New Book: Structure in Action by Pat Hastings

[LH]

Hi everyone,

I saw this newly-published book advertised in an email from book
vendor Dogwise, so I bought it. If you like studying canine
conformation and movement, it is a valuable addition to one's personal
library.

The book is simple and straightforward, with a lot of photos to
illustrate each topic. I found myself wishing that some of the photos
were better, and disagreed with the assessment of a few dog photos,
and a couple of the written statements. All in all, however, a good
book, as there are not many out there addressing this subject.

One thing that the book finally helped me figure out is WHY many
Dobermans have these long long necks that don't connect smoothing into
the withers and shoulders. Well, it is a "stovepipe neck", where the
width is the same from top to bottom. The neck doesn't get wider at
the bottom, and so there is an abrupt transition (in a nicely formed
neck, there is a gradually widening at the base of the neck, and a
smooth transition from the base of the neck to the withers/top of the
shoulder blade and topline).

Another interesting thing is that many photos were taken of dogs in
the conformation ring, at shows. So, looking at faults being pointed
out in dogs being shown was interesting- makes you realize how many
dogs are shown that are far from perfect, and even have significant
conformation problems!

For older resources, Rachel Page Elliot's book and dvd Dogsteps are
excellent references.

Lisa

[bajagirl]

Hi Lisa,
If you ever have an opportunity to attend one of Pat Hasting's
structure seminars, please do. So informative. It's even better
if she has a live litter to grade. When she spoke in Denver last
year, there was a litter of 8 Weimeraners. Very interesting.
Another excellent speaker and judge who give great seminars
is Pat Trotter. One of her premises is that in days gone by when
large show kennels were maintained, it was a respected avocation
for young adult women to become "kennel maids". They would
oversee the care, training, whelping, etc. of the dogs. Pat Trotter
points out that today people may have dogs and show dogs, but
they often don't "know" dogs. MIM encourages people to do just
that--observe and build a relationship with their companion.
Jo-Lynn

[LH]

I would definitely attend a Pat Hastings seminar, if she were ever in
our area (apparently, I missed
one that was a mere 20 miles from home a couple years ago! Never even
heard about it until
after the fact).

Lisa

[LH]

As it turns out, a Dalmatian club in the area is hosting a Pat
Hastings seminar
later this spring! I may go, although it is across the Bay and more
than an hour's drive.
I shouldn't pass up the opportunity.

Lisa

[Sara Peterka]

She is very interesting. I think you would enjoy the seminar.

Sara

[LH]

Oh, I know I would. I've loved studying dog and horse conformation
and movement
since I was a little kid!

Lisa