In 2003 The Lure Racing and Earthdog Club of Victoria Inc was incorporated and affiliated with the Victorian Canine Association. During the year the Club holds dog activity days at KCC Park. The activity days consist of point score days where races of four sets of dogs, randomly drawn by computer compete against one another. Points are awarded according to placing and a perpetual trophy is awarded to the top-scoring dog. On other days we hold non-completive lure racing, including hurdles and fun activities.

The Club conducts Earthdog practice from 8am followed by Lure Racing at 9:30am at KCC Park. Earthdog tests dates will be advised. We are also invited to do demonstrations for councils, where the Club member's race their dogs and members of the public can bring their canine companions along and join in and race their dogs. These days provide lots of fun for dogs, owners and spectators alike.

Lure Racing is a great activity for dogs, as they all love to run and chase. The dogs are raced four at a time from starting boxes and chase a lure pulled by a battery operated machine. They run over a straight fully fenced course of 80 to 100 Meters. Hurdle races are included on our race days.

The antics of some dogs when first raced have the spectators rolling with laughter. Some dog’s stay in the boxes and others run straight to the fence to a person they know instead of chasing the Lure. After a couple of races they get the idea and are very keen to catch the lure once it is set in motion.

We invite any Jack Russell Terrier and other small breeds, both pure and cross-breed, to participate in our Lure Racing activities.

The Sporting Terrier Club of Queensland, held their first In Ground Hunting Fun Day at Durack on the 14th November 1993. New South Wales Jack Russell Terrier Club followed the following year at Erskine Park. In 2003 The Lure Racing and Earthdog Club of Victoria affiliated with the Victorian Canine Association to introduce and promote the sport in Victoria. There are three levels of achievement: Novice, Senior and Master Earthdog. The sport will help retain the natural hunting instinct in our Terrier and Dachshund breeds.

Unfortunately this is not a great spectator sport as much of the action is underground. Tunnels for the Novice titles are dug 30 feet long with three 90-degree bends and den liners, constructed from plywood 9 inches high and 9 inches wide are placed in the ground and covered with dirt. A scent trail leading to the box containing the artificial prey is provided. The dog is then carried into the enclosure and released 10 feet from the entrance, the Judge and Timekeeper time the dog, which must reach the prey in 30 seconds. The dog must then start to work the prey within 30 seconds and continue for 45-60 seconds.(Work meaning growling, barking, scratching or digging) the dog is then removed from the den from a hatchway above.

Only the following registered pure breed dogs are eligible to participate in ANKC official Earthdog Tests. Dachshunds, Australian Terriers, Australian Silky Terriers, Bedlington, Border, Cairn, Dandi Dinmont, Fox Terrier (Smooth and Wire), Jack Russell, Lakeland, Manchester, Norfolk, Norwich, Parson Russell, Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Welsh, Tenterfield and West Highland White Terrier

Our Club provides training sessions for any breed or cross-breed that can safely negotiate the dens and award Club certificates for dogs that complete the tests. For ANKC Earthdog Regulations:
http://www.ankc.aust.com/regspart11.html

Lure Racing and Earthdog Club of Victoria Inc.
A0044607B