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STRUCTURE IN ACTION - THE MAKINGS OF A DURABLE DOG
by Pat Hastings with Wendy E. Wallace, DVM cVA and Erin Rouse (See other books by author)
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Publisher: DogFolk Enterprises
Edition: 2011 Paperback
, 168 pages
ISBN: 9780967841441
Item: DAN125
Summary: Many people probably think that all the fuss that breeders and fanciers make over their purebred dogs—how they look, how they move—is unnecessary. Why do the teeth need to be just so? Why does a judge do such a thorough hands-on evaluation of twenty dogs that to most of us look so much alike? The answer lies in the fact that purebred dogs are bred for a specific purpose and that the structure of the dog impacts its ability to do what it has been bred for be it retrieving game, guarding livestock, tracking lost people, or pulling sleds full of supplies to a snowed-in village.
| Price: $29.95 |
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Expanded Description:
Winner of the DWAA Maxwell Award for 2011, Best General Interest or Reference book.
Animal League America Award.
Many people probably think that all the fuss that breeders and fanciers make over their purebred dogs—how they look, how they move—is unnecessary. Why do the teeth need to be just so? Why does a judge do such a thorough hands-on evaluation of twenty dogs that to most of us look so much alike? The answer lies in the fact that purebred dogs are bred for a specific purpose and that the structure of the dog impacts its ability to do what it has been bred for be it retrieving game, guarding livestock, tracking lost people, or pulling sleds full of supplies to a snowed-in village. In her latest book, renowned judge and evaluator of dogs Pat Hastings explores the dog from head to tail and examines in great detail how a dog’s structure can enhance or inhibit its ability to perform. While many books explain how dogs are supposed to look, Structure in Action takes the next step to explain why it so important given the purpose the dog is designed to serve. This well illustrated book will become an instant classic.
Here are just a few of the many examples of how structure impacts action
• Learn how to analyze what you see when observing dogs to prevent problems or improve behavior.
• Why a round bulging eye, a desired look in many lap dogs, is susceptible to injury.
• Dogs whose backs have an extreme downward slope are very prone to breakdowns of the front quarters impacting their ability to run and jump.
• A dog whose rear legs are too short and are set directly below the rear assembly will lack normal propulsive power and are subject to back and spinal injuries.
What dog professionals are saying about Pat Hasting’s Structure in Action:
Pat has done it again with this incredible journey into structure and the pertinence to action. This is a must read for anyone who owns and works with dogs – the dogs’ structure has to be considered when examining the job of the dog. Pat outlines structure clearly and precisely as it pertains to the action of the dog. Dogs will be forever grateful.
Dr. Debbie Gross Saunders, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner Author, lecturer and teacher
Agility handlers put a lot of time and effort into searching for the “perfect” dog for their next agility prospect. But no dog is perfect; like people, all dogs have structural imperfections and evaluate them in relation to what we are asking the dog to do in our sport…. Unitl now, there hasn’t been a reference on structure specifically aimed at owners of dogs chosen for an active lifestyle. Structure in Action fills this hole. It looks at dogs from head to toe in a practical and understandable manner. For what our dogs give us everyday, we owe it to them to read this book.
Monica Percival, Editor, Clean Run magazine, 4-time National Agility Champion
Author Pat Hastings began her career as an owner-handler, moved into breeding, then teamed up with her husband in professional handling. She is currently an AKC Judge of the Herding, Non-Sporting, and Working Groups, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show. Her seminars and presentations are well received here and abroad. She has articles published in a variety of dog magazines including AKC Gazette, Dog News, and Clean Run. Pat lives in Aloha, Oregon.
What reviewers are saying...
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“In "Structure In Action: The Making Of A Durable Dog", canine judge and evaluator Pat Hastings, with the assistance of veterinarian Wendy E. Wallace and author Erin Ann Rouse, has compiled a profusely illustrated, 162-page compendium of information focused specifically on how a dog's physical structure can enhance or inhibit its performance and explains in cogent detail the importance of the animal's physiological design. Dog owners and breeders will learn how to analyze their observations of dogs for the prevention of problems and the improvement of canine behavior; the susceptibility to injury of 'bulging eyes' in lap dogs; that an extreme downward slope of a dog's back can be prone to breakdowns of the front quarters resulting in eroding an ability to run and jump; and so much more. Thoroughly reader friendly, informed and informative, "Structure In Action" is a core addition to professional, personal, academic, and community library instructional reference collections on canine development and health”.
