[gemy]

Why "trot" your dogs around a show ring? Why not walk or run your dogs?

Very good question, others here can chime in that have studied pondered this question, but in my opinion and supported by different videos I've studied, history I've read; the trot is the best gait to evaluate the structure of the dog. That is for most dogs ( we will not go into here the exceptions and there are some).

Here at the trot you get to see the reach and drive, that is not blurred by a gallop or run, or just not there in a saunter around the ring. Here at the trot, you get to observe a topline that stays steady or not, footfall that is easier to see turn out or in, head and tail carriage and neck extension

For most breeds a trot should be a gait that is able to be kept up for an extended period of time. Of course so can a walk, but a walk, can't show you reach and drive, and also willingness, the heart that can take a trot for the day!.

Gallops are all out runs for most animals are short bursts of energy, the head reaches forward and slightly down, the rear legs gather up underneath the body, the front legs reach as a pair forward. The top line in this gallop can't remain steady, and isn't meant to.

All dogs can walk, trot, and run. But the show dog is trained to trot for more lengthy periods of time, but the training is interspersed with lots of standing, and walking (these other two activities strengthen different postural muscles of the structure).

Some show breeders will use Cavalleti training, some will climb hills, some will swim their dogs, some will use stair climbing to condition their show dog. The conditioning is as much about health of their dog, as it is to do well in the ring. Many breeders will have their pups/young dogs evaluated for movement, will videotape that movement and critique the results.

This trot, is a learnt skill for the ring, that has many many benefits for the health and general well being of the dog.