I've been picking my brain about how to get Rebel, (2yr old 90# male GSD)to build up some stamina. He's great coming out of the gate, but you can forget it if it lasts any length of time. I have heard that some people use "street training". The handler sits on the tailgate of a pickup truck with the dog on the ground on a leash. Handler signals to the driver to go and the driver goes just fast enough to make the dog break into a run. Now obviously you wouldn't want to take your dog out for the first time and go for 1 mile. Does anyone have any experience with this and if so how did it work for you and your dog(s)? Thanks ,
Renee
Renee396@aol.com <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

good way to teach the dog how to chase trucks.I'm sure you can think of something better.

The only people I have ever seen do this are into AKC showing and do it to teach the dog to extend the trot.

Milt, it will not cause truck chasing unless the dog was predisposed to that in the first place.

I will tell you why I don't like this idea.

First, you have a person riding in the back of an open vehicle.

Second, most people use a parking lot or some other paved area to do this, which is obviously NOT good for joints.

Third, you do this, and someone sees you, and then you find yourself explaining to some higher authority.

There are lots of ways to build the dogs stamina, but most are going to involve you putting forth some physical effort. There is the Springer, which is an attachment to have your dog run alongside a bike. Treadmills and carpet or slat mills. Playing ball can be great and you don't have to run too much <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> and lets not forget good old jogging with your dog.

If Rebel likes to swim, and you have access to a safe body of water (not too cold, no strong currents, OK place to allow off lead), then swimming is a great way to condition! It's very low impact, good for developing muscle mass without harming the joints. Other than that, I'm curious what kind of training you're doing with him?

Swanston, thank you for the info, We'll try it. We're training in personal protection. I think he has real potential but then I am a bit prejudiced . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Schnauzergirl I appreciate your input as well. Just for ease of mind I hadn't tried it yet but heard it was a good way to train. And no I wouldn't do it on a paved road or parking lot. Here in Louisiana we have way too many country roads to get on the main road. And as far as riding in the back of an open truck, it wouldn't be but between 7-8 miles an hour (10 at the most), so I don't think it would be particularly dangerous.
Hugs and Puppy kisses to all,
Renee
Renee396@aol.com

The problem with those Springer gizmos is that they force the dog to keep up with the bicycle and if you are going a little faster than the dog is comfortable with, he will labour himself into a
forced gait with the possibility of injury. In my opinion the best way to condition him would be to buy a correctly fitted pulling harness and have him pull you on a bicycle or stripped down moped frame. With the dog pulling you he can choose his most comfortable and natural gait and can be more easily monitored for discomfort. Another possibilty is a scooter that
has been developed just for dog sports. Dogsledders in Australia (!) developed these I believe. The key to developing endurance is to start slow and gradually increase the distance and speed. Being in a warmer climate you must carefully monitor the dogs breathing and make sure that your dog is well hydrated before you
start. When running make occassional stops and monitor for signs of heat stress. Early morning or evening might be a good
time to train, but once the hot weather starts
you will probably have to cut out this type of training. A site that will be of interest to you
for training ideas and equipment (harness, lines
scooters) is http://www.sleddogcentral.com
I hope that this is of some use to you. Good luck!

Thanks Tiggy2 - I plan on checking out the site as soon as I post this reply. I am currently awaiting the arrival of a dog cart for my mom to use on her GSD. Maybe I'll have to look further into getting one for my GSD's. With the threat of another encephalitis outbreak down here, the time of year is definitely a factor in training. I'm just glad dogs can't get the dang virus. Otherwise hubby would have to move out to make room for all 7 of my canine companions.
Renee
Renee396@aol.com

Renee396,
Remember the humidity in Louisiana. Heat exhaustion is not uncommon in dogs that are over worked on high humid days.

When you say he doesn't last, what are you using to gauge his endurance??

How often does he get to exercise??

90# two yr old should be full of energy, is it possible he just gets bored with the training. I live in La. also and only exercise in the early morning <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> or the late aftyernoon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Keep us posted as to your pogress.

I have a springer and it's great. Auster likes it and gets to run as fast as she wants. I hook the springer to a harness and I hold on to a leash on her collar for control.

Crabtree I wish it were possible to forget the humididty here. It gets downright miserable. I'm fairly certain that he's not getting bored with training because he's still eager to go after the decoy. But after the 3rd or 4th bite his bite gets softer and his tongue gets a lot closer to the ground!! As for how we exercise at home it's usually about 15 to 20 minutes (depending on quickly he gets tired) of playing ball when I get home after work. He's also in the house most of the time which may be why he gets tired so quickly in the heat.

Lauren: I have gotten several suggestions about the springer thingie and it looks like I may just have to check into trying one. My main concern with it is Rebel deciding to take off after something and dragging me and the bike down a gravel road. I realize that that is a control issue and Rebel is fairly obedient but he is still a work in progress and can get pretty bull-headed at times.

Thanks for the replies
Renee
Renee396@aol.com <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />