Introduction to Fast CAT Dog Sport

Ever watched your dog bolt across the park after a squirrel or toy with pure, unadulterated joy? That incredible burst of speed and focus is a sight to behold. Many dog owners look for ways to channel that natural instinct and energy into something fun and structured. If you’ve got a canine companion who loves to run, there’s a rapidly growing sport that might be the perfect fit: Fast CAT.

Unleashing the Speed: What Exactly is Fast CAT?

Fast CAT stands for Coursing Ability Test. It’s essentially a timed, 100-yard dash for dogs. Unlike traditional lure coursing, which often involves complex turns mimicking chasing live prey over varied terrain and is typically limited to sighthounds, Fast CAT is a straight shot. Dogs chase a mechanized lure (usually a white plastic bag or similar object) down a fenced, straight track. Their time is recorded, and their speed is calculated in miles per hour (MPH). Think of it as the 100-meter dash of the dog world. It’s simple, exhilarating, and incredibly accessible. The sport taps into a dog’s natural prey drive in a safe and controlled environment. The focus is purely on speed and the dog’s enthusiasm for the chase.

The Mechanics of the Dash

So, how does a Fast CAT run actually happen? It’s quite straightforward:

1. The Setup: A flat, fenced course, precisely 100 yards long, is established. At one end is the starting line, and at the other, the finish line and a safe “catch pen” area beyond it. An electronic timing system with beams at the start and finish ensures accurate measurement.
2. The Lure: A continuous loop system, operated by a trained lure operator, pulls the lure (the “bunny”) along the ground from start to finish.
3. The Start: The handler holds their dog just behind the starting line. Another person, often a friend or volunteer known as the “catcher,” waits at the finish line, ready to catch the dog. When the judge or huntmaster signals, the handler releases the dog as the lure starts moving.
4. The Chase: The dog, driven by instinct, chases the lure down the track at full speed.
5. The Finish: As the dog crosses the finish line, the electronic timers record the elapsed time. The catcher’s job is crucial here – they need to safely retrieve the excited dog in the catch pen area after it crosses the finish.
6. The Calculation: The dog’s time is converted into MPH. For example, if a dog runs the 100 yards in 7 seconds, their speed calculation involves converting yards to miles and seconds to hours. (100 yards / 7 seconds) * (3600 seconds / 1 hour) / (1760 yards / 1 mile) = approximately 29.1 MPH.

It all happens very quickly – often in less than 10 or 15 seconds, depending on the dog! The atmosphere at events is usually buzzing with excitement, cheers, and the happy panting of canine athletes.

Why is it Called “Coursing Ability”?

While it’s a straight dash, the “Coursing Ability” name connects it to the heritage of lure coursing. It tests the fundamental instinct and ability to chase, which is the foundation of traditional coursing. Fast CAT isolates the speed element, making it a test accessible to virtually any dog that loves to run, not just sighthounds bred for intricate coursing patterns.

Is My Dog a Good Candidate for Fast CAT?

One of the biggest draws of Fast CAT is its inclusivity. Unlike some dog sports requiring specific breeds or intensive training, the main requirements are quite simple:

• Age: Dogs must be at least 12 months old. This ensures they are physically mature enough for the exertion.
• Registration: Dogs need to be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This includes purebred dogs with standard AKC registration, dogs enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program (for mixed breeds or purebreds with disqualifying faults for conformation), dogs with Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) numbers, or Foundation Stock Service (FSS) breeds.
• Health: Most importantly, the dog must be physically sound and healthy. They should be fit enough to run 100 yards at top speed without risk of injury. Dogs who are overweight, have joint issues, heart conditions, or respiratory problems should not participate.
• Temperament: While intense focus on the lure is desired, dogs should generally be manageable and not overly stressed by the event environment.

You’ll see an incredible variety of dogs participating, from tiny terriers giving it their all to large mastiffs lumbering down the track with surprising enthusiasm, and lightning-fast Greyhounds or Whippets who seem born for it. It truly celebrates the canine spirit across all shapes and sizes.

Important Health Check: Before entering any Fast CAT event, ensure your dog is physically sound and not showing any signs of lameness, injury, or illness. It’s wise to have a vet checkup if you have any doubts about their fitness for high-speed running. Pushing a dog that isn’t feeling 100% can lead to serious injury. Always prioritize your dog’s well-being over competition.

Taking the First Steps into Fast CAT

Interested in trying it out? Getting started is relatively easy.

1. Find Events: Look for AKC-licensed clubs in your area that host Fast CAT trials. The AKC website’s event search feature is the best place to start. Many different types of clubs (breed-specific, all-breed, performance) host these events.
2. Register Your Dog: If your dog isn’t already AKC registered or enrolled in a program like Canine Partners, you’ll need to complete that process first.
3. Pre-Enter or Enter Day-Of: Event entry details are listed in the “Premium List” for each trial, usually available online via the AKC event search or club websites. Some trials allow day-of-show entries if space permits, but pre-entering is often recommended.
4. Basic “Training”: You don’t need complex training, but a few things help. Ensure your dog has good recall (although they’ll be chasing a lure, you need to catch them!). Get them excited about chasing a toy or flirt pole to build lure focus. Practice having someone hold your dog while you excitedly call them from a short distance away – this simulates the start line release and the catcher at the finish.
5. Event Day Prep: Bring water, shade (like a canopy or crate cover), a secure collar or harness (no choke chains or prong collars allowed during the run), a leash, and poop bags. Arrive with enough time to check in, locate the track, and let your dog potty before their run.

Don’t be intimidated! Fast CAT events are known for being welcoming to newcomers. Volunteers and experienced participants are usually happy to answer questions and guide you through the process.

The Thrill of the Chase: Why It’s So Much Fun

Fast CAT’s popularity stems from its pure fun factor, for both dogs and owners. Dogs get an incredible physical and mental outlet, tapping into their innate prey drive in a way that’s safe and rewarding. You can see the sheer joy on their faces as they lock onto the lure and sprint. For owners, watching their companion do something they so clearly love, reaching impressive speeds, is incredibly gratifying. It’s also a great bonding activity. The shared excitement, the teamwork between handler and catcher, and the positive reinforcement create strong connections. Plus, compared to sports requiring intricate handling skills or years of training, Fast CAT offers almost instant gratification. Your dog either chases the lure or doesn’t – and most dogs absolutely love it!

Points, Titles, and Bragging Rights

While fun is the main goal, there’s also a competitive aspect involving titles and rankings.

• Calculating Points: A dog’s points per run are calculated by multiplying their MPH by a handicap based on their height at the withers. This levels the playing field slightly, acknowledging the effort of shorter-legged dogs.
• Titles: As dogs accumulate points, they earn AKC titles:
  • BCAT (Fast CAT): 150 points
  • DCAT (DCAT): 500 points
  • FCAT (Fast CAT): 1,000 points
  • FCAT# (Numbered): For every additional 500 points
• Rankings: The AKC also maintains national rankings by breed and overall based on dogs’ fastest speeds recorded during the year.

These titles and rankings add an extra layer of achievement, but even without them, the experience of seeing your dog run flat-out is reward enough for most.

A Sport for (Almost) Every Dog

Fast CAT has opened the door to performance sports for countless dogs and owners who might not have participated otherwise. Its simplicity, safety, and focus on natural instinct make it uniquely appealing. Whether you have a lightning-fast sighthound, a determined terrier, a powerful bulldog, or an enthusiastic mixed breed, Fast CAT offers a chance for them to shine and simply enjoy the thrill of the run. If your dog loves to chase, it’s worth checking out an event – you might just discover their new favourite hobby.