Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Getting to know my dogs gaits, and ZOOM

Not really a trick for tricky Thursdays, but one of the homework assignments for Sylvia Trkmans running contacts was to video your dog running-what a great idea it seems that would have to help with really getting to know my dogs gait-and to have something to look back on if I am not sure if she could have any gait changes in the future.

Another of our homework assignments was really fun-we were supposed to get our dog running as fast as we could and make sure they were really excited and happy and then use a word....I am going to condition "zoom" so that when the border collies hear that word they get excited and run faster! ;-). I think it was working because when I was editing the video Cricket heard me saying ZOOM and she ran into the room with her ball, she is so cute!



I did the same thing with Breeze, esp. with the things that have been going on with her back...to me I thought I would see more changes, I think she looks a tad stiffer toward the end...but not too bad considering. I wish the video was better, but my daughter was trying to figure out the camera, so I will have to redo this on another day.

11 comments:

Chris and Ricky said...

I never thought about videoing a dog running - leave it to Sylvia to come up with these good ideas! Cricket is super fast - love her stay and recall! Her picture should be next to "zoom" in the dictionary! And Breeze looked good too - she is fast chasing the toy - she is a little stiff but it doesn't hamper her joy for the game!

Diana said...

You can really see the difference between Breeze and Crickets gait. Cricket has was more rear extention than Breeze. Thats a good idea to video gaits.

Unknown said...

Videoing your dogs running is certainly a good idea. I've never thought of doing this in order to keep track of Eva's running or even walking movements.
Eva was diagnosed with hip dysplasia when she was six months old, since then we are very careful with her hindlegs. It seems she drags them more often these days so we're trying to let her do some tricks or exercises in order to strengthen them.
I didn't know Breeze has hip dysplasia and I knew she is doing agility. That's really wonderful.

Sara said...

What an interesting idea! Useful for when you expect your dog may be injured.

Jules said...

Very interesting. Breeze definitely moves her rear differently than Cricket - not quite as much extension.

My instructor had me do a similar thing (Zoom) with Ike. I think it is a GREAT idea!

BTW, did you see this article on Zeel being as efective as carprofen for arthritis?

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/homeopathy-zeel-arthritis/

Sagira said...

Look at them go! :)

Kennedy said...

Really good information here. Interestingly enough, I had just video'd my dog's gait on Friday - albeit because I thought I sensed her gait was "off." I like how you slowed down sections of the video to really see movement. I'm seeing how this is good to know as a baseline for "well" uninjured performance plus to see what their stride is really like. I like the concept of teaching a faster speed. Zoom is a great "quick" word for it.

Marie said...

Very cool! Are you taking the running contacts course of Silvia Trkman's too? I don't know how you manage it all. Recallers course, trick class and running contacts, besides all your normal training.
I'm struggling to just keep up with the trick class. LOL Which reminds me that I need to email you...

hornblower said...

wow, what a great blog! I'm really looking forward to digging through all your archives - already seen so much neat stuff.

I like Silvia Trkman's stuff too! I have 3 dogs - one of whom might start agility once I can get a recall installed - & I homeschool in Vancouver BC. :-)

Morganne said...

What a great idea! Would you use it on the a-frame in competition if you really wanted to cue acceleration?

Cricket is such a beautiful dog. I love her freckles.

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

hummmm....had not considered Zoom on the aframe....I know Sylvia Trkman says she uses the "go fast" cue on the dog walk and on straightaways when she wants to get some more speed....