The purpose of the CKC Sprinter Test is to provide all dogs, purebred and non-purebreds, and their owners an enjoyable, healthy field activity that will promote the canine human bond and can be rewarded with a range of field titles. It is a 100m straight run where the dog chases a lure, also called “the bunny”.

Each dog must have two handlers on the course. The handler that releases the dog is the “slipper”, and the handler at the end is the “catcher”. The dog has 60 seconds to complete the run, and then their time is converted into points towards their Sprinter titles. Depending on the height of the dog, there is also a handicap worked into the calculation of their points.

 Not sure where to start and don’t know if your dog will chase a lure? Get a lunge whip (or some rope and a stick) and tie a garbage bag to the end of it. Slowly start to pull it around and see if it interests them. If it does, find a local lure coursing club that offers practices. We are very lucky to have the Foothills Gazehound Club (FGC) in the Calgary area where practices and trials are held. Near Edmonton you will find the Alberta Lure Coursing Association (ALCA). Both clubs have Facebook pages and are very welcoming to newcomers. For complete rules visit the Canadian Kennel Club‘s website.