HEC Minutes June 12, 2017

The Meeting was called to order @ 1:10 PM.

Committee members present were Bob LaBerge, Chairman; Bonnie Lapham, Secretary; Karen Bowers Lee; Tom Barrie; Gwen McCullagh; Lisa Pruka; Doug Ljungren, Caroline Murphy, both AKC staff; and Dominic Carota AKC Board Liaison.

Committee Members Absent: Don Adams, Marthalee Beckingham, Carol Fisher, John Fitzpatrick, and Barbara O’Neil.

New England Beagle Club, Inc.; Joyce Engle, Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club; Luisa Pruka,

Border Collie Society of America and Kathleen Gregory Introductions : to guests present:

Pam Davis, Cairn Terrier Club of America; Michelle Barlak, Ibizan Hound Club of the United

States; Blaine Grove, Port Chester Obedience Club, Inc.

Minutes were approved.

Self nominations are needed for September. These committee members’ terms are expiring: Don H. Adams – Cudahy Kennel Club; Dr. John S. Fitzpatrick – Mensona Kennel Club, Robert Neff LaBerge, Chair – Lawrenceville Kennel Club; Barbara O'Neill - Borzoi Club of America; Martha Lee Beckington - Mount Vernon Dog Training Club; Karen Bowers Lee - American Whippet Club; and Lisa Pruka, Border Collie Society of America.

Correspondence was received from candidates for the one open positions on the HEC Committee.

Dominic Carota, and Nick Pisias corresponded on the CAT.

Don Adams corresponded on Scent Work and The FAST CAT. That correspondence is attached

to the September Minutes.

The nominations to fill the one position on the HEC Committee were read. The Committee went

into executive session to choose a new member. The HEC Committee selected Lisa Pruka of the

Border Collie Society of America.

Carol Fisher wanted to discuss the use of haltis in getting dogs to the lure coursing field. Since Carol was absent, the Committee decided to table the haltis discussion until the September Meeting.

Fast CAT: Karen presented her report on the FAST CAT which is a first draft on rules, regulations, and conditions needed for a safe event. Report follows:

BEST PRACTICES GUIDE TO AKC FAST CAT (FAST COURSING ABILITY TEST)

BY THE HERDING, EARTHDOG, AND LURE COURSING COMMITTEE OF THE AKC DELEGATE BODY FAST CAT, a speed over distance Coursing Ability Test (known as “CAT”) was first offered as a titling event

by the AKC in 2016. Since then, it has grown rapidly in popularity with dog lovers of all breeds, including

mixed or “All-American” dogs. With this growth, the Herding, Earthdog, and Lure Coursing Committee

(HEC) of the AKC Delegate Body (the governing body of the AKC) has collected from the participants and

FAST CAT-offering clubs insights into what makes an enjoyable and safe event for all—exhibitors, dogs,

and the hosting clubs.

SAFETY

Lure coursing events are fun for dog and owner alike, but as a prey driven activity which demands athletic

exertion there is always a concern for the safety of the dog. All decisions made concerning the running of

a FAST CAT event should always be based on what is safe for the dogs, participants, and spectators.

The club shall have a veterinary clinic or a veterinarian on call whose name, address, and phone number

shall appear in the premium list, along with directions to the clinic. Directions and this information should

be posted in a prominent place at the test/trial site as well. As most such events are on a weekend, make

sure that the veterinary clinics listed offer weekend hours.

Dogs may wear any type of collar except choker collars or electronic training collars. The collar should be

snug. Hanging tags pose a safety concern and it is suggested that tags be secured to each other and the

collar with tape. Owners may run their dog muzzled if desired. Clips or rubber bands may be used to keep

long hair from falling across the dog’s field of vision.

CLUBS

Adding CAT and FAST CAT events to a club’s offerings has been an excellent way to attract new people

into the world of dog sports.

The HEC strongly encourages clubs interested in hosting FAST CAT to approach local lure coursing or

sighthound racing clubs for expertise, especially in the area of lure operation and equipment. Existing

AKC coursing clubs are encouraged to share their experience freely with clubs wishing to move into

offering CAT and FAST CAT.

