Just because your dog is normally a couch potato doesn’t mean he or she can’t run the course. However, after the run you might want to follow these simple tips to make your dog more comfortable:
- You must warm your dog up prior to running the course to prevent injuries. We have regular warm-up sessions at the field every 20 minutes, so please allow for enough time when scheduling your outing.
- Walk your dog for 5 minutes as a cool-down exercise after each run (good for warm-ups, too!)
- DO NOT LAUNCH YOUR DOG! All 4 feet on the ground at all times!
- Check your dog for any injuries or stickers
- Don’t let your dog gulp down water (moderate and slow)
- Place your dog in a comfortable area out of sight of the lure (this may be difficult because the course goes right by the rest area but crates can be very helpful if you have one)
- Always remember to bring plenty of water from home for drinking and cooling down (we do not have running water at either field).
- For summer runs, place a wet towel in the freezer the night before coursing. Bring it with you and keep it cool for the ultimate cool-down blanket.
- Even though lure coursing is a lot of fun, the safety of each dog is our primary concern. At the BIG FIELD in the event something should come up, we have a complete first aid (triage) station on the field at all times. At the MICRO RUNS we do not have any emergency supplies at this time, but there are veterinary clinics nearby. Our dogs love to run, and it is our job to keep them safe and healthy so they can!
- Like any athlete, a good rubdown after running will keep your dog in good shape and help prevent injuries. You might consider taking your dog to a Certified Canine Massage Provider (ask Pat). It's great for warm-ups, cool-downs, and tune-up massages.
PLEASE NOTE: If after you've signed up something comes up and you can't attend, please let us know at the latest by the day before the event. We do not respond to phone, text or email messages on the field or after 8:00 a.m. on the day of an event. If you can't attend, we can move you to another date or provide you with a refund ONLY if you give us notice. If you just don't show up or you wait until the day of the event to contact us, you will not receive a refund. No-shows at the field = no refund.