, their speed, agility and ability to follow, but the best place to stop the lure is either just after the first pulley (between the first and second pulley) or after it has made its way around the second pulley, but no more than 50 feet in front of the protective orange fencing. Finish Zone Safety: Handlers and other coursers are not allowed in the Finish Zone until the lure has stopped. No slipper, handler or catcher may retrieve a dog or enter the Finish Zone with a dog until the lure has completely stopped. Only the Field Master Assistants, Lure operator and Photographer are allowed in the Finish Zone. If there are special circumstances, the Lure Operator or Field Master Assistant(s) can ask a handler or catcher to stand in a particular location, but only far enough away from the safety cones/pulleys and the lure line as it is safe to do so. Handlers and other coursers are not allowed in the Finish Zone until the lure has completely stopped. This is to prevent the possibility of injury to the running dog(s) a non running dog or human. Too many people in the Finish Zone can create unnecessary confusion, making it difficult for Field Assistant(s) to stop the dog safely and remove the lure and increase the likelihood of injury to the coursing dog and or human. Furthermore, handlers and observers shall stay out of the path of the running dogs as they come in on the lure to avoid a collision which could result in injury to both hound and human. Once the dog or dogs are safely retrieved by their handlers and have moved away from the lure and the string and are off the course and the next runner or runners are at the start, the Lure Operator will shout, "Hold Your Hounds" prior to signaling he is ready to the next runner or set of runners at the start. The Lure Operator and or the Field Master and the Assistant Field Masters will inspect the lure and lure coursing machine for damage after each run and retrieve any pieces of the lure anywhere on the field which potentially could distract a running dog during a subsequent course. 13. Lure Coursing Set-Up Terms: 1. Hold-Down Pulley: Used to hold the line down so the line winds evenly onto the take up wheel during coursing. 2. Tension Pulley: The 4 pulleys that adjust the tension on the line from the lure coursing machine. 3. Finish Zone Field Pulley: There are two of these: one at the end of the run and another at 90 degrees to return the line to the lure coursing machine. 4. Finish Zone Field Pulley Cones: 4 large orange cones that surround the finish zone field pulley. 5. Field Line Support Cones: Small orange cones used to prevent the dogs from coming in contact with the moving coursing line. 6. Yellow Lure Cones: 2 cones used to designate where the lure is to be placed. 7. Green Start Cones: 2 cones used to designate the start line. 8. Finish Zone: The area where the dogs finish their run and catch the lure. 13. HLCC Lure Coursing Staff Field Clerk: Assigns the running order of the dogs and fills out the running board. The running order is based upon the arrival of the handler and the dog for coursing. Hunt Master/Lure Operator: Sets up and tears down the course with assistance from the Field Master and Field Master Assistants. Starts the coursers (runners) and operates the lure machine. Slipper/Handler: Person who helps out with starting/slipping dogs as required or needed. Photographer: Photographs the lure coursing event. Paddock Master: Helps the coursers get ready to start, instructs handlers (dog owners-coursers) on slipping procedures and the use of the slip lead. Assists and instructs new members or other members as requested or required with starting/slipping their dog. Field Master: Catches and retrieves the runners at the finish line, assists in separating the dogs and the lure from the dogs after their run, re- strings the pulleys, readies the lure and prepares the lure for the next runner. Field Master Assistant: Catches and retrieves the runners at the finish line, assists in separating the dogs and the lure from the dogs after their run, re- strings the pulleys, readies the lure and prepares the lure for the next runner. Field Master Assistant and Lure Runner: Catches and retrieves the runners at the finish line, assists in separating the dogs and the lure from the dogs after their run, re- strings the pulleys, readies the lure, prepares the lure for the next runner and runs the lure out to the start for the slippers/handlers as needed. 15. Glossary of Lure Coursing Terms 1. Course/Coursing: Lure course patterns can vary from short, straight courses, to elaborate pulley systems and extremely long courses that zigzag and mimic the way a rabbit would run in the field. 