The best way to start growing interest in your area is to host “fun” run practice days. Such events also

help to prepare your lure operator(s) and club members to run the official events safely and efficiently.

THE TEST COMMITTEE

The FAST CAT Committee must be fully knowledgeable of FAST CAT regulations. The committee is

responsible for the layout of the track to assure it abides by the FAST CAT rules and more importantly is

safe for all dogs – all sizes and all breeds.

The Comprehensive Premium list should include the following:

• Whether stopwatches or Break Beam Timers will be used

• If the club’s setup will be a drag lure or a continuous loop lure

• If the FAST CAT track and run-off is fully fenced

• The length of the run-out area (see more about this under THE FIELD AND COURSE, below).

• Canine Partner Forms in Premium List

• Definitions of Misconduct in Premium List

• Describe how “Inspection” will be conducted at check-in

To provide an orderly, novice-friendly, smooth-running event:

• Roll Call and Start of Event should commence promptly at published time

• Offer New Participant Orientation (this is normally called an “Owners Meeting” and is held prior

to the first runs of the Test).

• Competent Lure Operation & Working Timing Equipment/Timers in place

• Flexible Roll Call/Run Schedule if Test is offered in conjunction with a another event such as a

dog show or CAT Test

• A public address system is highly recommended.

A critical member of the Test Committee is the Paddock Master. The Paddock Master shall ensure that as

a FAST CAT entrant is being run, the next entrant is present close to the entry to the FAST CAT start

line, but not so close as to potentially distract the dog running prior to them either visually or by excessive

barking/howling. A suitable catcher for each entrant must be in place off to the side of the finish area

prior to the FAST CAT entrant being released at the start of its test.

THE FIELD AND COURSE

Items important to both the safety of each runner and the accuracy of recording the entrants’ true speed

include:

• FAST CAT tracks should ideally be flat, close-mown, and as near to level as possible for the

entire length of the 100 yard timed distance. A level track slopes neither start to finish, nor is

higher in elevation on one side than the other. The track should be checked for ruts, holes, or any

other hazard including run-out/stopping area.

• Grass and string height. A string just a few inches off the ground may be too high up the legs of

shorter breeds such as a French Bulldog or Dachshund for example. Taller grass has a negative

impact on speed, especially for smaller, shorter-legged breeds.

• The track area should be enclosed and gated with temporary gates at both the release and the

finish areas. Snow/construction fencing works well for this. Minimize opportunities for an

uninterested dog to leave the start area and run to onlookers, parking, and paddock areas.

• In no instance should the lure be run under any fencing or barrier prior to the retrieval of the

entrant at the end of the test.

• The starting line should be a minimum of 10 feet before the first timing poles or the first

stopwatch operator’s location. Dogs start with their front feet on this line, not their hind feet.

• The stop distance (the “run out”) should be a minimum of 30 yards and preferably closer to 50

yards. This allows for the lure to be taken at consistent speed until the dog has passed the end

timing poles (which is important for accuracy), then given enough distance for the lure operator

to gradually slow the lure without the dog risking hitting the barrier at the end of the track.

• If run-out area for the finish is limited, utilize shock-absorbing barriers at the end of the finish

area that are sturdy enough to contain the dog if it wished to leave the track, but which have some

give to avoid injuring a hard-finishing dog that might slide into them. If metal re-bars or harder

fencing is chosen, cushion potential impact points with softer materials such as hay bales.

• If the FAST CAT is held in conjunction with a CAT or another visually distracting event, there

should be a visual barrier or screen between the start area and each FAST CAT dog’s potential

view of that ongoing event.

LURE OPERATION

The lure operator’s skill is essential to ensuring an event where all dogs have the opportunity to safely

complete their FAST CAT run and display their maximum speed possible on the day. Lure operators should

keep the lure moving at a consistent pace and distance in front of each dog so that the dog does not react

to any noticeable slowing down or temporary stoppage of the lure. Lure operators will begin to slow the

lure after the DOG has passed through the timing poles/finish line, and not when the LURE has passed

through the timing poles/finish line. Most dogs will begin to slow when the lure begins to slow, and so

this skill is critical to obtaining an accurate and reproducible speed for enthusiastic FAST CAT dogs.

