New to Racing?
The Basics
Eligibility
Silken Windhounds must be registered with LGRA for straight racing and with ISWS for oval racing. LGRA registration information can be found at http://iswsstraightracing.weebly.com/lgra-registration.html while ISWS oval registration can be completed at the oval racing website.
Muzzles
You must have a properly fitted muzzle for your dog and your dog must be accustomed to wearing it. If your dog is thinking more about the muzzle than the lure, he is not ready to race.
Blankets
You will need a set of four racing blankets in a size to fit your dog. You may be able to borrow blankets, but it’s much better to have your own before you attend your first meet.
Practice
If your dog has never entered a race meet, he is considered an FTE (first time entered).
If your dog has never run a lure before, you will need to do some training with him. Practices are often available at race meets and some clubs schedule practice days only.
Your dog must first be keen on the lure before being trained to break from the starting box. Dogs get in the box because they want to get to the lure. A dog that is not focused on the lure is not ready for box training.
When your dog is clearly focused on the lure, muzzle and box trained, you will need to do a qualifying run before you enter your first race meet. The qualifying run must demonstrate that your dog will run cleanly with another qualified dog of comparable speed.
Other Equipment
Even if you do not own blankets or muzzles, there are things you must bring for practice.
Silken Windhounds must be registered with LGRA for straight racing and with ISWS for oval racing. LGRA registration information can be found at http://iswsstraightracing.weebly.com/lgra-registration.html while ISWS oval registration can be completed at the oval racing website.
Muzzles
You must have a properly fitted muzzle for your dog and your dog must be accustomed to wearing it. If your dog is thinking more about the muzzle than the lure, he is not ready to race.
Blankets
You will need a set of four racing blankets in a size to fit your dog. You may be able to borrow blankets, but it’s much better to have your own before you attend your first meet.
Practice
If your dog has never entered a race meet, he is considered an FTE (first time entered).
If your dog has never run a lure before, you will need to do some training with him. Practices are often available at race meets and some clubs schedule practice days only.
Your dog must first be keen on the lure before being trained to break from the starting box. Dogs get in the box because they want to get to the lure. A dog that is not focused on the lure is not ready for box training.
When your dog is clearly focused on the lure, muzzle and box trained, you will need to do a qualifying run before you enter your first race meet. The qualifying run must demonstrate that your dog will run cleanly with another qualified dog of comparable speed.
Other Equipment
Even if you do not own blankets or muzzles, there are things you must bring for practice.
- A crate or other secure way to contain your dog.
- TWO leashes − Your dog is going to run 200 yards. You will either be letting someone else slip the dog or letting someone else catch the dog – either way you will need a leash for the start and the finish.
- A flat buckle collar − Dogs are allowed to race wearing collars and it is much easier for the catcher to get a dog off the lure if they have a "handle" to grab. You can walk your dog to the start with any type of collar/leash combination you like, but let him wear a flat nylon collar while he is running.
Straight Racing Needs YOUR Help!
Straight or sprint racing is a labor intensive sport. All participants are encouraged and expected to help out.
1. Each race requires that 2, 3 or 4 dogs be walked to the boxes or starting line with their muzzles on. In a boxed meet, the dogs must be boxed in the order of their blanket numbers. You may not carry your dog to the starting line.
2. At the end of each race, there must be sufficient catchers waiting with leashes to catch each dog after the lure stops moving. If your dog is hard to catch, let someone else walk it to the box while you remain at the finish line to catch it. DO NOT train your dog to run back to you.
3. There must be a midpoint foul judge stationed 1/2 way up the track and another foul judge approximately 10 feet before the finish line. The box operator may serve as a third foul judge. None of these foul judges may have a dog in a race they are judging. Two judges are required and three are desired. You must understand what is a foul or is not a foul before serving as a foul judge.
4. There may be either two or four finish line judges for each race. There must be an even number of judges on each side of the finish line because a race finish can be seen differently depending on location and angle of sight. Judges must stand AT the finish line (neither before the finish line nor after the finish line) and carefully observe and record the order of finish as they see it. If you aren’t able to record the blanket numbers, then record the colors. Colors are easier to start with, but most people graduate to recording numbers. Each judge records the order of finish on his judging sheet, initials or signs the sheet and then gives the results to the head line judge. If all the judges agree on the finish, the results are turned in to the race secretary. If the judges do not agree and are unable to resolve the issue, then take the results to the race secretary. The race secretary will know how to resolve the finish according to the rules. A finish line judge does not record fouls.
5. Before the meet begins, a two person inspection committee will examine all dogs for soundness and bitches in season. Inspection is after roll call and before the draw.
6. The official race committee will resolve any questions regarding interpretation of the rules.
7. After the draw for each program, the races will be posted on the board in the order in which they will be run. Positions for each dog with the corresponding blanket colors will be posted on the board. Have your dog blanketed in advance and have their muzzles handy. Your dog should be blanketed, muzzled and ready to walk to the boxes about the time the race before yours finishes.
8. Have fun and ask questions when you need to.
1. Each race requires that 2, 3 or 4 dogs be walked to the boxes or starting line with their muzzles on. In a boxed meet, the dogs must be boxed in the order of their blanket numbers. You may not carry your dog to the starting line.
