question & answers - Page 1

Hi ive got a 10mth bitch that ive been showing,she is a nice little bitch the problem is when in the ring she is trying to hard realy powering from her hind quarters and slightley shortnigh herself (she is not short)question is how do you steadey her,curb her shes very fizzey.I dont call her much she dose not need it.Any ideas thanks natz

Natz- Well first, she still is a puppy and growing and may be a little clumsy adjusting to her growing body. Time and maturity will take care of much of this naturally. Try running her more. If the only time she is allowed to run or gait is in the show ring or mock show ring for show training, she will not open up her full gait and learn to settle down into a smooth effortless looking gait. Many people find that when conditioning for the AD is when their dogs developed their smooth effortless looking gait. The running does not only have to be around a show ring. Try different fun activities for exercise, conditioning, improving stamina, endurance and agility in movement. Playing fetch with a ball for 1/2 an hour a few times a week is a favorite, she'll speed up and slow down naturally learning to balance herself. Running her with a bike and a Springer attachment is another good one too. Basically something where she can open up her gait and develop a comfortable stride, naturally, then maintain an increased heart rate for 15 to 30 minutes or more 3 times a week should have a very agile pretty moving dog in no time. Just remember to start slow for short durations and progress to increased activity levels steadily not overdoing it. Brian DeBow

psygod Thanks for the answer have played with the ball fetch for 10mins after a little warm up on lead.she enjoyed it also calmed her down in the house!!!. Is the running on the bike with a springer at 10month old ok i was thinking about her hips she has been screaned look ok.regars natz