The lure operator shall stop the lure and either cut the line or remove the line from the wheel immediately

upon any indication that any part of a dog’s body or haircoat has become caught or tangled in the lure

line.

RECORDING SECRETARIES

A committee person serving in this capacity shall promptly record the time for each dog’s FAST CAT run

(if qualifying) and write the time and speed and name of dog with date on the reverse of the qualifying

run ribbon, and make this ribbon promptly available to the owner of that dog. New title ribbons and

awards can be offered at the end of the event, as well as any special or breed-specific prizes if offered on

that day.

OWNERS/EXHIBITORS

Some Pointers for the owners:

• Fitness is fundamental. Dogs can become very stimulated by the sight of a moving lure and an

unfit dog may push itself too hard for its overall conditioning level. Bring your dog trim, well-

hydrated, with nails of acceptable length to the FAST CAT starting line. Owners of dogs which

can have difficulty in extremely hot or cold conditions should use good judgment and not

endanger their dogs by running in conditions for which it is not by age, coat type, or breed type

well suited.

• Understand the Rules. If you are unclear on any point, ask during Owner’s Meeting at the start of

the event.

• Be prompt to the line. If exhibitors at a 60-dog event each take an extra minute to get to the line,

the event runs an hour longer.

• Make sure that your dog has relieved itself prior to running (doing so on the track results in a no-

pass judgment)

• Volunteer to help. As FAST CAT, unlike CAT, requires both a releaser and a catcher, if you are

by yourself offer to help others with this in exchange for help with running your dog. It’s a great

way to make a new friend!

• HAVE FUN!

Much discussion followed particularly concerning the distance and placement of dog’s front feet in relation to the start position. Tom brought up the idea of a disclaimer for the Fast CAT. Often B Matches are a good training groud for all concerned.

Since often B matches can be a problem to schedule Caroline Murphy, AKC Staff said B matches can be held consecutively with a show.

Doug joined the meeting and presented a report to the committee which follows below:

Halties: discussed why needed etc and it was decided to wait and call it unfinished business. Discussion of Haltis will be put on the September Meeting Agenda.

Marthalee wants to address herding issues

Canine influenza should take precautions e.g. Having education, have sanitizer etc.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Lapham

CORRESPONDENCE:

Bob:

Unfortunately, I cannot be at the meeting Monday. There are a couple of items that I would like the

Committee to address. The first is rather urgent since there are a number of folks in the Midwest that are

thinking about withdrawing from Fast CAT because it will take them another fifteen to twenty trials to get

a second title. That is a lot of weekends.

The second request bubbles up from those that we have been speaking with that are participating in scent

work. The cost of recognition would be low (it requires only a little programming) as compared to the

good will that might be generated.

Thanks. Have a good meeting.

I:

Letter from the Committee to the Board to recommend a change to the Fast CAT regulations to enable a

new title at 300 points. (It is my understanding that staff approves this recommendation. Please check to

verify.)

Discussion: Presently the first title is at 150 points -- changed by the Board from the original 500 points as

a result of input from the fancy. The second title remains at 500 points. The award of an intermediate title

at 300 points is widely supported by the fancy. Quick implementation is necessary to keep from

discouraging many entrants who are dropping out because it is just too difficult to attain the next title.

II.

Since the AKC’s new Scent Work will be starting soon, I think it a good idea to encourage the fancy’s

positive opinion of the AKC by recognizing the NACSW’s titles until the end of 2018. The NACSW is the

premier organization in the scent sport at this time. We have recognized another organization’s titles for

a year when the New Trick Titles came into being. This is a similar gesture.

This show appreciation for all the hard work and patience the nose work core group of participants has

experienced. We want the experienced folks in our new sport/ We don’t want a separation of exhibitors,

and this would be an excellent way to encourage positive attitudes. There is a potential for the NW people

to stay with NASCW and not participate in AKC Scent Work and we should wish to do everything we can

to avoid that. Recognizing their titles for a year is a small token for those very dedicated fanciers.

This is a new request and I would appreciate a discussion by the Committee. If approved by the committee

and staff, I would like some communication by the committee to go forward.

Please acknowledge receipt.

Thanks

Don Adams

Dear fellow HEC committee members....... due to my mother.s death this week I will be

Unable to attend the June AKC meeting.

I would like to update the committee

And let you all know that I plan on embarking on a Best Practices on Herding

As was suggested by Dominic at the last meeting. I will be happy to head

That subcommittee and have several people in mind to help.

I also would suggest that as we look to fill the two vacancies we consider

Candidates with herding backgrounds to help re.balance the committee

Overall.

there are some issues with herding , but I feel sure we can iron them out.

I also would like to report that my herding club has held a Farm Dog

Certification day and the response has been very high. Perhaps that can

Be shared with Doug as well.

Martha lee Beckington , delegate mvdtc.

On a dog note, the introduction of CATs and Fast CAT evens has raised an interesting issue. Last week I

ran lure coursing demos for a dog activity event being held by a local dog trainer and pet supply store. I ran

over 200 dogs over the weekend. Many owners expressed interest in participating in our AKC events. But

for a special few, AKC has an “exclusion clause” in our regulations. For non AKC breeds, for dogs to run

under an IPL or canine partner number, the dogs are required to be neutered or spaded. Last weekend we

had two such dogs. One was an Olde English Bull Dogge which is recognized by some other registrations

but not AKC. This dog cannot enter in our events because the dog was intact. I know mentioning Silken

Wind Hounds will get my fellow whippet owners unhappy, but this is a group of owners who have been

trying to become AKC recognized. Until they are, these dogs are excluded from our CAT and Fast CAT

events. In addition, a few years ago we had a owner of an IG whose breeder refused to provide the puppy

registration. The owner of the IG was going through AKC to get the papers but wanted to run her dog. But

without registration papers, an IPL required neutering the dog and this owner was unwilling to do that

(note the dog was an outstanding courser).

It seem hypocritical of AKC who does not want mandatory spay neuter laws on our dogs, but is so willing

to impose this mandate on other people. Is there a way to change this policy???

If my club could sort out the financial situation, my wife is pushing me to attend delegate meetings. That

could be very scary no only for me????

All the best at the meeting.

Nick

Nicklas G Pisias

Corvallis OR

ngpisias@gmail.com

Correspondence on Haltis

I asked that it be brought up again for consideration at LC (only). I'm so tired of seeing HUGE powerful

dogs going to the line pulling small or old people around. I think haltis would help a lot but they aren't allowed

at AKC events.I too don't condone flexis but the discussion is about haltis (not flexis).

Carol Fisher

cfisher23@verizon.net

Did I miss something? (not unusual in my case)

From what quarter is a discussion on Haltis/Gentle Leaders supposed to come?

I have finally realized I'm a crotchety old curmudgeon with kids on my lawn at last. It makes me nuts that

so many of my young, newer puppy buyers don't bother to leashbreak their pups but instead put them

straight into haltis or halters. I can see sport uses where having a halter on a dog would be a good idea

and I also can see the benefits if there are disc injuries to the neck but I was always taught that you get the

dog to be able to be walked under control on collar and lead first.

So, with so many of our newer and younger people seeming to think anything around the neck is animal

cruelty, I guess this is a thing that might come up more and more.

KarenLee

Personally, I hate haltis. Imagine them combined with a flexi-lead and an excited dog lunging for the lure!

We ask that people not use flexi-leads. We have lost count of the number of times we and/or our dogs have

been clothes-lined by them. When we can, we recommend front pull harnesses be used, they don’t risk the

chance of straining (or worse) a dog’s neck.

Nick

NicklasGPisias

ngpisias@gmail.com

>

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Whoever brings up at the meeting the use of haltis (aka Gentle Leaders) for use at LC events please

emphasize that there rarely are general public at LC events. Also please state that the head gears are like

halters and lead ropes for horses (you control the head,you control the body).

CarolFisher

> cfisher23@verizon.net