would like to learn...structure - Page 1

hello all...

i don't post here much, and i'm fairly new to gsd's and schutzhund, but i was hoping someone could comment on the structure of my dog so that i can understand what i'm looking at and what i should be looking for.  i've already taken him to a few shows, but it goes too quickly for me to fully understand.  no sugar coating needed, just the facts.

i apologize if this thread is somewhat boring.  i don't have enough knowledge about schutzhund yet to post any training threads, but i have to start somewhere.

the pic i'm posting is a little old (still a puppy)...i don't yet know how to stack him correctly, but he did this one on his own.  i would appreciate any help.  please excuse the mess in the background.

thank you 

Hi uvw,  Welcome. Thank you for sharing pictures of your pup. Is he about 5 months old in this photo?

Perhaps you could share with us a little info on your dog. How old is he now? What do you hope to do with him? Is his pedigree up on this website?

Its kind of hard to offer to make a judgement about him from the photo above. Do you have someone that can take pictures while you set him up? Or perhaps tie him to a fence or something like that and let him walk out to you in a natural pose. The other problem is his age in the photo  that's often an age when body parts change overnight and are not always growing evenly.

This site http://www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/Index_Page/Index_Page.htm   is a good place to start to learn about structure. There are also a number of good books but I have always found the best way is to watch real dogs move. First read the GSD standard and try to get in your mind a picture of what they are describing. That is the ideal against which dogs are judged. Go to as many shows as you can  ( I would perhaps leave the young one at home and give him some time to grow up and let you better concentrate on learning). See if you pup's breeder or some other friendly soul will let you sit with them and ask questions.  Make you own notes and evaluations and compare that with what the judge decided and see if you can understand the differences. Tell people you are trying to learn and ask them to share w/ you their dogs strengths and weaknesses ( do this AFTER they have shown the dog not before - they will be too nervous before)Also make a point of watching dog running free and playing . Dogs move very differntly on leash.

When it comes time to train your pup to show if that is what you want to do remember that each dog has a speed best suited to him. You will have to have a friend watch the two of you move at different speeds so you can learn what looks best. Also the speed may be different if you are side gaiting or doing the "comings and goings".

If your interest is in learn Schutzhund much the dame techniques can be used. Find a friendly face and let them know you are learning and wanting to ask questions etc.  Good luck in whatever you do and keep us posted.

thank you vkfgsd, i apprecaite your response...and thank you for the link.  i've looked over the standards a few times before, it's just difficult for me to apply them to my dog since he doesn't run in slow motion.  i thought there would be more comments, but i guess i have to post a better pic like you were saying. 

but to answer your questions, i think he's closer to 7 months in this pic.  right now he is a year old, and about 70 lbs (he's on the smaller side).  we've been to a few shows, but we've also been training for schutzhund.  i think he can go for his bh soon.  his pedigree is up on the website; umberto von wilhendorf. 

i'll try to take a stack photo, and post some newer pics.  we'll also be at the upper bucks county conformation show on dec 9th, if anyone would like to share some knowledge.

thanks again