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Does your dog love to run or chase? Fast CAT, which stands for Coursing Ability Test, is one of the most popular AKC sports and gives owners a fun way to test just how fast your dog is. In this timed 100-yard dash, dogs run individually while chasing a lure. With the right preparation, you and your dog can have a safe, enjoyable, and successful first Fast CAT experience.
How to Enter a Fast CAT Trial
Both purebred and mixed-breed dogs are eligible to compete, provided they’re individually registered with the AKC. Although dogs can practice coursing when they’re younger, they must be at least 12 months old to participate in Fast CAT.
One of the easiest ways to find a Fast CAT event is through the AKC events calendar. Each event’s premium list includes details about the trial, entry requirements, scheduling information, and how to reach club officials. If you have questions, the local club chair or secretary is typically your best resource.
You can also learn about upcoming events through local kennel clubs and coursing clubs. Many clubs hold Fast CAT trials alongside conformation shows.
A benefit of Fast CAT is that many trials accept day-of-event entries. Entry fees are commonly $20 to $25, while same-day entries may cost an additional $5 or $10. Practice or fun runs are often less expensive, typically ranging from $5 to $15. Keep in mind that official runs generally take priority over fun runs when events are busy.
Training Your Dog to Chase the Lure
It’s never too late to introduce your dog to lure chasing. In most trials, the lure is a white kitchen garbage bag attached to a line. A common way to build enthusiasm is to place your dog on one side of a wire fence while teasing them with the lure from the other side. Move the lure back and forth and occasionally allow your dog to catch it. Once your dog shows interest, move into the yard with them and encourage them to chase the lure while you run and move it in circles.
As exciting as lure chasing can be, safety should always come first. Dogs that become highly focused on the lure may run without paying attention to their surroundings, increasing the risk of collisions with fences, trees, people, or other dogs. Sudden changes in direction may also cause a dog to leap and land awkwardly, potentially leading to injury.
If your dog isn’t naturally interested in chasing the lure, you can build motivation by adding treats to a soft, closable bag secured to the garbage bag. Gradually teach your dog that catching the lure leads to a reward. You could even put the treats in a sandwich bag, so they bite the baggie open when they catch it, and automatically get the treats. This approach often takes more time because you’re creating the desire to chase rather than relying on instinct, but many dogs learn successfully through this method.
As your dog’s enthusiasm grows, remove the toy or treat bag and practice with only the garbage bag. Have a friend hold your dog while you walk about 50 feet away and run in a straight line, dragging the bag behind you. When your friend releases your dog, praise them when they catch the lure. Repeating this exercise helps teach a strong, fast start.
Eventually, you’ll want to expose your dog to a real coursing system. Signing up for a practice run at a Fast CAT event is often the easiest option. During practice runs, handlers can usually run alongside their dogs and encourage them, something that isn’t permitted during official competition. Because practice runs are often held in large open fields, dogs with unreliable recall skills should first be trained to return consistently when called.
What to Do on Trial Day
Proper planning can help your day go smoothly. If your dog is scheduled to run later in the day, give them only a light breakfast. If they may run within two hours of their normal mealtime, consider feeding them after they’ve completed their run and cooled down.
If your run time is assigned in advance, arrive at least 30 minutes early. More commonly, runs are organized based on arrival order, so showing up early can reduce waiting time. Check in as soon as you arrive. Most events have a check-in table where volunteers accept entries and inspect dogs. Bring your dog with you when checking in.
Inspection and Course Readiness
Before running, all dogs must pass an inspection: an official asks each dog to trot in a straight line away from and back, checking for signs of injury or lameness. The inspection person will also check each female by wiping her vulva with a tissue to ensure she’s not in season. Dogs that are lame or in season aren’t permitted to run, and clubs generally refund their entry fees.
After inspection, make sure your dog has relieved themselves before running. If they stop on the track to do so, they will not get a do-over and will automatically fail. In addition, carrying the added weight will slow them down. Try to get this done before checking in, but if you can’t, inform the check-in crew that you need to walk your dog before running.
After inspection, make sure your dog has relieved themselves before entering the course. Dogs that stop during their run to eliminate don’t receive a rerun and will not qualify. Walking your dog before running helps avoid this issue and may also improve performance by eliminating unnecessary weight and distraction.
Warming Up Before the Run
Like human athletes, dogs benefit from a proper warmup. A five-minute trot is often sufficient to prepare muscles and joints for the sprint ahead.
On warm days, take steps to prevent overheating. Keep your dog in the shade whenever possible and bring water for hydration. A spray bottle can be useful for cooling exposed skin before the run.
Because Fast CAT requires both a releaser and a catcher, bringing a friend is ideal. One person stays at the start line while the other waits in the catch area. If you attend alone, many clubs can help connect you with a volunteer. In most cases, it’s easier for a stranger to release your dog while you serve as the catcher.
Getting Ready at the Start Line
Courtesy and awareness are important throughout the event. Avoid standing too close to the track while other dogs are running. Barking or reactive behavior can distract competitors and affect their performances.
Some crews will use the following terms to let you know who’s next to run:
- “To the line!” — it’s your turn to enter the track area and proceed to the starting line.
- “On deck!” — you’re next in line.
- “In the hole!” — you’ll run after the dog currently on deck.
Because Fast CAT schedules are often tight, respond promptly when your dog is called.
Before entering the start area, wait for direction from the huntmaster (the official who runs the start line). This is a good time to ask any questions about releasing your dog safely. Your dog may wear a collar shouldn’t have any hanging tags attached.
The lure may still need to be run into its place at the start, so hold on tight to your dog, and make sure both of you are clear from the line. Your dog’s front feet must be within the starting box, although the rear feet may extend behind it. Some dogs tend to jump around and may end up facing the wrong way.
Once everyone is ready, the huntmaster confirms that both the handler and lure operator are prepared. If yes, they’ll signal the lure operator to start the lure. The lure begins moving first, creating a small head start. The huntmaster then calls, “Tally-ho!” You should release your dog when you hear the “T” in Tally-ho.
A helpful strategy is to watch your dog rather than the lure. If you look at the lure, you’re much more likely to let go of your dog too soon. The official timing begins when your dog breaks the electronic timing beam beyond the start line, not when the lure starts moving. If the lure is too close, your dog may not run as fast.
You aren’t allowed to call your dog back to you at the start line once it has completed the course. However, some dogs do run back to the start, so, once they’re committed, you can encourage them to return.
What Catchers Need to Know
The catcher should already be at the finish area before the dog enters the starting box. The catcher should access the catch area by walking alongside the course rather than on it.
Never open the catch-area gate until instructed to do so, as a loose dog could be inside. Once inside the catch area, avoid stepping on the lure line or interfering with the course. As the dog approaches the finish, stay out of their direct path. Excited dogs may run straight through anyone standing in front of them.
After Your Dog Finishes
Once you’ve leashed your dog, leave the catch area promptly so the next dog can run. Begin a gradual cooldown by walking your dog and allowing them to recover. During hot weather, there may be cooling pools or hoses available for competitors.
Offer small amounts of water and continue walking until your dog’s breathing returns to normal.
If your dog qualifies, an official ribbon displaying their time is usually available shortly after the run. The ribbon will also indicate the points earned. To qualify, your dog must complete the entire course without interruption.
If you’ve entered multiple runs, give your dog plenty of rest before repeating the process later in the day.