Running dogs are now only used on rabbits due to the recent hunting ban where the use of dogs on fox's was banned. there are 2 main ways of using running dogs 1) for ferreting as described on the ferreting page and 2) When lamping for rabbits. in this section i will explain to you the basics of both of theese sports. 

For ferreting

Running dogs or Lurchers are commonly used amongst ferreters who do it for sport as it is fantastic to watch them  chase as they would in the wild. Lurchers were commonly used for hare coursing before the ban, you can still run dogs on rabbits as theese are classed as a pest/Vermin where as hares are not. The principle is very simple the ferreter will stamd back with his lurcher on a slip lead and wait for a rabbit to bolt he will then give the command  and slip the dog setting him off in hot pursuit this is an adrenaline filled sport as  it is great to watch the dog course the rabbit, the more experienced teh dog the more fun it is to watch as they learn to push the rabbit in to the open where it will be easier for a kill.  they can also be trained to mak holes to save you setting up all your nets on a fifty hole warren to find no one at home, this is a companion i wish i had.

As described in the ferreting section all you need to get going wih lurchers is a ferret a dog and a slip lead, theese can range from The simple, a piece of rope with a loop at one end to go around your wrist with an open end to feed through you dogs collar and would be held firmly in your hand, on giving the command you simply let go of the open end and the dog is off, the lead will simply slide through the collar. Alternatively you have the slightly more advanced double lead this is a standard style lead with a Spring Clasp at the end with another simple piece of cord attached to the catch on seeing your quarry you pull the cord and the whole lead unclips from the collar. For more information on ferreting please go to our ferreting page

Lamping