The AD is the German endurance test that requires the completion of a 12.5 mile stretch at a speed of 7.5-9.4 miles per hour. The purpose of the test is to demonstrate that the dog is in condition to withstand certain physical exertion without showing severe exhaustion as a result. The dog is on lead and trots next to a handler who is on a bicycle. There are rest periods during the test and the judge uses that time to examine the dogs for signs of over-exhaustion, damaged pads, etc. No points are awarded, the test is pass/fail. The minimum age for entry is 16 months, and the maximum age is 6 years.
This weekend I was able to witness the AD—redneck style—through the local cemetery! It was actually a great place for the test. No concern for high traffic, barking dogs, etc. The footing was excellent for the dogs, and the bikers seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Appalachia von Schneiden Fels
Randi von Schneiden Fels
Look, Mom! No Feet!
Both dogs passed with flying colors. Congratulations to all!
6 years huh? Guess I better look for one for Chopper…
You never see pictures taken at the AD. It looks like fun. When I do an AD there will be no pictures taken of my backside, got it? Good job Carole.
Thanks Julie. Oh, and message received loud and clear!
Yeah thanks for the pics. It looks a lot less intense than I imagined.
I hear it’s better to find a club/judge that does there’s on grass or trail rather than cement so the dogs don’t get bloody pads and have to drop?
Sometimes it is difficult to find a good location for the AD. The judge needs to be able to observe the trek from one location, or follow along in a car. This was the perfect situation. A little path and grass—mostly flat and smooth. The teams just had to make laps around a specified part of the cemetery, while the judge observed.
I have heard that some judges will also tell you to pick up the pace if you are going too slow. If I were planning an AD, I think I would plan it around the Redneck club!