While training Nikon for his AD test, I noticed how effortless the GSD movement really is. I mean, I’ve seen a LOT of shows (AKC, UKC, and SV) but it’s amazing to watch the dogs move for MILES and miles and I’m impressed how fast I can bike before Nikon has to break into a run. Even if the dog is not a super-mover, gaiting really does seem almost effortless, very efficient. My friends and family keep referring to the AD as a doggy-marathon and while I don’t want to sell the dogs short, I keep saying it’s more like a human walking a 15K. Even a good runner has to train for months to run a marathon while a fit GSD can run an AD with very little training. Most of the training I have been doing is to get the dogs accustomed to running on a loose leash next to the bike (not chasing squirrels, not stopping to mark, and running on the right rather than the left) and also building up the pads of their feet which are still pretty soft after winter.
Earlier this week I had a thought that it would be cool to get a video of my dogs’ movement. I only get to see them from up top on the bike, or some fleeting moments when they’re running around the yard. Before flyball on Tuesday, Jason recorded my dogs in the parking lot. Here are some clips of Nikon. He’s no Dingo Haus Gero but I think he’s pretty nice. He looks even better on flat ground (this parking lot is sort of bowl shaped).
By contrast, this is a video of Dingo Haus Gero. Often this video is referred to as the standard for GSD movement.
Not only is he a very nice, efficient mover Lies, but he is such an all around great looking dog, one of my favorites.
Very important to the GSD is the strong back. Nikon’s video shows that perfectly. When are you doing your AD?
Sunday morning.
Nikon has a good back
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4108/5066585086_3bd68a77dd_b.jpg
At the Rottie trial?
Yup!
He is beautiful dog.
Gorgeous. He makes it look so effortless.
Very nice. I’m glad you recorded his movement. Thank you for sharing.