Lucy completed her confirmation championship in July 2016. At that time, we (Leann, Cindy, Liz, and myself) agreed she needed some time to grow up and mature before she continued to show in confirmation. Knowing that it was important to keep Lucy busy and in shape, I began looking for other activities she could do and titles we could work toward. During this process I learned about lure coursing. Lure coursing was originally designed for sight hounds to showcase their ability to hunt and run down small game (like rabbits and squirrels) and earn AKC titles for doing it. Sight hound enthusiasts have protected this activity and insisted that it be maintained in its original form. But others outside the sight hound world thought it looked like fun and something their dogs would enjoy. In order to please both groups, AKC created the Coursing Ability Test (CAT). Unlike traditional lure coursing which is run with multiple dogs on the field at one time, CATs are run individually. Dogs must complete the course in under two minutes while maintaining interest in the lure (generally three white plastic bags). Lucy runs a 600-yard course because she is over 12 inches at her back. Dogs who are under 12 inches or flat faced dogs run a 300-yard course and veteran dogs run 200-300 yards. In April 2017, I took Lucy to her first CAT that the Knickerbocker Standard Schnauzer Club was putting on. That weekend, Lucy earned her CA title (3 qualified tests)! She was hooked and so was I! Finding something your dog enjoys the way Lucy enjoys lure coursing is incredibly rewarding and just plain fun! Since then, Lucy has earned her CAA (10 qualified tests) and is well on her way to her CAX (25 qualified tests). We hope to finish her CAX in September at a CAT in Charlotte, NC. Along with the coursing ability tests, AKC also offers a FastCAT. This is a 100-yard dash where dogs are timed and their speed is determined. Thus far, Lucy has competed in FastCAT events and thinks it a lot of fun... even if it's over way too quick for her liking. If your SSS loves to watch and chase squirrels, I encourage you to find a CAT of FastCAT in your area. Enter, take your dog, and go! It's laid back and everyone is just there to have fun. You won't regret it!
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