Its Simples TRAIN YOUR DOGS !!!!!!!

The regional events as well as the Sieger do not cater for those who are elderly or unfit or who cannot afford a handler due to gaiting whether on or off lead. I've said before that this style of showing will not appeal to the exhibitor who wishes to handle their own dog, but cannot race flat out around a ring, or who do not want/cannot afford the services of a handler.

The problem as I see it is that the UK want to adopt an SV style of showing, but without many of the major components. Some (referred to as SV purists) wish to develop the shows and incorporate more of the German components than others.  I must confess I thought that was the original plan, and that progress would be made towards a full SV style show at some point in the future, implemented in stages.

The only real solution I can see is to implement a completely dual system whereby separate 'english' style classes are also held at these events, under UK judges, the basic requirement being a breed survey, thereby meeting all health requirements.  (Maybe just the adult classes). Those exhibitors would not be eligible for the Sieger Show, but would be eligible for the new title of British Champion, which could be held at the Sieger event in a separate ring. That would offer real choice to all.

Any dog could enter either english or German style classes, so a person showing in the 'English' style classes could if they wished to progress to German style classes. Conversely, a person who has shown under the German style could switch to english style classes. BUT no dog could enter both, it would have to be an 'either or' situation, probably for a defined season.

That is rather 'off the cuff' thinking and I don't know if it would be workable, although I don't see why it couldn't be developed.

I think that the Press Release third paragraph shows that the subject has not been thought out properly.

The third paragraph is below.

“ The purpose of off-lead gaiting is to allow the judge to evaluate the natural movement of the GSD without the restrictions of the lead or influence of the handler. The Judges will be briefed that poor heelwork or control must not be a factor in assessing the dog, and the movement itself will be the deciding factor.”

Firstly, off lead gaiting was introduced by Hermann Martin at the Sieger Show for the first time in the year that Iso v Bergmannshof was made Sieger. A well known judge, who has judged in the UK many times, was standing beside me and said “ if I want to see dogs racing I will buy a greyhound“. It was a spectacle put on for the public. However, that is all it is and should be treated as such. When I was the ring helper for Herr Meyer many years ago he asked me in every class to slow the dogs down because he could not make a proper assessment of the movement and, that was when the dogs were on the lead!!

Secondly, the second sentence is off the planet. It implies that off the lead heelwork will be acceptable in assessing movement if done at any pace but usually associated with walking and, to add to that “control” must not be a factor in assessing the movement of the dog and, the movement itself will be the deciding factor. So, with an animal that can successfully achieve a few metres of off lead work and then decide that he has had enough and perhaps pick a fight with another dog, or, bite an onlooker or physically harm someone will be judged acceptable whilst it is not under any control. Presumably the orgainzers of the show will be prepared to pick up the tab should this happen. Of course the will not and nor will their insurers.

The thing that could satisfy off lead gaiting is that every dog had a minimum of a BH qualification. A demonstration of reliable control through a test. I say this because the UK has few home bred dogs that can make a higher qualification such as Sch H1. We must remember that not all dogs that are bred are suitable for the bite work which is a dangerous exercise to take on. In my opinion all gaiting whether it is online or offline should be at a working pace for a working breed such as ours.

Mackenzie 

Priceless - STILL vague!  I am still waiting for your evidence to support your assertion of my idea of correctness that you claim *all* have witnessed. (BTW I include proven working ability to be part of the overall term 'correct').