3 Best Dog Lure Course Machines

Some of the dog rescue events I’ve volunteered at have featured a dog lure course. Dogs can sign up to use it, and it’s so much fun to watch the dogs interact with the machine. Many dogs are super into it while others are uninterested. 

For many dogs who love lure coursing, events like this are the only time they get to use it. However, it’s possible to rent these machines or even buy one so your dog can enjoy it all the time. Let’s dive into the concept of lure coursing and which dogs it’s best for.

Mutts About Pets is reader-supported. When you shop through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. (Part of those earnings go to animal organizations)

What is Canine Lure Coursing?

Lure coursing is a canine sport where the dog chases an artificial lure. The lure could be a fake animal, but oftentimes, it’s just a plastic bag on a string. The lure is attached to a string that moves quickly to entice the dog to chase the lure. When a plastic bag is moving quickly, it really does look like a small animal.

Some dogs compete in sporting events for lure coursing while other dogs simply do it for fun. It’s a great form of exercise and mental stimulation, especially for high-energy dogs.

Pros and Cons of Dog Lure Coursing

Any form of intense exercise for dogs comes with benefits and risks. Consider those before deciding if lure coursing is right for your dog.

Pros of Canine Lure Coursing

• It’s a great form of mental and physical exercise.

• It taps into the natural hunting instincts of certain breeds.

• Many dogs have a lot of fun with it.

Cons of Canine Lure Coursing

• The line could cause injuries if the dog trips over it.

• Dogs could overheat during hot temperatures or long sessions.

• It’s not a good fit for all dogs.

Like any new exercise routine, you should ease your dog into it. Start with short sessions and pay attention to your dog’s body language. If your dog seems stressed or is working themselves too hard to chase the lure, it’s best to stop the activity and reconsider whether it's a good fit for your pup.

Flickr

Is Lure Coursing for Dogs Right for My Pup?

Since lure courses can be dangerous in some situations, it’s best to consider your dog’s needs to decide if it’s a good activity for them. If your dog has lots of energy and a high prey drive, it’s likely a good activity for them. It could be a great way to keep them engaged while getting some of their excess energy out.

If you want to enter a lure coursing event with your dog, you need to ensure they’re not reactive toward other dogs or people. Also, only certain breeds are eligible for AKC lure coursing events. If your dog’s breed isn’t on the list, they can still enjoy casual lure coursing events and lure coursing at home.

Best Dog Lure Course Machines

For dogs that can’t get enough of lure coursing, you may want to get a dog lure course machine at home. That way, they can play with it frequently without having to worry about other dogs and people getting in the way.

Dog lure coursing machines can be pricey, and there aren’t a lot of ones available for purchase. Below are three options you can order online, each of which is best for different situations.

1. SwiftPaws Flag Lure Course for Dogs (Best for Casual Lure Coursing)

If you’re just looking for a personal lure course to set up in your backyard for fun, SwiftPaws is a great option. It comes with everything you need to set up a lure course at home, including a main unit, three pulleys, 250 feet of line, 30 flags, stakes, tethers, and a rechargeable battery. The whole thing can be set up in only a few minutes.

You can easily control the dog lure course machine from an app on your phone. Each session lasts 90 seconds, and you can play over five sessions per charge. It can move up to 30 miles per hour, so it’s a unique way to get your dog’s energy out while keeping them engaged.

Buy Now

2. Pet Deluxe Indoor Lure Course for Dogs and Cats (Best for Indoor Lure Coursing)

This is a smaller lure course machine, making it an ideal choice for cats and small dogs to use indoors. It comes with a main unit, three pulleys, colorful lures, and about 195 feet of rope (but the length is customizable). It comes with an easy-to-use remote control.

This indoor lure course comes with a rechargeable battery and a safety feature, which makes it shut down after five cycles to avoid overexertion. A unique feature of this product is that it can simulate mouse sounds to make the lure even more enticing for your pet.

Buy Now

3. Lucky Dogs Lure Coursing (Best High-End Lure Coursing)

Lucky Dogs Lure Coursing is a much pricier option, but its durability makes it worth it. This option is perfect for dogs who use lure courses regularly, especially those training for lure coursing events. The machines come with the pulleys, strings, and stakes necessary for setting it up.

These lure courses can go over 58 miles per hour, and you can control the speed and reverse directions. The machine has a built-in cooling fan to prevent it from overheating. It operates by plugging into a 110V wall plug, so there’s no need to worry about the battery dying. It even comes with a two-year warranty on the machine and pulleys to ensure you get a quality, long-lasting product.

Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You Buy Dog Lure Coursing Equipment?

The dog lure course machines listed above are great choices. However, there are other brands out there, so search for dog lure course equipment online to see all your options and decide which is best for your needs.

Can You Make Your Own Dog Lure Course?

Some dog owners have created DIY lure courses, but it can be a complicated process. Look at videos to help you create your own. An easier option would be to find other toys your dog could chase instead, such as a remote control car.

How are Dog Lure Coursing Events Scored?

Judges score the dogs on a scale from one to ten for their speed, agility, endurance, follow, and ability. So, a perfect score would be 50 points.

What Are Other Dog Exercise Options Like Lure Coursing?

Fast CAT is a similar dog sporting event where dogs chase a lure on a straight track rather than a curved one. You could also work on agility and fetch.

Consider a Dog Lure Course Machine for Your Canine’s Exercise

Lure coursing is a unique dog sport that’s perfect for high-energy dogs that love to chase things. There are plenty of events where your dog can try out a lure course machine, and if they love it enough, you might want to consider getting one at home. Just make sure you monitor them closely while they’re using it to reduce the risk of injuries and overexertion. After all, your dog’s health and safety should always come first.