James A. Cox
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| Customer Reviews |
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| Absoulutly must have book!, January 26, 2011 |
| Reviewer: Karen Cannard |
| I just received my copy in the mail and sat down to read it cover to cover. Pat has accomplished an outstanding goal in helping breeders and competitors learn and understand what is important in structure today. Many of us no longer breed just for conformation but also for sports such as agility that take a tremendous toll on our dogs and a dog without correct structure can win but at what cost? to the dog and to the handler/trainer? Maybe breeders will begin to circle back towards a correct balance instead of breeding for what is popular! An agility dog, or herding dog, or earthdog for that matter cannot do his job if bred for the size of his head (or? whatever is popular in your breed at the moment)but has horrible structure. The photographs on structure are wonderful but the photos of correct and incorrect bites and tooth issues is fabulous! Job well done and Thank You Pat! |
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| Another Information Packed Stucture Book, February 5, 2011 |
| Reviewer: Carla S. |
| I was SO excited for this book to come out as I have the other 2 books of Pat Hastings and also have owned the video of the Puppy Puzzle. I 100% believe in Pat Hasting's puppy structure evaluation and have seen multiple successful picks from puppies using those methods go on as adults and actually be the litter pick as an adult. I truthfully have not read the book from cover to cover as when I sat down with it for the first few hours, I felt 60% of the information in this book is the same information that was in her other books as far as how to evaluate the structure. However, I do understand this information is necessary as a stand alone book and would not be a useful book without it. The best part of the book and new puplished information is what to expect from your dog if it has a specific structure problem and the limits it will have because of these structure problems. Of course everyone has adult dogs that probably has some of these problems as all dogs are not perfect so it is good to know what may be their limits. After reading this book, it should become clear the importance of picking out the best puppy that you can for the activities you expect to being doing with your K9 friend when they are an adult. |
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| Awesome Reference Book!, March 28, 2011 |
| Reviewer: Kelly Ladouceur |
| As the owner of Pat Hastings' other two books, I wasn't sure about purchasing this one. I was concerned about overlap. I made the choice to buy this one anyhow, and I'm glad I did! This book is a terrific reference, both written and visual, on the structure of dogs. I love the photos showing correct and incorrect structure, and the explanations of why certain breeds have certain requirements. For anybody just getting into dogs, this book is a must-have. Even for folks that have been around for a while, there is much to be learned from this book, in my opinion. Definitely one to have for the library! |
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| Another informative read, May 17, 2011 |
| Reviewer: KMH |
| All of Pat Hastings' books are awesome and this one is no exception. She explains things in a very clear, easy-to-understand manner, with pictures that help illustrate exactly what she is describing. I would recommend it to anyone interested in proper canine structure. |
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| , May 17, 2011 |
| Reviewer: Raegan Walter |
| Invaluable for anyone who asks their dog to do more than walk around the block twice a day. Especially useful is the appendix listing the most important features a dog needs for various sports. |
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| every dog person needs this book!, October 21, 2011 |
| Reviewer: Jacqueline Munera |
| Every dog person needs this book! I learned so much about my dogs that have helped me understand them better. I don't compete in a dog sport but if I did, this book would be even more valuable. Wish there was a cat version too! |
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| Wonderful!, February 22, 2012 |
| Reviewer: Sue M. |
| This is a clear, well-illustrated book that really has you considering the impact small flaws have upon the entire dog. There's a great appendix listing what kind of structure is important for which sports. The best thing about Structure In Action is that you don't need very much prior knowledge to get a lot out of it. Anyone who works a dog in any venue should be fascinated with the information in this book. |
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| I was left wanting more!, March 11, 2012 |
| Reviewer: Amelia Looper |
| The strength of this excellent resource is its abundance of high quality images demonstrating desirable and undesirable structural features. While the focus is on relating these features to suitability for dog sports, I was most interested in the brief references to breed specific features and flaws that impede overall quality of life. I would love to see a more extensive photographic guide to structure from Pat Hastings in the future! |
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| Great reference, July 18, 2012 |
| Reviewer: The Inspired Dog |
| 'Structure In Action' is a book every dog fancier should have in their library - breeders, conformation participants and all performance dog owners. Excellent book, full of information...highly recommend this book. |
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Linus lives in Chelan WA and is a Chihuahua Mix.
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