The Dalmatian Club of America (http://www.thedca.org/roadtrial.html) awards the titles of Road Dog and Road Dog Excellent to Dalmatians that demonstrate their suitability for moderate or extended endurance. A Dalmatian earns a “coaching certificate” by successfully traveling a 12.5-mile course (Road Dog) or a 25-mile course (Road Dog Excellent) next to his handler who is on horseback on in a horse-drawn carriage. Additionally, the Dalmatian must complete a number of off-leash obedience commands given by his handler.

It would be optimal to train Dalmatians for road trials on a daily or weekly basis with a horse or horse and carriage. Since that isn’t always practical many Dalmatians are trained to “hock” or travel next to the handler from a bicycle, scooter, golf cart or some other motorized vehicle. After the basic coaching instinct is reinforced, the Dalmatian can be introduced to the horse and/or carriage before entering the competitive phase.

Tandava Dalmatians enjoy a brisk trot next to a bicycle or our John Deere Gator. Their natural coaching instinct made it easy for us to train them to trot on our left side. This is also excellent exercise for conditioning adult dogs that are showing in conformation or performance events.