In order to pass an AD, a dog must exhibit the ability to trot a distance of 12.5 miles. The pace of the run should stay between 7.7 to 9.5 mph. While running, the handler rides a bike along side of their dog. Two rest periods are allowed. The distance at which the rest periods are implemented and the duration of these periods are at the discretion of the judge. Typically, the first rest period is 15 minutes and occurs at or around the 5-mile mark in the run. The second rest period of about 15-20 minutes is initiated when approximately 9.5 miles have been completed. During each rest period, the judge will examine your German Shepherd’s feet and look at pad wear, fatigue and overall condition. The judge will dismiss any dog that is not fit to continue. After completing the full 12.5 miles, there is an additional 20 minute rest period and afterwards, the dog and handler are required to perform a final, short obedience routine to observe if the dog is still willing and able to engage its handler.
The optimum age to begin training your German Shepherd for an AD is 18 months to 2 years. While the minimum age to run an AD is 16 months, dogs mature at different levels and beginning any intense training regimen could potentially damage the joints and tendons of a very young or slow maturing dog. The fact that males typically mature slower than females is also something to consider.
Older dogs (over the age of 5) take longer to condition due to the fact that their bodies recover at a slower rate after intense exercise. They are also more likely to develop overuse injuries so additional care must to taken to properly warm them up and cool them down at each session. For these reasons, preparation time for the AD takes longer for older dogs—often adding an additional 4-6 weeks of preparation.
Preparation - where to begin
Before we before beginning any rigorous training program, we assess our overall fitness level and schedule an appointment with our primary care doctor to rule out any conditions that might interfere with our training program. The same should apply to training your German Shepherd.
Take your dog to the vet for a comprehensive physical exam. Before beginning any rigorous exercise program with your dog, have your veterinarian evaluate its overall health. By 18 months of age, you should have already had your German Shepherd evaluated for hip and elbow dysplasia. It is also recommended that you have your dog’s heart evaluated. OFA Advanced cardiac exams are not expensive and can rule out underlying cardiovascular issues that are prevalent within the breed and those that could potentially cause harm to your dog. Local veterinary health clinics also offer lower-cost heart screenings.
Honestly evaluate your dog’s weight and fitness level. Excess weight puts additional strain on all body systems—especially joints and ligaments. Ideally, you want to be able to see and feel the ribs on your German Shepherd. If your dog is coated, put both thumbs on either side of the spine and feel for its ribs. You should be able to feel its ribs easily. If your dogs gets regular physical activity, your training program can progress rather quickly. But if your dog has spent much of its time in the kennel, it will need to progress more slowly until it is properly conditioned.
Always honestly evaluate your German Shepherd's age, weight and fitness level before beginning any training program.
Have a plan
Training to run an AD takes time and planning. Dogs that are capable of trotting 2-3 miles with moderate effort at the start of their training program can usually be ready for the AD in about 8 weeks. If your Dog has had little or no conditioning or is older—add a month or more of additional training to your plan.
It is extremely important that you not over train your dog—especially in the beginning. Over training greatly increases risk of injuries and injuries can ruin even the most solid of plans. A good rule of thumb is to run your dog 3 times weekly—older dogs at only twice weekly and with plenty of recovery time in between runs.
On rest days when you are not running your German Shepherd, consider taking it for leisurely walks or performing obedience training to keep your dog’s muscles in motion—without heavy exertion. Any activities over than running are great on rest days.
As with any training program, rest is equally as important as training. Rest gives your German Shepherd's body time recover and prepare for its next run.
Don’t forget to warm up and cool down your dog with each workout. Warming up your dog prepares its body for the run. Cooling it down afterwards reduces stiffness and keeps its muscles relaxed and less sore. I good warmup is a brisk 5-10 minute walk. After training, repeat with the same 5-10 minute walk and make sure your dog has cooled down before confining it to a kennel.
Run your dog on an empty or near empty stomach to avoid digestive upset and reduce bloat risks. Do not feed your German Shepherd within 3-4 hours of a run—or less than one hour after cooling down from a run.
