Training

Training programmes vary from team to team. Use all the information you gain to work up your own programme. Do what suits you and your dog best. Never overdo it, either for you or your dog. If you only learn one thing from this article it should be to always make this sport a source of enjoyment… never a chore for you or your dogs.

Some teams train right through the summer, others will stop training in the warmer months and recommence in the autumn. If you take this course of action, remember to reduce the levels of protein and fat in your dog’s diet, increasing again once training commences. Again, do what you feel is right and of course, what works for you.

Start training over short distances. Increase the distance (when you can) as the Season goes on. Some teams add weight when training to lighten the load when competing. Others train so that the team is always running at a fast pace to maintain momentum. Again, look about you and learn.

The second most important lesson whilst you are gaining all this knowledge – don’t forget to get out and do it. You can always tell a team manager that spends more time talking about doing it than actually doing it. Practical experience makes up more than 75% of the task.

So now you can handle the rig, the team and you’ve read the rules of the Race you are competing in. Give particular attention to the correct trail procedures, especially those which apply to overtaking. You never know, you might want to overtake a team on your first rally… or be overtaken?

Date:01 Oct 2000