How to prepare a dog for AD? - Page 1

I've got a 3y/o SchH1 male imported from Austria. He came with his 2 year KKl1 - but is due for his life time by years end 2006. In Austria the SVÖ does not require an AD or BH prior to breed survey or titling - even though both the USA and SV accept them. The issue is that to get his second breed survey I would: A) have to send him back to Austria (not likely) - or, B) participate in a US held breed survey – but put his BH & AD on him first. I have already verified this through USA – they DO recognize the title & KKl1 – but would not allow him to KKl in the US without going back and doing the BH/AD first. Since I plan on titling him through SChH3 I'm fine with doing the BH - but am wondering about the AD. What do people do to condition or prepare a dog for an AD, if anything? How much (time wise) training do you spend? Does anyone foresee any unique or special circumstances with putting an AD on an older adult? Thanks for any advice. -Calvin

If you stay in an area with large hills or mountains, you can drop the dog off at the bottom with a handler, drive up the hill or mountain and have the handler run up the hill with the dog, while stoping at certain intervals, calling out the dogs name. He will hustle up the hill with handler in tow, trying to get to you. Start with just a "piece" of the hill and graduate until the dog is running 12-18 minutes up the hill(the steeper, the better). The AD will be a piece of cake. Just one idea. Stephen

Here is a link to an article which may be of interest to you. http://siriusdog.com/articles/ausdauerprufung-ad.htm Hope this helps!

That was a great article. Thanks. Suhail

Hi Calvin! Once my dog was properly trained for running at the side of my bike, I tried in-line-skating. This was a great experience! At the beginnning of each session, the dog just wants to take off like a lunatic. Do not allow him to do so (unless you want to visit the gorgeous nurses at the local hospital.) He needs to kind of "heel" with fierce commands while I skate gently along his side. Then when trotting well and easy, I just hold the leash, already he pulls me at his side. I then let him go in front while he pulls me behind him, I'm in an almost sitting position. (Kind of like the horse galopping races with sulkies.) He then trots at his own pace, I can command/motivate him to pull and go faster or ease him down (when the goal is to enlarge the distance again). I can slide at his side, do not have to make any movement myself, and I can tap his side or back to encourage him. Mostly, he sets the pace. Let him. He will choose the speed with which he is comfortable. I live in the perfect area for this training, the landscape goes very gently up and down. Through the leash, one can very well feel the force the dogs needs to excercise. If he gets tired, I start skating myself, taking the resistance away. Don't increase the distance when your dog flattens out on the porch when you come home. If he immediately searches for his ball to start playing, then ad a mile next time. Make sure the collar is loose, but tight enough his head can not slip out when he detects a fleeing rabbit. One can start off doing like 2-later 3 miles, then increase distances regularly but slowly! Check his soles regularly if he is not used to run on hard surfaces yet. They are very sensible! (I have seen dogs during AD checks with ruined soles dangling around.) In preparation for the AD, I think you could run twice a week (for the shorter distances! NOT the longer ones.) I have continued to go for a ride once a week. My dog loves it. And often the children of the village come and join us to race a long. I wish I could tape it for you, sorry.