THE FOLLOWING EXERCISES ARE TO BE PERFORMED BY ALL DOGS WISHING TO OBTAIN AN ENDURANCE TEST-
AD CERTIFICATION
The endurance test (AD) provides documentation that the dog is physically able to endure a certain amount of physical stress without showing significance fatigue. Given the physical structure of the dog, this condition can best be shown through running. Running challenges the heart and lungs as well as the rest of the body. Other characteristics such as spirit and hardness must be present. Successful demonstration of the test will provide proof that the desired characteristics are present in a healthy body. Both sets of characteristics are prerequisites for a useful Working dog breeding program.
The AD test is to be hosted by a local club. The approval to host the event must be obtained by the local club at least four weeks prior to the test. The secretary of the event must be identified at that time and a judge must have been commissioned. Score sheets must be on hand. By accepting responsibility to host an AD the local club agrees, that during the warm summer months, to hold the event only during the early morning or evening hours. The outside temperature must not exceed 22 degrees Celsius (about 72 degrees Fahrenheit).
Entry into the AD test must be made at least eight days prior to the test. Entry fees are to be collected in such a manner that only the AD test expenses will be covered. The entry form must contain: the exact name of the dog, registration numbers, score book numbers, breed of dog any earned training degrees, sex, date of birth and name and address of owner and name of handler.
Participation in the AD test is voluntary. If during the course of the test, the dog or handier is injured in any way, the NWDA and the local club cannot be held responsible.
Requirements for Entry:
The dog must be at least 16 months old before it is tested, dogs over six years of age must have vet certification stating that the dog is in good health and capable of running 12 miles safely. A maximum of twenty dogs may be permitted to enter on one day with one judge. Should the entry exceed twenty dogs, a second judge must be commissioned or extended to two days. All dogs must be healthy and in good condition. Sick dogs, weak dogs, bitches in heat, bitches in whelp and nursing bitches are not allowed to participate. At the start of the test the handler will report to the judge in a sporty manner with the dog at the heel position. The score book, pedigree and registration papers should be presented at that time. The judge and trial secretary will verify that each dog is in good condition. Dogs that present a tired or listless expression are to be disqualified. The handier will conduct him/herself in a sporty manner. Unsportsman like behavior can result in disqualification from the examination. All decisions made by the judge are final.
SCORING
No points or awards will be given for the examination, only the rating of "Passed" or "Not Passed". Only dogs that pass will receive the AD certification.
Terrain:
The test should preferably be run on streets or roads of varied terrain such as asphalt or dirt. The handler will accompany the dog only on a bicycle.
The Test:
A.) The Running Exercise - The dogs will be run a total of about 12 miles at an average speed of 7.7 to 9.5 miles per hour.
The dog must be kept on leash on the right hand side of the handler and move in a normal trot next to the bicycle. Overly fast running is to be avoided. The leash must be sufficiently long to give the dog the ability to adjust to any changes in speed. Slight pulling or forging is not faulty but continually failing behind is faulty. ( a Springer is allowed) There will be a short rest period after the dogs have completed 5 miles. During the rest period, the judge will examine the dogs for fatigue & sore feet. Tired dogs or dogs with sore feet will be removed from the test. At the 10 miles mark the judge will again check the dogs. Dogs that are tired or dogs with sore feet will be removed from the test. Dogs will be allowed to move about freely during the rest periods but must be on leash. The last 2 miles will be run and then the judge will again determine if the dog demonstrates tiredness or sore feet due to the running.
The judge and the trial secretary should accompany the dogs on a bicycle or car( if the participants can be seen at all times such as a school track this not required ). The judge will make notes about the condition of the dogs and all deficiencies will be noted. It is necessary that a car follow the handlers and dogs so that tired or sore dogs can be transported. Dogs that lack the proper spirit and hardness and those that show fatigue and dogs that cannot keep up the required speed or need extra time cannot pass the examination,
B.) Obedience - After the running exercise and when requested by the judge, the handlers will assemble with their dogs in the heeling position. Under the direction of the judge, the handlers and dogs will go through the heeling exercise (on or off leash) according to the Schutzhund rules. No gun shots are to be fired. In addition, the judge must verify the psychological condition of the dogs. The method is left up to the judge.
Footnote: The meeting place for the test must be arranged so that all participants arriving by bicycle will cover about the same distance. This should guarantee that additional distances are not covered by some dogs. The handlers must arrive in time to allow the dogs opportunity to relieve themselves prior to the start of the test. It is strictly forbidden to consume alcohol during the test.
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