In the larger breeds jogging with the owner is not fast enough. Getting the hound into running condition takes some dedication on the part of the owner but once in shape the hound will maintain conditioning fairly well if you go to trials at least twice a month. You may want to leave your hound home the first time you go to watch a lure coursing field trial. However if you are hoping to practice the hound or wish to socialize it to this sort of event you should bring it. Remember, you must keep your hound under control at all times.
Unpracticed hounds are quite likely to be excused or dismissed for interference.
Even worse they are likely to develop the habit of interference which they would not have developed had they been properly schooled into lure coursing. You have to locate some person or club who is setting up practice events. First ask other sighthound owners if they know of any practices. Most clubs also attempt to run practices after their lure coursing trials Since practices may be harder to find than actual competitive events, if you locate a practice session you should make it a fairly high priority to get your hound there. Until you know that your hound will lure course consistantly you do not need to buy a slip lead or coursing blankets.