Dr Raiser - Page 3

Hundguy.... I didn't understand your comment to Cicel. "When you say used to always, does this mean you do not compete now??? And what does this have to do with Dr Raisers speech??" Hundguy, didn't you start the spun-off criticizing breeders...stating what they should be doing. My response was to your spin off,too. I believe expectations and theories on breeding without having experience and proving one's theories on breeding is simply "talking the talk and not Walking the walk". If one expects breeders to follow one's ideas or to be a leader, especially in breeding, then it's up to that individual to prove himself by producing that which he claims will come out of his ideas on breeding. Apparently, Cicel gave his opinions too, but basing them on his experience in the sport. From my perspective, it gives more meaning to an opinion when the background and experience of the person talking or writing is revealed. On lists, we have a cross section of people expressing their opinions and their ideas. I respect everyone's right to have an opinion, and read them with interest. But... how they arrive at their opinion is an important factor. If opinions are based on hearsay and gossip passed on from one person to another, the opinion has little substance. In contrast, if someone has experience and is willing to discuss this with others...we can all benifit from their input. However, I don't believe you can expect a serious breeder or knowledgable GSD person to go into this on a public list, especially, when their messages are distorted and sidetracked by individuals who change the thrust of a topic into personal attacks. Grandstanding or posturing bias or prejudious doesn't lead to good discussions.

Joanna says: "But... how they arrive at their opinion is an important factor." She is EXACTLY right! In the process of CRITICAL THINKING it IS the most important factor! Now, back to to discuss Dr. Raiser's opinions. Do I understand correctly that the biggest complaint is that he suggests cross-breeding with Malinois, to enhance the GSDs drive?

:: Now, back to to discuss Dr. Raiser's opinions:: Finally someone who is interested in getting back to the Post, "thank you" Kerry. My rude intro to this topic was an attempt to keep egoism off the post guess it didn't work. The topic is Dr Raisers speech, interview and his idea's and insight to the GSD. Although I am sure you know more about the GSD and what is best for it Joanna, make your own post to toot your horn.

I personnally think the biggest complaint that many have with Dr. Raiser as Breed Warden is that he hinted he might do the helper work at the BSZS. Some might object if their expensive dogs were to be chased off the field by strong helper work...

(rikkismom):I am sure this is a concern for the dog/handler teams that might be questionable in the bitework. I watched dogs leave at the 2002 Nationals this year, some of them were show and some work. I watched also a few not out because of the strength and threat of the helpers. Both James & Doug worked the dogs extremely hard at the Nationals this past year. It was good to see this kind of high level helper work.

Hello, Just a quick extended answer: My first year in Germany I Qualified to the LGA in Wurtemburg, what a disaster, 88-89-88, 50+ dogs and a lot of top trainers. Not good enough. my second year '97 Qualified to the LGA in Baden, made the 5th place, 30+ top dogs, and Qualified to the BSP representing LG Baden and OG Tengen. I was very disappointed with my result, 89-88-61. My dog went after a camera guy dressed in a leather coat and chased him into the stands before the helper came out for the courage test. Before the courage test he was in the V. The following year, I bypassed the LGA and Qualified for the BSP over the FCI, before all the other competitors. I had to be in the top ten spots at all the major trials of the year to do that. In '98 I made the 29th place out of 100+. In '99 we made the 11 spot at the LGA in Bayern-Sud. No, I am not very active at this time, my family has taken the spot-light. However, I just put a Sch1 title on a female I bought back from Germany, that I bred there. And, am now concentrating on a 16 month old half sister, also from my breeding. Perhaps, I will make the time to do something with her. I find it very difficult to get motivated doing the sport here in the US after my experience overseas. There is to much talk, talk that does not = the atmosphere and fun need to balance it off. Back to the subject. There are many breeders in Germany mixing lines. I have seen some above average to very good dogs, and worked them at several bigger trials. These dog's are just not know by many people as they are not achieving high points or show ratings. However, I have not seen a consistency over the generations. Not to say it's not possible. How should I know anyway, what experience do I have with trying? I agree with Joanna. After learning from all the top working breeders in Germany, my experience is this: You need to try it yourself, and see results from your own experience. All the best people will tell you what to do, weather you ask for their opinions or not, especially the Germans. Not disrespect to any of my good German friend's out there that may be reading this stuff. But they all know what I am talking about. If you think it is possible to make the best looking (in your opinion) dog that also works (in your opinion) the best, try it and have fun doing it! As for those who just want to breed show lines, as long as you are having fun, great! But for all of those interested in keeping the German Shepherd Dog a working dog, like myself, Cowboy up and show that you can first deal with all the problems within our lines, before attacking the show lines. We have enough problems! MO Sorry for the long mail.

Hey hundguy, I too am interested in seeing strong fair helperwork at all events. But believe me, most working clubs in Germany would not want Helmut doing helper work at there trials. And, yes rikkismom, most might object if their expensive dogs were to be chased off the field by strong helper work... What would you guy's do if you had these types of dog's and had to test under such conditions?

Rikkismom: What do you mean, he might do the helper work? Do you mean physically do it??

Yes, Dr. Raiser hinted that he might physically do the helper work at the BSZS. This is a translated excerpt from an interview in the Feb 2003 SV Zeitung: SV Zeitung: After your election the rumour was spread that The national breed warden handles a dog at the BSP, will he now be a helper at the BSZS? Dr Raiser: I have said that I am for being constructive with each other: When the show people stop opposing the interests of our breeding efforts in the performance area, then I do not have to be an agitator at the BSZS! http://www.videxgsd.co.uk/Helmut_Raiser.htm

I agree. The helper work at the 2002 USA Nationals was very strong. Strong helpers will chase weak dogs, even some dogs who appear to be strong on their home field or with their familiar helper. Just as it should be. At the highest levels of sport AND show, IMO the helper work should be very strong.