AKC approves Working Dogg Sport - Page 2

I have a different take on all this beginning at the most basic level. First of all, where will AKC get qualified judges to judge their events? No USA or WDA judge, or even a DVG judge is likely to give up their current membership to become a judge for AKC. AKC will not allow judging in two different organizations, just as other organizations make that rule. Secondly, where will competent helpers come from? At present, it is almost impossible to find helpers in my area, and in several other parts of the country, who are not already affiliated with a club. Thirdly, where will the competitors come from? I suspect the most hard core SchH people will be unwilling to even give this AKC program a chance. I know two who have been pushing this program, but my take is that they simply want it to go so they can be in charge of the programs that result. AKC people, especially the majority of those owning GSDs, will not flock to doing SchH. Sadly, for all too many of them, doing SchH is viewed as an anathema. For one thing, as we all know, many of the dogs would be incapable. Secondly, even with a dog who might be able to do it, where are they going to go to get help to learn what is necessary to compete? Most would die before they tried to join a current club in any organization. Thirdly, it takes a long time to train a dog to title in SchH and most GSD owners, even those with capable GSDs do not seem to be interested in making that commitment. If it were true, we would see serious increases in membership in the currect Schutzhund organizations in this country. We don't. As a final thought on this, all it will take is one or two incidents where an AKC person is trying to do SchH and their dog is involved in an incident of some sort (biting) and all hell will break loose. Too many people do not understand the sport, have no clue how to train and to keep a dog under control, and when the chips are down, the majority of AKC people will clamor for this program to be dropped. I could be wrong, but I am willing to bet anyone that in 5 years this program will be bust unless droves of us already active run to join and take over as some of you have suggested. Personally, I am not sure that would be worth the effort.

Trouble is the GSDCA has been ORDERED by the FCI/SV to change (within a defined time frame) its breed standard so that it is in conformity with the international standard. The hardcore AKC specialty breeders have balked at this change for years. They will very likely become the minority and an extinct breed--JMHO. Yes, some of these folks have been recalcitrant when it has come to training/titling their dogs. However, the GSDCA offers them incentives for titles (as well as OFA certification--especially with regards to special rewards and other perks at the GSDCA National Specialty). Because one of my females was entered in the first GSDCA herding event, I can recall when people initially became interested in AKC herding. Some suddenly became motivated because the GSDCA included Herding Tested as a "title" for Select-rated dogs ("Elite"--or something like that). Of course, many lost their zeal to progress in advanced herding training/titling when they learned that such training required time and regular WORK. IMO, GSDCA members can balk all they like about a breed standard change--however, such a change has been mandated and is inevitable. Otherwise, they can start a new breed and call it the "American Shepherd". With regard to judges and possible conflicts of interest, I can recall when licensed SV Breed judges were permitted to judge at AKC shows. In fact, I know of one specialty in Southern California where Walter Martin judged. I'm more optimistic than some of your because I have the perspective of following the breed pregressions since 1964. Louise

Everyone involved with German Shepherd dogs in the US, no matter what their special nitches might be, ought to become a member of GSDCA. German enthusiasts should call & lobby atheir GSDCA representatives. At election time, we should all VOTE. There is considerable muscle in the WDA & USCA memberships to effect positive changes within the GSDCA/AKC. What a delight it would be to have only one registration, one pedigree, one scorebook, one set of dues, one set of complex rules & regulations, etc. Gayle

I am in concurrance with Louise and GCK. There are several big names in USCA that have been competing in WDA events. The reality is that the AKC is the recognized organization by the FCI in the USA. Is it possible for the FCI and WUSV to say that only members represented by AKC (GSDCA-WDA) can compete internationally? I believe that the USCA appearence in the International arena is a courtesy. All of the big names in the sport in America belong to the USCA. Hence this is where the true competition is. Where are you going to get judges from? As it stands now many folks will only title under SV or SVF judges. Competent Helpers are always an issue. But do you not think that Helpers from the other organizations will not do trial work for a fee. http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=2876 I believe there was also information that the AKC hosted someone from the SV at the USA Headquartes in NYC. The person from the SV gave praise to the AKC for starting a GSD database and registration. The AKC has money to make things happen. My 2 cents Kyle All you need is a rumor of a ship is sinking for people to begin to jump ship.