Do not allow your dog to drink excessive amounts of water before, during or after a run. Too much water can cause problems for your dog including digestive upset and muscle spasms and cramps. Wait as least 1 hour after drinking a lot of water before commencing exercise. During rest periods, offer only a small amount of water and it should be not be cold. You will find that most dogs will naturally refuse to drink a lot of water during a run. Once your dog has cooled down, offer them small amounts of water over a span of several minutes.
Equipment
Proper equipment is essential to any safe training program. For the AD, you will need a bicycle with a leash attachment for walking or running with a dog, proper head protection for you and reflective gear for you and your dog if training at night.
The best and safest bike leashes are versions that attach directly to the frame of your bike and have a clip that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness. These bike leashes allow you to keep both hands on the handlebars and help to prevent the dog from pulling the bike over. For your safety, always wear an ASTM-approved bicycle helmet as they provide greater comfort, protection and quality. Even the most steadfast of dogs can suddenly jerk the bike— causing you to fall. Knee and elbow protection is also advised if running on concrete or asphalt surfaces. Reflective gear is also available for both you and your dog.
Before running your AD, recruit the help of another handler/dog team to help your dog adjust to running with another dog. The last thing you want is your dog wasting energy by being overly focused on or distracted by other dogs or unnecessarily trying to compete with them. The AD is not a race.
Additional Tips
- Watch your dog’s weight. As your German Shepherd’s condition improves and the mileage increases, so will your dog’s caloric needs. Increase the amount of food or add additional high protein treats to maintain a good running weight.
- Use common sense while training. Everyone wants to adhere to their training schedule but there will always be things beyond your control that can delay or extend schedules. Examples could be sudden changes in the weather where temperatures prohibit a safe run, unexpected injuries to yourself or your dog, or your dog is simply off its game and is lagging. Never force the issue and risk further injuries or delays. There are other more safe, effective ways to make up for lost time.
- Run on different surfaces. By running on various surfaces, you not only toughen your German Shepherd’s pads, but it becomes accustomed different looks and feels. This is important because you never know what the surface might be like during the AD.
- Find your dog’s optimum speed. Running your dog at different speeds gives you the ability to identify what is most comfortable for them. If your German Shepherd is pacing, you might be going too slow. Note also that dogs that are tired will often slow down and pace. Be mindful of how your dog is running. A structurally sound, conditioned dog should move rhythmically and with ease in a steady trot.
- Mix it up. Add excitement to your training program to help keep you and your dog’s mind engaged. Take your German Shepherd for a run on the beach or for a swim at the lake. Substitute aerobic exercise 1-2 times weekly. To keep your runs interesting, choose different routes and change up your pace. This will help to keep you dog engaged and anticipate change.
- Prepare your dog for examination. During the rest periods of an AD, the judge will want to examine your dog’s feet. If your dog is sensitive to be handled and is not used to having its feet touched, add this exercise to your training routine.
Day of the Test
- Arrive in plenty of time to potty your dog and warm it up before beginning the test.
- An AD can be performed on any surface or multiple surfaces. For the safety of both you and your dog, watch ahead for debris, rocks, pot holes and glass on the path.
- At the start of the test, resist the urge to bolt to the head of the pack. Conserve your dog’s energy and maintain an even pace throughout the run.
- Keep a respectful distance away from the other participants.
- If your dog must stop to relieve itself during the test, by all means let it. There is no penalty. And please pick up after your dog.
- During the rest periods, walk your dog to keep its muscles loose. On sunny days, keep your dog in the shade if possible. Offer small amounts of lukewarm water. Only after the dog has stopped a heavy pant, should you allow it to sit or lie down.
- Always have your dog ready for examination by the judge and be ready to return to the test as scheduled when the rest periods have ended.
Congratulations! You successfully completed your AD
All of your hard work and dedication has paid off and your German Shepherd has passed its AD. But there are additional benefits to your accomplishment. Because your German Shepherd is in optimum condition, you should notice an increase in its ability to work harder and for longer periods of time. Its protection exercises should be stronger and more precise and it should not become as mentally or physical taxed after a long track.
Maintain your training program after completing your AD. A fit canine athlete is a happy, powerful and engaged canine athlete.
