Who is Team MaddMac?
Team MaddMac is Don Ahrens ('Big Dog'), Melanie Heckler (Mel), Madison (Maddy) and McCormick (Mac). Maddy and Mac are two Jack Russell Terriers that began wrapping their paws around our hearts seven years ago.
Team MaddMac is also our all important Pit Crew. These friends and fellow dog lovers regularly join in helping us pull off successful events.
We provide lure coursing events to like-minded dog lovers primarily throughout Florida but also out-of-state.
What is Lure Coursing?
According to Wikipedia, Lure Coursing is a sport for dogs that involves chasing a mechanically operated lure.
More extensive lure coursing information can be found at the American Sighthound Field Association website.
However, we should clarify that lure coursing is not just for sighthounds. Any dog that likes to chase things will enjoy lure coursing. Does your dog chase squirrels, lizards, tennis balls? Then he or she will probably chase a lure. Terriers, originally bred for hunting, really enjoy lure coursing. That's how we at Team MaddMac got started-- our Jack Russell Terriers go crazy for it and its a great energy zapper for this energetic breed!
How Does it Work?
There are several ways to set up a lure coursing track. At Team MaddMac, we typically put up inner (so they can't cut across and cheat!) and outer fencing in an oval shape.
- The distance around the track is 350' - 500' -- little under a tenth of a mile
- Ground pulleys are strategically placed around the track on the ground
- String is placed around the pulleys and affixed to a wheel and small battery operated motor
- A lure (a plastic bag or piece of fake fur material) is attached to the string
- The 12 volt motor is operated with a manual switch which pulls the lure around the track
- Infrared light beam electric eyes start and stop the timer when the dog crosses, capturing times to the thousandths of a second! Typical top speeds clock at 35 mph!
See our equipment photos in the gallery.