Kick off for the new AKC (WDS) - Page 1

.. so how can we promote this with-in our communities, people that don't believe in this "type" of thing? ..any suggestions ..my local Kennel Club has it's first meeting of the year on Jan. 3rd ... I've never been to their meeting before, what should I expect? ..are the board members aware of all these happenings? ..or are some Kennel Clubs exempt? I have a group of 13 going with me to support this trial period ... we don't want it to be a "dud" like 5 years ago when AKC banned it. ..any comments would be appreciated. Melissa.

Did you know that the UKC is starting its working dog program? Service Dogs of America is affiliated with the United Kennel Club and will be responsible for conducting trials and events for this new program. Check it out. http://ukcdogs.com/dogsport.htm

No, I didn't. I did read about it on the website and wanted to join the forum.. but it said my email address was banned. I've never been there before in my life. My stalkers must be getting the best of me.

I know UKC is seemingly gaining ground in Texas... Myself..I have always used UKC for Registration. Alot of my dogs were dual UKC and AKC registered.

I would love to help support this new working program with in the AKC. But I'm hampered somewhat by living in the middle of no where. If the Kansas City group will hold a trial, I'll be there with dog in tow. I also wonder about AKC clubs that have in the past, and in their by-laws, banned dogs that participate in bite work, from being entered in their club functions? Will AKC step up and help get these clubs to open their clubs to those dogs? I'm lucky in that my club allows "brags" that include my dogs accomplishments in the sport of Schutzhund. How can we help support the new sport? Thanks CH

I will have to check out around here (dallas tx) to see if any of the clubs are going to participate it this...they should at least the gsd clubs. I know most of the sch clubs could care less...they say that it will be to strict and very hard for sch dogs to pass. I am getting ready to dual reg all my dogs with the UKC...our German dogs do well in thier confermation and it is good practice for the German shows. More ring time for young dogs...at least that is my thought. I haven't seen a UKC protection show yet, I am hoping to find one close to see how it goes.

I know many people who are registering and showing their dogs with UKC. They love the shows since all handlers are all on a level playing field, no pros except with dogs they own. You will not run into a Jimmie Moses at a UKC show LOL. The only caveat I have about a dog's earning a UKC Championship is that it should not really be taken all that seriously or as an endorsement of a dog's quality. It's even simpler to achieve than an AKC title. Most dogs I've seen with UKC Ch titles and even some that have done some winning at the group and BIS level are very mediocre and would not earn an AKC Championship and would not place well at an SV show. A really high quality GSD exhibited at the UKC level would probably clean up in short order, SV dogs in particular. The UKC judges lean more toward movement, structure and soundness than do most AKC and SV judges and with no pro handlers to stack the deck against you and your own dog, you could have an awful lot of fun showing others what a real GSD should look like. Good PR for the breed and lots of fun for you and your dogs and that's really what it's all about in this day and age.

Quote "The only caveat I have about a dog's earning a UKC Championship is that it should not really be taken all that seriously or as an endorsement of a dog's quality. It's even simpler to achieve than an AKC title. Most dogs I've seen with UKC Ch titles and even some that have done some winning at the group and BIS level are very mediocre and would not earn an AKC Championship and would not place well at an SV show" I don't know where you are going but I go to shows all the time for experience and fun. And my dogs have majors towards their names. It is that UKC is based more on what the witten STANDARDS are not what is NOT witten (the roach or slant backs). I have even seen them DQ many dogs for bad temperaments. Which you don't see often. They will actually push agaisnt a dog if they think the hips are weak. I have seen then look past roach backs and slant backs THE WAY IT SHOULD BE and stay true to the standards And most of the Judges are from AKC. Yes it is easy to earn Bo m/f or BOB if there is no other dog there but you don't earn Majors for your title at that point. You have to place in Group! Which is even harder cause you are going up agaisnt the "best" of the other herding groups. So if that dog you say is "mediocre" it would not place or earn it's Major. UKC has more of a laid back enviroment (knives are left in the truck) People are more eager to talk and help out new comers. As far as SDA again it is friendly!!!! not cut throat and politics. It is a new group aimed more at working dogs. This is great way to get involved for new comers

I did say that the UKC judges are more inclined to judge on movement, structure, and soundness and that a good SV GSD would clean up at those shows.

.. I'm a bit confused now. Isn't the AKC (WDS) intended for Schuthund prospect dogs to trial for Titles through AKC? ..what do majors, conformation, the roach or slant backs, or show standards have to do with it?