Hi all, i was reading a very old dog book today and it mentioned doing an extended trot going around the sides of the ring but going away from the judge and back to him you should do a collected trot.  Is this true?

Warm regards Susan

The faster you move your dog the more his legs will converge underneath him to maintain balance.  So yes it is kinda true.  Slower going away and coming back but show full extension in side profile :)
Surannon x

Depends on the breed and the dog. All dogs have a desired gait and so should be moved at all times to show the correct gait.
In our breed it is undesirable for legs to over extend and hence if a dog is gaited too fast and this happens it will get marked down.I have one dog who needs to be moved at a more sedate pace and one who needs to really motor.
Its a case of learn what is expected in your breed and learn the best speed for your dog to exhibit the correct gait required for your breed.
Archer

Agree with Archer. It all depends on the breed. For instance in my breed. Yes the dogs go at a steady pace to show their drive. However the top line should remain level at all times. Take the dog too fast and the top will rise and fall which is not desireable.

With me being new to showing i dont know whats the best pace for bullmastiffs to be moved at.  Thanks anyway.

Warm regards Susan