How to turn your Adult
German Shepherd into an Athlete and
fit for the Breed Ring
Maren von der Heyde, NBS 2013
What makes a good handler?• 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
Motivational ringcraft training should become one of the disciplines which are being catered for in Clubs
on a regular basis
W h y ?
----- 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
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
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
The principle of training (periodisation)
● Training should be divided into three phases:
● Conditioning● Transitional (pre-competition) and● Competition
During the conditioning phase, the dog's strength and fitness (aerobic and anaerobic) is developed
The transitional phase is concentrated on developing the athlete's skill (technique
work)
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
The physical overload principleOnce 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.
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
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
Specific strengthening of Muscle Groups
Swimming Strengthens all the muscles, particularly of the limbs, and also increases cardiovascular
fitness
Specific strengthening of muscle groups
PullingStrengthens 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
Uphill workSame 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
Jumping Strengthens the muscles of the hind limbs, the back, latissimus dorsi and
the pectoral muscles
Specific strengthening of muscle groups
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
Ringcraft training in three sections
Puppies 10 weeks – 12 months
Young Dogs 12 months – 24 months
Adults Over 24 months