An endurance test is an official event run under the rules of the RNSWCC. During the test, dogs are on lead and run 20km over a 2 hour period beside a pushbike.
The dogs have a 15 minute rest break after 8km and a 20 minute rest break after 14km. Stringent veterinary checks are carried out before the start of the test, during each rest break and at the conclusion of the test to ensure the welfare of the dogs. Dogs also undergo a short obedience test before and after the Endurance Test.
Dogs that complete the test to the Judge and veterinarian's satisfaction are awarded their Endurance Test Title, which allows them to use the initials ET after their registered name.
Under the Rules, the Object of an Endurance Test is to demonstrate a dog's ability to work after being subjected to a certain degree of physical strain. Achieving the ET title can be seen as evidence of physical fitness.
RNSWCC 2001 Endurance Test
12th August 2001
As 57,000 fitness fanatics converged on Sydney for the annual City to Surf Fun Run, 35 dog and bike rider combinations (and their "pit crews") arrived at Erskine Park for our own kind of "Fun Run"!! - the RNSWCC Endurance Trial.
After entering Jet several months ago, and after many a dark mid-winters night after work cycling round and round our paddocks (what did the neighbours think?) - today was our chance to "put it all together."
For me it meant a sleepless night last night - worrying whether "I" would be able to go the distance and not "stuff it up." I can't tell you the amount of "kilometres" I did in my head last night just stressing about it :-) All too soon, at 4.30am, the alarm went off, Jet being quite reluctant to get out of his bed (at the foot of ours)... perhaps having his own oil heater next to his bed is spoiling him just a bit??! <vbg>
Trotting down the road
We arrived at the canine complex around 6.15am to paddocks shrouded in fog and a cheery crowd of enthusiasts eager to get under way. The dogs competing, ranged from 5 Dobermanns, a spotted collection of Dalmations, some Weimeraners, Alaskan Malamutes, right through to a Bloodhound and Jack Russell Terrier!
First up was vetting - Jet at this stage was just 'over the top' - "look at all the dogs Mum!" - and, not being allowed to use a check chain of any kind, 40kgs of excited Dobermann on a flat collar is a 'tad trying'! <G> We passed through the first vet check - though his heart rate was up due to the excitement of it all. Perhaps it had something to do with him trying to avoid the temp taking (rectal) at all costs.... it took three of us to hold him for that! With his eyes still "bugging out" LOL
Now for the obedience... Jet's catch cry could be "but he does it so well at home!" Being placed in a sit with a dog either side is just too much distraction... somehow we got through it (though it wasn't pretty) and now was the time to start the real stuff - the first 8km section.
With just a bit of apprehension - we were second in line with a lovely male Weimeraner to "chase" and an attractive GSP girl to cast longing glances back to, we headed off - the first lap (2kms), I think I pedalled only once or twice!! "Pull" does not even being to describe it as he leant into the collar and I rode with the brake on for the vast majority of the lap! After about 4kms! he finally settled into a rhythm and things got a bit easier and I began to even enjoy it!
"Stay"!...... pleeease
All too soon the 8km were up and time for the next vet check and 15min break. Jet was hardly puffing - I however, was kind of "frozen" into a cycling shape and my now numb hands had taken on a "claw-like" appearance!! <vbg> Apparently it is common at this break to see elevated heart rates and temps in the dogs, especially if they had been pulling - Jet's heart rate had climbed to 136 and his temp to 39.6 (anything under 40 was ok).
Passed, and ready for the next 6km leg, Jet had settled into the routine and we enjoyed the cheers of the crowd each time our "team" went past the main collection point - though I know Jet tried to detour back there each time we went past, especially when he saw Stephen who was busy taking photos of us.
Next vet check, and his heart rate had lowered to 120 and temp to 39.3 - a 20 minute break, and we were off on the final 6kms. By now the day had started to warm up, and that bike seat was becoming VERY uncomfortable. What a relief it was when we started on the final lap, and to the cheers of the crowd, we headed in to the vet check for the last time. Heart rate 120, temp 39.6 and we were through the major hurdle. After a lie in the shade, some water and a rest it was time for the final obedience test.
Hmmm, I thought after 20kms, Jet may be a little more "obedient" - wrong!! as he tries to reach out with his paw and grab the Border Collie on the other side of me in the sit. Finally, he behaves and we complete the test and now are passed and have qualified for his Endurance Title - YEHA!!!
All the Dobes entered today breezed through with flying colours, and I had several people comment on how "at ease" they all looked completing the test.
Every single dog who entered today passed, which is a great feat, and a first (I think) for the RNSWCC since it has been run. So, to everyone thinking about entering the Endurance Test, I encourage you to have a go, it really was a great experience.
