Pacing versus trotting

[tofu pup]

Usually I can correct the pacing right away by drawing the lead laterally towards me, which rocks the dog off his balance a bit and forces him to pick up into a trot.

OK, I went back and read this and wanted to add something! When I say "draw", it's more like a soft, steady pull. I'm sitting here in my chair and making the motion, and it takes me two beats to draw laterally in a way that would rock a dog out of a pace. It's not a jerk or a correction (because, among other things, you want the dog to continue moving smoothly - you just want to rearrange his rhythm while he moves).

Hope that makes sense! I could talk about handling stuff all day long.

 

[HopeShelties]

I have noticed that when taught to carry their head up and to the side for competition obedience heeling, a lot of dogs will fall into a pace instead of a hard trot. It does seem to throw some dogs off their normal balance. I think when moving with their neck and head up and turned like that it's easier to move with a lateral gait.
I do think some dogs are naturally predisposed to do it due to build. Look at horses. You'll find standardbreds who will pace in the field, Saddlebreds who will rack in the field, and Tennessee Walking horses who do a running walk. The horses that offer this naturally are generally built in a way that lends itself to doing the different gaits.
In addition to all else mentioned, some dogs will do a pace instead of a trot due to injury.

 

[Ann]

I could talk about handling stuff all day long.

We wish you would, Tofu!! Would you please write a book?? I'd be first in line to buy it...

And pictures please, for some of us who need visual aids, ha ha. Sort of Handling for Dummies...

 

[BarbV]

I don't do obedience, but I know that when I've got the dogs OFF leash, Bacca has two modes: full gallop or pace (with head down - when he needs a rest).

Interestingly, when I have the boys ON leash they both trot consistently and its a joy to watch!