How to turn your Adult German Shepherd into an Athlete and fit for the Breed Ring

1. How to turn your Adult German Shepherd into an Athlete and fit for the Breed Ring Maren von der Heyde, NBS 2013

2. Being passionate about the breed Being physically fit and healthy Being prepared to learn Being prepared to train Know the dog you are handling Know the positives and negatives of the dog you are handling Know the details of the dog you are handling Have a sound knowledge of the Standard of the German Shepherd Dog Be competitive Be professional What makes a good handler?

3. Motivational ringcraft training should become one of the disciplines which are being catered for in Clubs on a regular basis W h y ?

4. ----- if trained correctly ----- • It develops an incredible bond between dog and double handler • It develops focus and drive through motivation to be utilised for ringcraft • It develops concentration (the show ring atmosphere is the worst distraction for any dog) • It develops the mental ability to cope with stress situations • It develops the physical attributes through correct exercises

5. continued • It challenges trainers to identify which ringcraft training method should be applied to a particular dog, i.e. reward method either ball, bite sausage, sleeve (for adult dogs), water, whistle followed by reward, food, etc. • It challenges trainers to identify construction weaknesses (requires in-depth knowledge of the German Shepherd) • It challenges trainers to hide these weaknesses and to present the dog to its fullest potential

6. continued • It requires the ability of trainers to assess the aspirations of the double handler • It requires the ability of trainers to assess the physical ability of the double handler • It requires the skill of trainers to motivate double handlers • It requires the skill of trainers when to back off • It requires the knowledge of trainers to develop a physical training programme suitable for each individual dog etc etc etc

7. The principle of training (periodisation) • Training should be divided into three phases: • Conditioning • Transitional (pre-competition) and • Competition

8. During the conditioning phase, the dog's strength and fitness (aerobic and anaerobic) is developed

9. The transitional phase is concentrated on developing the athlete's skill (technique work)

10. During the competition phase, basic conditioning is maintained, but the focus is on competitionEvery third or fourth week should be designated an easy week, to allow for recovery and reduce the risk of injury

11. Once the aims of training have been established, a progressive exercise programme can be instituted. To cause the body systems to adapt, they need to be challenged, or stressed. This is done by gradually increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of the selected activity. Only one variable should be changed at a time, and the athlete should be monitored throughout to ensure that the overload is not excessive. Care should also be taken when introducing any new activity that will require the use of new muscle groups. The physical overload principle

12. Beneficial effects of warm-up • Increased strength • Increased speed of muscle action • Increased muscle flexibility • Increased oxygen delivery to muscles • Increased speed of nerve conduction • Vascodilation • Increased muscle enzyme activity • Warm-up can be divided into general and specific phases, and should last for about 10 minutes

13. Beneficial effects of cool-down • Heart rate and blood pressure normalizes more rapidly • Heat is lost more quickly • Increased venous return to the heart • Increased removal of lactic acid

14. Swimming Strengthens all the muscles, particularly of the limbs, and also increases cardiovascular fitness Specific strengthening of Muscle Groups

15. Pulling Strengthens the extensor muscles of the limbs. These include the hamstrings, gluteal muscles, quadriceps muscles, the pectoral muscles and the triceps muscles Specific strengthening of muscle groups

16. Uphill work Same muscles as 'pulling', but will also strengthen the flexor muscles of the limbs, including the hip flexors, brachialis, and deltoid, latissimus dorsi and cleidobrachialis, as well as the back muscles and abdominal muscles work harder Specific strengthening of muscle groups

17. Jumping Strengthens the muscles of the hind limbs, the back, latissimus dorsi and the pectoral muscles Specific strengthening of muscle groups

18. Carrying objects (e.g. Dumbbells) Strengthens the muscles of the neck and jaw, and if it is quite heavy also the muscles of the front limbs Specific strengthening of muscle groups

19. Ringcraft training in three sections