Endurance Trial Guidelines

The Endurance Trial shall determine the ability of the dog to withstand a certain degree of physical strain without showing any signs of undue stress or lack of constitution. Such a test can consist of a gaiting performance of some lengthy duration, which is known to place an increasing load on the physical structure and temperament characteristics of the dog. The effortless accomplishment of such a test shall be evidence of the physical fitness of the dog.

• The Endurance trial is open to any purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback (as confirmed by AKC or other foreign registry number, ILP number, AKC litter number). Note: Purebred ridgeless are permitted to compete.
• he test is open to any dog over the age of 24 months (to the day of the month). Dogs over 7 years are advised to be examined by their veterinarian prior to the event. The dogs run at the will and consent of their owners.
• Note: Bitches in season, pregnant or nursing are not permitted to compete.

• The dog must wear a fixed collar, harness or head halter that allows the owner to control the dog. NO metal choke chains or prong collars are allowed.
• The leash must be long enough (approx. 6 foot) and held in either hand so that the dog may adjust its movement to that of the handler. The dog shall gait on either the right or left-hand side depending on what is easiest for the dog and handler.
• The dog may have multiple handlers during the run. It is expected that change of handlers will occur during the rest periods (unless in the case of emergency, where a change of handler must occur with minimal disturbance to the other competitors).
• The handler may EITHER jog or ride a bicycle (provided the required speed is maintained). Motorcycles, cars or golf carts are not permitted. IF YOU RIDE A BICYCLE, YOU MUST WEAR A HELMET (ANSI or Snell approved).

• The test can be carried out over varying surfaces (asphalt / grass / dirt track / unsealed roads / concrete paths) such that the total distance is 12 miles in total.

The Endurance trial shall consist of the pre-trial obedience test, the endurance test (a 12 mile run consisting of 3 four mile legs separated by rest periods during which vet checks will be performed) and a post-trial obedience test which will be the same obedience test as previously performed. The dog must exhibit the same willingness to work for its owner before and after the extended exercise period.

• Prior to the commencement of the 12 mile run, a short obedience test shall be conducted.
• After the completion of the 12 mile run, the same obedience test will be repeated after the final vet checks have been completed.
• After the completion of the first leg there will be a rest period of 10 minutes. After the completion of the second leg there will be a 15 minute rest period. Five minutes into each of these two rest periods, a vet check will be performed. A vet check will also be performed 5 minutes and 15 minutes after the completion of the third 4 mile leg.
• Reprimands SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES be used during the trial period for an animal that falls behind or fails to perform during the obedience test and may result in disqualification. A reprimand means either physical or verbal. Praise and encouragement may be offered freely to hounds and participants alike!

The obedience test is to be conducted in groups of 4 or lower. The test is to consist of: Heeling forward a short distance followed by a right about turn; continued heeling a short distance coming to a halt (the dog does not have to sit). Finally a short recall on or off lead will be performed. The standard of the obedience work after the gaiting must be similar to that before the gaiting. If the dog is off lead prior to the run, it must perform off lead after the run. Also - the same handler must perform the obedience test before and after the run. The judge should keep in mind that this is a test of the dog's willingness to work for and to obey the handler and is NOT AN OBEDIENCE TRIAL.

• The dog and handler teams are to be initially released in groups as determined by the total number of dogs entered. They will space out as they proceed as their paces will vary and they are not required to stay together.
• The dog is permitted to pull slightly. Continued lagging however, will incur a disqualification.
• The distance is to be completed in a maximum time of 2 hours and 25 minutes (including the first ten minute break and the 15 minute break between the 2nd and 3rd leg, but excluding the final rest period). NOTE: Average gaiting speed is 6 miles an hour (10 minutes per mile). The handler may gait the dog faster but must remember that there is no reward for speed. Each of the 4 mile legs MUST be completed in 40 minutes or less. If your time goes over 40 minutes in any of the 3 legs, you will be disqualified (you may still finish the trial if you wish but you will not be awarded a certificate).
• The dog may stop to relieve itself as long as it maintains at least the minimum 6 mph average speed and completes each leg in 40 minutes or less.
• During the rest period, the dog may move freely and relax.

1. Before the first obedience test. The vet will examine each dog and determine the body temperature / general fitness / muscle tone / standing heart rate / condition of the pad, etc., to ensure that the dog is fit to compete.
2. At the completion of the first leg - 5 minutes after coming into the rest area.
3. At the completion of the second leg - 5 minutes after coming into the rest area.
4. Twice after the completion of the final leg - 5 minutes and 15 minutes after coming into the rest area (the final obedience test will be performed after the final 15 minute vet check).

Veterinary checks can have data collected by a member of the veterinary assistant team. The examination will include: body temperature, standing heart rate and condition of the pads. Any dog showing any undue stress, badly worn pads and or a body temperature over 104 degrees F during the rest break shall be eliminated by the chief veterinarian or the judge.

A dog will have failed the test if:

• The dog lacks physical conditioning, or shows signs of undue stress or fatigue.
• Fails to complete the distance within the allotted time.
• Fails to complete the obedience exercise as determined by the veterinarian and judge.

Each dog that passes the ET will receive a commemorative certificate and ribbon award.

It will be the veterinarian's responsibility to determine the fitness of any dog to commence or continue gaiting. They will either pass or fail each entrant. The decision of the veterinarian is final.

NOTE: If the temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the test will be cancelled, regardless of what stage the test has reached.

The Endurance Trial course will start at Surfer's Point Park, just to the seaward side of Seaside Park, and will go South and East toward San Buenaventura State Beach. The exact length of the course will be determined later. The trial will consist of three round-trips of a 4-mile path (2 miles out and 2 miles back). The course will partly follow the Boardwalk alongside the Pacific Ocean.

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