USEFUL INFORMATION

Herding email address:  herding@lccoc.org

Lure Coursing email address: lurecoursing@lccoc.org

CATS/Fast CATS email address: webmaster@lccoc.org

Pet Therapy email address:  pettherapy@lccoc.org

AKC Herding Page

AKC Lure Coursing Page

AKC CAT Page & Fast CAT Page

AKC Pet Therapy Page

AKC Title Descriptions

HERDING

LCCOC does not hold a trial nor are formal classes given.  The AKC currently offers five herding titles.  Please see the AKC herding link above for further information.

For more information on herding, please send an email to herding@lccoc.org

LURE COURSING

As with herding and tracking, members coordinate times to train their dogs.  Although LCCOC does not host a trial, there are nearby clubs who host these AKC events where titles can be earned.  This event is primarily for sighthounds, such as Greyhounds.

Please send an email to lurecoursing@lccoc.org for more information on lure coursing.

CATS & FAST CATs

The Coursing Ability Test (CAT) and Fast CAT are two of the most recent events in which any dog registered with AKC, whether purebred or not, can participate.  These are very similar to the lure coursing for sighthounds but open to all dogs.   See the links at the top of the page for more information on both of these dog sports.  See the Fast CAT and CAT videos at the bottom of the page to get a better look at dogs in action!  

PET THERAPY

LCCOC was established in 1963 and the pet therapy program began in 1989 (36 years). Our volunteers and their dogs, “Bayou Buddies,” visit over 50 locations in the Baton Rouge area, ranging from senior citizen facilities to schools, hospitals, libraries, and community events. We are a free service. Some visits are monthly, while others are scheduled for a specific date. Over the years, the program has expanded to seven days a week – daytime and nighttime visits. We are the “official” therapy dogs for the Baton Rouge airport, providing comfort to traveling passengers. We have 16 sponsors from local businesses whose donations cover the costs of the dogs’ vests, our volunteers’ t-shirts, and the costs of maintaining three Little Free Libraries at the airport. Our dogs are well trained in obedience and their temperaments contribute to their success when interacting with the public.  We are an official, AKC pet therapy program which allows our dogs to earn titles in pet therapy. Questions? Contact the director at pettherapy@lccoc.org.  Also, visit us on Facebook under “Bayou Buddies Pet Therapy.”

FAQ's

HERDING

Where can I take herding lessons?
There are several locations within an hour of Baton Rouge where you can take herding. Please contact the herding contact person for a complete list.

What is the first herding title that I can try for?
Herding Instinct

What is the difference between a Herding Trial and a Herding Test?
Herding Tests include the Instinct Test (HI), the Herding Test (HT) and the Pre-Trial Test (PT). All of these levels are prior to the test level and require that you are tested under two different judges. The Herding Trial levels are Started, Intermediate, and Advanced. Trial levels require that your dog receive a passing score from three different judges. Herding Tests may be given on various types of stock such as ducks, sheep, or cattle.

Does my dog have to have an AKC Registration to herd?
No, not to herd, but your dog must be registered with the AKC to compete in an AKC Herding Trial or Test

Does my dog have to herd sheep?
No, dogs may herd many different types of stock including sheep, cattle, ducks, goats, turkeys, geese, etc.

In Herding competition, what is a leg?
A leg is one qualifying score under an official judge at an official AKC Herding Trial. 

How many legs does my dog need for a Herding Title?
It depends on which title you are trying to obtain. For Test level, it is two legs. For Trial levels, it is three legs.

Can any dog compete in an AKC Herding Test or Trial?
No, only dogs that are on the official AKC list of eligible breeds may compete.

Does my dog have to take lessons to take the Herding Instinct Test?
No, your dog does not need to have prior experience with herding to be tested for instinct.

How do I get an official AKC Herding Instinct Certificate?
Your dog needs to show sustained interest in stock under the supervision of two different AKC Herding judges at an official AKC Herding Test.

Can I enter the Herding Instinct Test the day of the test?
Yes, if the Test/Trial is not full you may enter the day of the test.

Do I have to show my dog at AKC herding events?
No, there are other organizations that hold herding trails. For example, the American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) and the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).
 

CATS & FAST CATS

Does my dog need special training for CATS and/or Fast CATS?
No, this sport is mainly about instinct and a desire to chase in play.  Your dog does need to be physically sound and not have any underlying conditions that might be affected by running.  Some dogs may mind the whine of the "lure" at first, but catching the lure gets many dogs' attentions right from the start.  See the videos below for an example of both sports.  

Can I attend an event alone?

Sure but be aware that in Fast CATS, there should be one person to release the dog and one person to catch the dog at the other end.  You may be able to find someone at an event to help but your dog needs to be well-socialized and allow someone to either hold or catch them without an incident.

Where can I find an event?
You can also find trials in your area on the AKC website.  Not all trials host both events.

Does my dog need to be AKC registered to participate?
Yes, your dog does need to be AKC registered.

PET THERAPY

Do I have to have a CGC title to do Pet Therapy with LCCOC?
No, but it is highly recommended. Having passed the CGC gives you and other pet therapy dog owners the confidence that your dog can behave in difficult situations.

When is the CGC Test given?
There is a test after every session in which CGC is held.   You can also find evaluators on the AKC website.

How often do LCCOC teams do Pet Therapy?
See the "PET THERAPY" section above.

Does LCCOC train or evaluate independent therapy teams.
Any training or evaluation for therapy work is for LCCOC members only.

If my dog is a therapy dog, can they go  anywhere with me (ie Service dog)?
No, a therapy dog or an emotional support animal (ESA) is not considered a service dog.  Service dogs have full access rights as mandated by the ADA.  Please use the AKC link here to learn more the differences.