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If you want to have fun with your dog, training it for something different and at the same time proving it has stamina and willingness to work with you, this could be the test for you.
Can you ride a bike at the same time as controlling your dog on the end of a loose two metre lead, or are you a runner who will be quite happy to run 20 kilometres with your dog?If so, then read on.
This particular test is where all the various dog activities covered by DOGS
Victoria can come together. This is your opportunity to meet people from disciplines other than the one you are already involved in.
You have to be able to train your dog to run along side you whilst you either ride your bike or run with him/her. Experience has shown that you do not need to cover long distances during training, frequent runs over shorter distances, gradually building the dog’s fitness is the way to go.
The endurance test is over a distance of 20 kilometres and is split into three sections, the first being eight kms. The second and third are six kms. There is a break of 15 minutes between the first and second sections and 20 minutes between the second and third sections.
All this is carefully watched over by a judge. The dog’s fitness and condition is monitored by a team of vets who examine each dog during the breaks.
Any person entering an ET must supply a certificate from their vet confirming the dog’s fitness to take part. You do not have to worry about your dog’s ability to continue during the test, as it is being constantly checked.
At the beginning, and before any running takes place, the team of vets will check each dog and compare the data on the certificate supplied on entry with its current condition. If all is OK the judge will give the handler and dog a very simple obedience test to check its willingness to obey.
The running or cycling part of the ET is carried out at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour or one km every six minutes. This is really a very gentle jog for cyclist or runner and most dogs enjoy gaiting at this speed. The whole test takes two hours and 35 minutes including the intervening breaks.
During this time you get to chat with other competitors as you travel the course, it really is an enjoyable experience.
During the breaks and again 15 minutes after the end of the 20 kms the vets will check your dog’s condition. After the final vet check, there will be a repeat of the simple obedience test to prove your dog is just as willing to obey as he was before the ET began.
When you have successfully finished the test, you will be presented with a qualifying certificate signed by the judge.
On application to DOGS
Victoria your dog will be awarded the endurance title and the letters ET will be added after his/her registered name.
This entry form can be used for entering Endurance and other trials. You can type directly into the PDF and select from drop-down menus. What you see on the screen is what prints out. Alternatively, you can print blank forms and fill in the details by hand.
All this is carefully watched over by a judge. The dog’s fitness and condition is monitored by a team of vets who examine each dog during the breaks.
