THE ENDURANCE TEST (AD)
(AusdauerprÜfung)

A) General

1. Purpose:

The endurance test shall provide evidence that the dog is able to perform physical exertion of a certain degree without afterwards manifesting substantial symptoms of fatigue. The required strain on the physical condition of the dog can only come from running exercises. This we know places increased demands on the inner organs, especially the heart and lungs and likewise on the organs of movement themselves. It also tests other characteristics, such as vitality and toughness. The ability to endure must be regarded as evidence of physical health and the presence of desired characteristics. Both are prerequisites for pursuing sport with the dog.

2. Application:

The endurance test will be held by the member club. It is subject to trial date approval like every other event and is applied for at the appropriate office of the organization. During the summer months, the endurance test is to be carried out only in the early morning or late afternoon hours. The outside temperature shall be, if possible, not above 22° C . In the registration of the dog, all known facts are to be declared and the scorebook submitted. If, during the course of an endurance test, it should happen that a handler or his dog should sustain a physical injury, neither the organizing club nor the organization can be held legally liable for this.

3. Admittance of the Dog:

• The minimum age for admission  is 16 months; the maximum age for admission is 6 years.
• The dog  must have hip score of  "passed for breeding".
• A single judge is authorized to test a maximum of 20 dogs; if there are more than 20 dogs, a second judge must be consulted.
• The handlers must present a Working record book.
• Dogs must be completely healthy, as well as in superb condition. Sick dogs, dogs without sufficient strength, bitches in heat, and pregnant or nursing bitches may not be admitted.
• At the beginning of the test, after being called, the participants prepare themselves for the tattoo check .
• All participants must announce to the judge their names and the names of their dogs. The judge, together with the trial chairman, must be satisfied that the dog is in good condition.
• Dogs which give an impression of tiredness are to be disqualified from participating.
• The handler must behave in a sportsmanlike manner during the test.
• A participant can be disqualified from the trial for willful violation of the regulations. The decision in every case rests with the judge; it is not contestable.

4. The Evaluation:

Points and ratings reports are not awarded, but only "Passed" [Bestanden] or "Failed" [Nicht Bestanden]. With "Passed" [Bestanden], the title "AD" will be awarded.

5. Terrain:

As much as possible, the test shall be held on streets and paths of differing composition. Asphalted, paved and unpaved streets and paths are suitable.

B) Holding the Endurance Test

•  Completion of a distance of  20 km  at the pace of 12 to 15 km/hour

1. Moving Exercise:

The dog must run  on lead (in accordance with street traffic rules) on the left side of the handler at a normal trot next to the bike.  A hurried pace is to be avoided. The line must be held at an appropriate length so that the dog has the possibility to adapt his pace to the speed. Light pulling on the line (forging) is not incorrect; however, constant lagging behind of the dog is. The judge and trial chairman shall accompany the dogs, if possible on bikes, but they can also follow in a car. Notes on the dogs are to be recorded. It is necessary for a car to follow the participants so that dogs in which weaknesses or injuries are perceived can be transported in the car.

a. After the dogs have completed 8 km , there is a 15 minute break. During this time, the judge is to observe the dogs for possible signs of fatigue and sore feet. Severely fatigued dogs are to be disqualified from further testing.

b. After the first break, the dogs complete an additional 7 km  before there is then a 20 minute break during which they are given the chance to exercise freely and unrestricted. Shortly before continuing the moving exercise, the judge checks the dogs for signs of fatigue or sore paws. Severely fatigued dogs, or whose paws are sore, must be disqualified from further running of the test.

c. After the second break, the dogs complete an additional 5 km After completion of the running exercise, there is an additional 15 minute break. during which they are given the chance to exercise freely and unrestricted. Here again, the dogs are checked for signs of severe fatigue and possible sore paws.

Valid as failing the test is if dogs are lacking in toughness or show no signs of vitality, show unusual signs of fatigue and cannot keep up with the minimum assigned pace of 12 kilometers per hour and consume considerably more time. Dogs with extremely sore feet and that show shyness in traffic are also to be excluded from passing.

2. Obedience:
After concluding the running exercise, at the judge's instructions, the handler, with his dog at heel, has to take up position. After being called, every participant, with his dog, has to show obedience exercises appropriate to the training level of the dog. The exercises can be shown on a loose lead. The execution of the exercises must be done according to the regulations of the BH trial rules; however, the firing of shots does not occur.

PLEASE NOTE!

Before the beginning of the AD test, all dogs are to be given sufficient opportunity to relieve themselves. It is absolutely forbidden to take alcohol during the test or in the breaks.