“Author Archive”
Stories written by AnthonyA
There’s no getting around the fact that dog people are absolutely fascinating. The nature of this sport pretty well weeds out all of the rigid conventionalists. Let’s face it; this is no place for anyone dedicated to straightforward, predictable outcomes. Competitive conformation is endlessly complicated and ever-changing in one way or another. Those who are attracted to the game and choose to stick around and ultimately succeed; well, you know that the rest of their life is bound to be a bit off-center.
April 22nd, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
For every breed, the head is the hallmark of its type. Details of head type are critical elements in terms of establishing that vital link between type and function. The head could be considered as the most vital structural element to assist the dog in performing its traditional function. Therefore, it goes without saying that the general structure of the head is dependent on breed and function. No aspect of head type is arbitrary or vague, although semantics can sometimes give that false impression. Proper head structure dictates a dog’s ability to do its job.
April 21st, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
For 75-80 percent of the dogs in any sporting breed, or for that matter, just about any breed in the seven groups, conventional training methods for whatever you are asking them to do will get the desired results. In other words, these dogs can be successfully trained “by the book.” Another five percent or so of the dogs in any sporting breed have absolutely no interest in birds or any aspect of their job in the field. For these field misfits it’s probably best, for the mental health of both you and your dog, to seek some performance activity that doesn’t involve hunting or, in a lot of cases, retrieving, if you don’t want your dog to be a total couch potato. That brings us to the 15-20 percent that can be good performers in the field but for which conventional training methods are ineffective and can be downright detrimental to achieving success.
April 20th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
Before I write a word about Irish Setters, I should confess my journalistic bias because this is the breed that got me hooked on purebred dogs. Don’t ask me to explain how or why. But I vividly remember the life changing moment when I saw a neighbor walking his new dog. It stopped me dead in my tracks. I was enthralled and nobody can match a six-year-old when it comes to non-stop please…please…why not?? Well, Mom never gave in to my Irish Setter obsession, which was clearly the sensible decision from a parental standpoint. She also nixed the Bloodhound, the Bluetick and the Saint Bernard, but as we know it merely forestalled the inevitable.
April 19th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
It looks like outdoor shows are headed for a renaissance. They’re nice, but let’s face it; the drawbacks can be substantial – regardless of the season. Wind, rain, heat and bugs are just a few of the existential factors that constantly threaten our careful plans. So many aspects of the experience are unpredictable, but one bit of preplanning is always a safe bet – set up the show on a nice smooth, flat piece of turf. Exhibitors of Toys and coated breeds know precisely what’s at stake. “Take them around” has a whole new meaning if you are dodging potholes and tumbleweeds.
April 17th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
Now, I will wager that there are plenty of professional handlers out there who would like to see an article titled, How to Select the Right Clients. However, I thought it might be interesting to talk about hiring a professional handler and discuss why, why not, and maybe some do’s and don’ts.
April 16th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
How do I know this article isn’t for you? Because you’re reading The Canine Chronicle. You’re already part of the dog show world.
April 15th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
Gladwell describes Blink as a book about “rapid cognition,” those two seconds in which we somehow can collect, store and recall decades worth of details in the blink of an eye. Rapid cognition, in my opinion, helps explains the process of how great judges develop an eye for a dog.
April 14th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
It takes an innately elegant man to willingly play the fool, so I was not surprised when David Frei turned up to our Zoom meeting in a smart periwinkle shirt he says he bought for the occasion, and a Brittany-inscribed COVID mask.
April 14th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
Three little words can have a very big impact. For IMHO this month, that point is well demonstrated by three giants of judging from our community who share their opinions with our readers. Judges should have well developed personal philosophies which they take with them into the ring every time they judge. Read what these three believe.
Additionally, they share an honest self-examination. How do exhibitors perceive them in the ring? Is it a fair evaluation? Are you surprised by their look into the mirror and their hearts? Once again, IMHO takes you into the minds of members of the judging community.
April 13th, 2021 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »
