question????

[andyhilt27]

Ok...the old expression, "Get your hands on a dog."

I understand to point that this is to evaluate structure. I can undertand why this would be important in a breed with a lot of fur. But what is one feeling for in a doberman that can't be seen with the dog right in front of you?

[Elaine]

I sort of vaguely recall that Bill Shelton judged Futurity at the National back in 1994 without putting his hands on any of the dogs, except to check the mouth and the testicles. But you ain’t Bill Shelton :cool: , none of us are.

For us mere mortals, there are all sorts of things we are able to observe by putting our hands on a dog, including muscle tone and how easy it is for the dog to stand four square (and make that outline that you thought you liked). You can stand ring side and watch a top handler show a dog, and not have a clue as to how well the dog is actually put together, until you put your hands on the dog yourself. Of course, first you have to understand what you are supposed to be feeling for (i.e, what is a strength and what is a weakness).

For those who want a mentor in dogs… seek out Bill. There are really very few people in dogs with his depth of knowledge.

[Akshay_Bondre]

Some judges try to put some pressure on the hips of the dog while feeling them with hands. I am guessing they check the soundness of hips by doing so ?

[andyhilt27]

Please elaborate in greater detail what one would be feeling for. Thanks.

[Elaine]

No… it is a drain of time and energy.

Pick a time and place… bring with you the dog you would like to discuss, have the dog groomed, trained and in superb condition… and no excuses. Then we’ll talk. I suggest that you show up on the Tarheel, on Friday, March 26th. I’ll be sitting most of the day with Jane Forsyth, doing MCKC Match entries and selling raffle tickets. Buy $40 worth of tickets and maybe Jane will talk to you about how to put your hands on a dog, and what you should be feeling for. Then come back every year for the next 30 years, do the same things, and you'll still find things you're learning. Or, get Bill Shelton on the phone and see if he’ll spend some time with you.

[andyhilt27]

Elaine, bring any one of your specimens to the Indy Winter Classic for comparison. I don't know what day I will attend so just come to all four. I may be at the Dobe ring or the TFT ring. You can't miss my stunning good looks. Lol.

Seriously this was a sincere question...anyone else have the time/knowledge or even desire to educate?

[Elaine]

As much as we'd love to met you (stunning good looks and all) in person, and see your beautiful little Amelia... the answer is, “oh hell no.”

Like you, I was serious. Now maybe someone here has the time to go further with this topic, but I doubt it. Seriously, read the books I tell you to read… and CALL Bill Shelton… seriously!!! Frank Grover hand picked Bill as his successor… there are 1001 mentors in dogs that aren’t worth spit… Bill is worth his weight in gold. CALL HIM. He is out in SOuthern California.

And please don't say, "Who is Frank Grover?"