Rig problems and progress

One of the important things I need for a running rig and this dog one doesn't have it. I can't curve the back to show squash.

And I figured it out, the chest handle just needed to slide down the body for the affect.

Dog running refs

Maybridge photos of a dog running, I compiled the second one into a video

Sketches to get the feel of the dog running and it's variations from the photos.

Done in Flash to get a clearer idea of cleaner images of a dog running.

A few running reference on youtube 

slow motion dog running

dog playing ball in epic slow motion

slow motion dog

After watching one of the dog youtube videos I found another way for a dog to run. I wonder if running without touching the ground when stretched is a greyhound trait? 

This one always has at least one paw on the ground at any one time. Even in full gait.

I had to draw her ridiculous face. 

I think I could get it down to 9 images as 2 and 3 are very close in looks.

References from books and websites

Animating quadrupeds 

A very informative tutorial on Animating quadrupeds
 http://www.rocket5studios.com/tutorials/approaches-to-animating-quadrupeds-the-walk-cycles/

Digital Tutors - Animating a horse run cycle
Although it's an older version of maya and I'm not sure if that horse model will work properly on 2014 I think it still will be very useful to follow.
http://www.digitaltutors.com/lesson/940-Introduction-and-project-overview

Animating technical 

Animating on Layers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFfyCUV7nz8

Anime dailies is a facebook group that have members post animations tutorials, animations and show reels that can be very useful.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/animdailies/

Books

ImagineFX How to draw and paint Anatomy pp: 58-95 - Animal Anatomy

How to Cheat in Maya 2014

Eadweard Muybridge, horse walking images.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbwE7kQzil52CcXI17bTvEGyxt3HM_SkmGkh0atzdwDj3GAzmcafJKyMYVuMoR9yLuDcFRGE38_XEu8Iy6y_1_IFgEmLD6LQUJF9A9loNWCesOdWUq2kmnH7tf3dEZ1msJyZ8sIWA2U0/s1600/Eadweard+Muybridge+-+Horses+and+Other+Animals+in+Motion.jpg

How to draw Animals by Jack Hamm

Useful websites

Bring your own Animation is another facebook group that have experienced and new animators.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/417454175044/

Interesting article talking about how many animators are getting it wrong when it comes to animating quadrupeds.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126121348.htm

http://www.pinterest.com/keyframeguy/animation/

Other animals ref (placeholder)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-EPxNDCaeY

Slow mo dog walk on a tredmill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrqOAwCPowg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAnRURDEyGY



I will add more as I look into them.