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