how u proceed after collecting a forfeit on a condtioned dog or win in short order.

[Officially Retired]

Good thread ...

[EWO]

That is very true. It is better to miss just under peak than to work thru peak only to come out flat or stale or over worked. Just my two cents.

The other side is that peak is such a fine line. When we see one that we think is peaked on a certain day/days there is always some question. Does he need just a little more or should I have stopped a little early? They are animals and those questions always go unanswered. I say that because there are so many variables between great conditioning and winning. The best shaped sub-par dog in the world is still a sub-par dog. The dog that is a run of the mill plug who happens to be in great shape will best his run of the mill plug counterpart, and even compete with a more talented hound.

Even though there is scientific data available, nutrition on the forefront, supplementation far better than years past I believe conditioning is still more art than science. Again, just my opinion. EWO

Honestly speaking I've only had about 4 dogs i could say i thought were closed to being at Peak.. all 4 i would say were over 90%.. I've only known about 3 men who constantly got dogs to be as close to 100% every time they shaped one. They also been around dogs between 20-30 years in the dogs as well. What you said though made perfect sense because my buddy said until i learn how to peak at the perfect time, it's better to be close to peak then to get there and come out stale.. I understand exactly what you meant..