Greyhounds, who are born hunters, no longer have the possibility of hunting because this discipline has been forbidden to them since 1844. To overcome this, a sport which is exclusively dedicated to them has emerged to allow them to to express their full potential: pursuit at sight on a decoy or PVL. Focus today on this discipline very little known to non “aficionados” of Greyhounds.
Lure sight pursuit: what is it?
Lure sight pursuit, or otherwise called Coursing in English, is a canine sport that simulates hare hunting with changes in the direction of the decoy (the “false” hare), obstacles to cross with vegetation, etc.
It's a race that is therefore practiced in natural terrain but there is also another alternative in a cynodrome where here the dogs pursue a lure that does not change direction, this discipline is called Racing and therefore differs from the PVL.
Greyhound racing is quite old and is the subject of bets in the same way as horse racing, but PVL is a much more recent discipline (first race in 1993) which is closer to the hunt to which Greyhounds no longer have access. It is also almost exclusively a competitive sport and many official races are organized by specialized clubs and approved by the CNUL of the SCC (National Commission for the Use of Sighthounds of the Société Centrale Canine).
During competitions, two dogs oppose each other and therefore pursue the trajectory of the simulated “game” which is in fact a lure made from rabbit skin.Regarding the course lengths, they must be between 300 and 600 meters for small breeds such as the Whippet or the Italian Greyhound (Pli) and generally between 600 and 1000 meters for large breeds.
The PVL: for which dogs?
These races are specifically reserved for Greyhounds (FCI group 10 breeds), namely:
- Azawakh,
- the Greyhound,
- the Afghan Hound (Tazi),
- the Persian Greyhound (Saluki),
- the Arabian Greyhound (Sloughi),
- Russian Greyhound (Borzoi),
- Irish Wolfhound,
- the Scottish Greyhound (Deerhound),
- the Whippet,
- the Polish Greyhound,
- the Spanish Greyhound (Galgo),
- Hungarian Greyhound,
- the Italian Greyhound (Fold).
However, only dogs registered definitively in the LOF (or in a Book of Studs recognized by the FCI) can participate in the official races. In addition, registered Greyhounds must have obtained their Lure Sight Pursuit Certificate in advance, which is a document that certifies their ability to participate in official competitions.
How to train a dog to PVL?
As with any discipline, an education is often in order, although some subjects really have pursuit, speed and agility in their genes. But you should know that even a Greyhound puppy that descends from a "high lineage" of racing dogs can prove to be very inefficient or not at all interested in the PVL.
Sometimes you have to be patient to teach your greyhound to “run” within the framework of a specific discipline.
Tip 1: Classical education
First of all, the Greyhound in question must be well educated. He must be a good companion in everyday life and know the basics of education, without being a king of obedience either. It will always be much easier to teach an already educated greyhound to chase.
Tip 2: Socialization
The Greyhound must be properly socialized, whether with other dogs but also with humans. They are generally very sensitive dogs that can quickly become fearful or even aggressive if they are not socialized. It is therefore a point not to be overlooked in the education of your Greyhound puppy.
Tip 3: Lure appeal
Then, it is then necessary to motivate the Greyhound to pursue a lure (without it being a real prey). This is very important and proves to be a decisive step in the hope of one day registering your dog for official competitions.However, it is generally very easy to encourage your puppy to pursue the lure because his play instinct is often very present.
Small aside: in the subjects that I usually deal with here, I generally warn against the excess of throwing games which tend to reinforce the dog's instinct of pursuit But here, within the framework of a work and a precise learning of Pursuit at Sight on Decoy, the throwing games are particularly beneficial.
Tip 4: Motivation
If your puppy is not particularly interested in the lure you offer him (which is generally designed with plastic strips), do not hesitate to make it even more "interesting" by adding 'rabbit skin, treats, etc.
Furthermore, to motivate your dog even more to chase the decoy, do not hesitate to create quick and sudden movements with the decoy so that it represents even more prey for your dog.
Then your attitude is also very important, if you are enthusiastic and playful your puppy/dog will be too.
Finally, at the end of the chase session that you have initiated (which should not be too long but above all offered regularly), frustrate your dog a little and leave him hungry, this will promote his motivation for the next session. Above all, do not leave the lure available to him, hide it and bring it out only when you want to work on strengthening the pursuit.
Tip 5: Joining a club
Once your puppy is old enough to join a club, don't hesitate to register it to start racing with what is called a motor lure. This allows your dog to gradually get used to chasing the lure with the engine noise in the background.
Then, of course, it allows you to socialize and educate your dog in this discipline while being supervised by qualified/passionate/experienced people.
Tip 7: Starter boxes
You must also accustom your dog to the starting boxes which can be, without familiarization, quite traumatic for a dog, moreover a Greyhound. Here, the best thing is to get professional advice and use specific equipment. Although you can also build cardboard starting boxes at home to get your puppy used to it from an early age and simulate racing starts.
Tip 8: Wearing a muzzle
During official races, dogs are muzzled for their safety. You must therefore teach your dog from an early age to wear and support a muzzle. This habituation must be progressive and above all always positive. I invite you to read our article dedicated to this subject to follow all the steps.
Tip 9: Respect the dog's rhythm
Speed races require great vigilance regarding the dog's state of he alth, preparation and recovery. This is not about racing a puppy that is not yet “trained” or a dog that has just eaten, or has been injured or has he alth problems.
Furthermore, races require diligent and regular training. It is a demanding sport that requires optimal physical condition.
Tip 10: Solo races before group races
" Finally, even if the races are always done with 2 or more, it is advisable to accustom your dog to first run alone because to obtain the Brevet de PVL, there is a stage where the dog runs only. In fact, if your dog has always been used to running with friends, it will be very difficult to motivate him to run alone."