In a message dated 2/24/2006 8:46:07 AM Central Standard Time, ELG440@xxxxxxx writes: The only person who knows what it means is Carmen. ---------------------------------------------------- I did a Google search for "foot timing" and came up with a GSDCA site page. _http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/NationalResults80_99.htm_ (http://gsdca.org/GSDReviewed/NationalResults80_99.htm) There is a general description of the phrase there, and reference to a Gazette article (Sept, 1984) that supposedly explains it. I have not been one of Carmen's biggest fans. However, I think that any "student of the breed" deserves a certain amount of respect for their efforts, even if I disagree with them on occasion. I have no doubt that Carmen is a true student of the breed. As I understand it, "foot timing" is more than the simple coordination necessary to not fall over with each step. Improved foot timing can result from gaiting practice, certainly through conditioning and very likely through repetitive action. I'm not a runner, but I am a bowler. I recently returned to bowling after twenty-five years away. I was carrying a 200 average when I gave it up to spend my time and money on showing dogs. When I returned last year, and after nine weeks of league, I was averaging a disappointing 167. Because of that, I started practicing five days a week during my lunch hour. I now average about 220 in practice, and over 200 in league. I can't say that I've learned many new things over what I already knew 25 years ago, but now my approach and delivery is committed to what bowlers call "muscle memory." The improvement in my balance on the approach is why my scores are better, and that is the result of repetitive practice. The same thing happens with runners, and yes ... even with dogs who's job it is to trot around a ring. Conditioning is a major part of all of this too. I'm sure I'd do even better if I'd lose 50 pounds <G> ... but repetition has already proven its usefulness in my case. Basically, there can be a difference between the "foot timing" that is necessary to stay upright, and the " foot timing" that might make a dog the best balanced mover in the ring. I feel no need to rate it because a rating will not change which dog is the best mover in the end, but I also see no harm in Carmen's recognizing that it is a factor in motion. Tom Langlitz ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================