I had an opportunity to witness how one of the greatest sheepdog handlers in the world prepares his dogs for a big event and I was mightily impressed. I have modeled my own efforts to make my dogs physically fit after his methods and Star began endurance training this week. This week's lesson:
- Creating stamina and endurance.
Here's an excerpt:
Another benefit of all this exercise is that I have truly tired dogs afterwards, there are fewer squabbles in the ranks and a much quieter dog yard. Generally speaking, endurance training creates dogs that are much better behaved. There's an old saying in the horse business; "you can't train a horse that is too fresh or too tired." It is true for the dogs as well and the reason that running them from the bike is the last thing I do at the end of the day.
3 or 4 times a week I run my dogs for a few miles behind my bicycle and Star began endurance training this week. He is physically mature enough to withstand the training without risk of injury and it is necessary to create the lung capacity and endurance he will need later to be an effective worker and trial dog.
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