The Endurance Test is held during the winter months in the State Forests of Western Australia. It determines the dog’s ability to withstand a certain degree of physical strain without showing signs of undue stress.

The E.T. consists of the dog first completing a basic obedience test of heeling, sit and stay and a recall. Following this, the dog is then gaited over twenty kilometres of varying track surfaces.

After the completion of the twenty kilometres, the dog then has to complete another obedience test to prove that it still has the willingness and fitness to work.

During all stages of the E.T. the dog is checked by a Veterinary Surgeon, who examines the general fitness of the dog including the heart rate, condition of pads and the general muscle tone.

© Saavik Siberians 2003

© Saavik Siberians 2003

At the conclusion all successful dogs will be awarded the title of E.T. after their registered names. I highly recommend the Endurance Test – the preparation spent training and conditioning your dog for this event is well worth the effort, and is lots of fun.