Copyright ® 2005 Northwest Sporting Greyhound Association. This site is owned and operated by Northwest Sporting Greyhound Association and contains material which is derived in whole or in part from material supplied by Northwest Sporting Greyhound Association, and other sources, and is protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit or distribute in any way any material from this site including code and software ("Material"). You may download Material from this site for your personal, non-commercial use only, provided you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices. Additionally, this site is designed for Netscape or Microsoft browsers v3.0+; if you have problems while visiting, contact the WebMaster.

Preparing for Practices & Trials?

Do I need special equipment?

For your first practices, until you decide that this is something that you and your hound will both enjoy, you can borrow the necessary equipment at Fun Runs. Once you decide that Lure coursing is something that you would like to become involved in you will need a slip lead and coursing coats in yellow, pink, and blue, in a size that fits your hound. We have links to a number of sites that sell these things on our "links" page. Familiarize yourself with the ASFA rules for lure trials, which are available in .pdf format at the ASFA site, or you can order a hard copy there as well.

How does my dog pre-qualify?

In order for a dog to be able to run in a trial, it must first be prequalified by a certified judge This can be done at some of the fun runs where prequalifying is offered or at some of the trials before the actual trial runs start. A judge watches the dog run with another dog of the same breed or running style to determine if it is fit and healthy and if it will run well with other dogs, not bumping or intimidating another dog in any way. If the judge approves your dog, you will be given a form that will allow you to enter your dog in future trials.

What is the next step?

To lure course your greyhound, it is required to have an N.G.A., I.L.P., A.K.C., or any other recognized foreign registry number. To obtain the N.G.A. (National Greyhound Association) number, call 1-913-263-4660 and have ready your dog’s track name, birth date and registration numbers. If you’re not sure about the birth date and registration numbers, they can be found by giving the N.G.A. your dog's tattoo numbers from both ears. If your dog is not a retired racing greyhound you will be running him with his AKC registration number. If you have a purebred sighthound, but do not have his AKC number and pedigree, you will need to obtain the I.L.P. (Indefinite Listing Privilege) number from the American Kennel Club. Forms for requesting this information can be obtained from the NWSGA secretary. With an I.L.P. number, your dog may run at both ASFA and AKC events. The I.L.P. can take up to six weeks to obtain; however, you may course your dog while waiting for the information. On the entry form for a coursing event, you circle the I.L.P. and write “Pending” underneath. The same tactic may be used if waiting for an N.G.A. number. To obtain an AKC number, check with the breeder or call the AKC. Contact the clubs in your area (information is available at the ASFA website. Ask to be put on their mailing lists for premiums (entry forms). When you get one that is on a good day for you, fill it out with the necessary information and send it in.. Make note of the time of roll call, etc.. show up that morning for the trial, and you are on your way!