2. Follow: Means in pursuit of the lure, not another dog or dogs. 3. Free Run: Running is best for building a good cardio system. This is hard running, not running around in the back yard. 4. Hand Slipped: Releasing the hound by hand upon movement of the lure. 5. Handlers (usually the owner) hold the dog at the starting line and retrieve them at the finish line. 6. Lure: The lure used in lure coursing is made of plastic bags or animal skins. (Skunk, Raccoon) 7. Lure Coursing: Lure coursing is a humane sport which attempts to re-create the chase of the rabbit by the pursuing dog. The "bunny" consists of a white plastic bag or animal skin attached to a line that runs through a series of pulleys to simulate the zigzag path of a rabbit on the run. 8. Lure Operator: Operates and starts the lure at the signal from the dog owner, and makes every effort to keep the lure 10-25 feet in front of the dog at all times, and will stop the lure anytime the safety of the dog(s) are in jeopardy. To run the lure machine, the lure operator holds the button down on the switch to make the lure go and releases the button to stop or slow down the lure. The process of “jogging or pulsing” the switch is the normal way that a course is run. 9. During the running of the course, the lure operator has the authority to stop the lure if a hazard develops, or when a loose dog or other object enters the coursing field. The lure operator also may stop the lure at any time and for any safety reason as the lure operator deems appropriate. 10. The course is considered finished only when the lure comes to a complete stop, and it is the lure operator's responsibility stop the lure safely away from the lure machine. 11. Lure Wise: Dogs with considerable lure experience are termed "lure-wise" and may try to anticipate or "cheat" by attempting to cut off the lure instead of trying to capture the lure using follow, speed and agility. 12. Running Clean: Not interfering another dog during coursing. with 13. Slip Collar/Leash: A slip collar is simply a wide leash with a set of metal D rings. The collar is held in such a way that when released, the dog is set free to chase the lure. 14. Straight Coursing: Straight drag coursing is a short sprint of about 475-600 feet, run three times over the course of a three hour period. It’s not a competitive race, but the dogs are cheered on by the other coursers and one dog is always faster than the other, but both are always winners. 15. Wrapping: Many Sighthound owners choose to wrap their dog’s legs with VETWRAP to protect them from possible line burn and to keep the dew claws from catching the line. In most cases this isn't necessary since the line is kept out in front of the dog at all times, and we do not use a continuous loop system. 16. Overrun: Failure of the lure operator to maintain adequate distance in front of the lead dog resulting in the lead dog passing or overtaking the lure. 17. Pre-Slip: The dog is slipped (released) before the lure is moved. Hawaii Lure Coursing Club members, participants or organizers offer their opinions based on experiences as dog handlers in lure coursing and in no event, will the Hawaii Lure Coursing Club be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, general, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special, arising from the use of information provided in the Hawaii Lure Coursing Club Lure Operator Handbook 2012. The Hawaii Lure Coursing Club does not make any warranties or representations with respect to the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of any information or materials contained in the Hawaii Lure Coursing Club Lure Operator Handbook 2012, including but not limited to: text, graphics, applications, databases, services, medical information, veterinary information, dog training or behavioral information information or materials. or any other Nor shall the Hawaii Lure Coursing Club assume any legal liability for the content, quality, accuracy or completeness of said information and materials. The Hawaii Lure Coursing Club website, brochures, handbooks, pamphlets and booklets may or may not contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owners. Therefore, when available, practical and applicable, credit is provided as to the original source and copyright owner of the material. We believe that this “not-for-profit” and for “educational use” on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of US Copyright Law). If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. HLCC Lure Coursing Photo 2012 We do conformation with our dogs for us, not them. We do agility with our dogs for the both of us. We do lure coursing with our dogs strictly for them." This pamphlet is not for sale and is available to HLCC Members without charge. It can also be downloaded for free via our website at www.hawaiilurecoursingclub.com