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by olskoolgsds on 23 March 2009 - 00:03
I agree with Hodie,
I know a man that is involved with this, he is my dentist and we have spent much time discussing this. It is a tough course but not abusive, only when people get bitten by the win bug and hold that more dear to them then the dogs. This happens with anything including parenting our children. We seem to live in a time when anything you do with your dogs is considered cruel by some, and those (some) people seem to be telling the rest of the world how to view abuse.
Like all dog sports and jobs, you are taking advantage of the dogs natural drives. This in itself is not abusive. Unfortunately we have many groups that are deciding that such sports and activities are cruel, yet you will see the dogs fighting to get at their job. Mine love to run, work, and be active. My neighbor thinks it's cruel to let my dogs do half the things they do, yet the dogs love it. He, on the other hand lets his dogs sleep on the couch 24/7 get over weight and lazy, but thinks he is doing what is best for them. I would look at the dogs and see if they want to go do it again before I would make a decision. If I run my dogs too hard too often, they will not look forward to it as they once did. I will be able to see when it is too much for them, but as long as they are gung ho for it, then let them make the call.
I know a man that is involved with this, he is my dentist and we have spent much time discussing this. It is a tough course but not abusive, only when people get bitten by the win bug and hold that more dear to them then the dogs. This happens with anything including parenting our children. We seem to live in a time when anything you do with your dogs is considered cruel by some, and those (some) people seem to be telling the rest of the world how to view abuse.
Like all dog sports and jobs, you are taking advantage of the dogs natural drives. This in itself is not abusive. Unfortunately we have many groups that are deciding that such sports and activities are cruel, yet you will see the dogs fighting to get at their job. Mine love to run, work, and be active. My neighbor thinks it's cruel to let my dogs do half the things they do, yet the dogs love it. He, on the other hand lets his dogs sleep on the couch 24/7 get over weight and lazy, but thinks he is doing what is best for them. I would look at the dogs and see if they want to go do it again before I would make a decision. If I run my dogs too hard too often, they will not look forward to it as they once did. I will be able to see when it is too much for them, but as long as they are gung ho for it, then let them make the call.
by olskoolgsds on 23 March 2009 - 00:03
one more thing. Keep in mind that those that write articles and voice their opinions to the world usually have an agenda and do a good job of presenting only one complete side of the story. They may present Part of both sides, but they will only present their views fully.
by animules on 23 March 2009 - 00:03
The historical reason for the race is amazing. The risks to original mushers took saved lives.
The race itself is not abuse. Any and all areas of life have the periodic cruel person, work, professional, animal related, you name it. I work around a couple people that enjoy belittling others. The job is not cruel, there are a couple cruel people associated with it.
The race itself is not abuse. Any and all areas of life have the periodic cruel person, work, professional, animal related, you name it. I work around a couple people that enjoy belittling others. The job is not cruel, there are a couple cruel people associated with it.
by Two Moons on 23 March 2009 - 04:03
MUSH !!!!
by Horse30189 on 23 March 2009 - 18:03
The "Alaskan Husky" is a term for a mixed breed dog with some form of arctic origin primarily (or originally) bred for racing and pulling sleds. A German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix could be labeled an "Alaskan Husky" if need be.
You can have a dozen Alaskan Huskies lined up with none of them looking the same.
You can have a dozen Alaskan Huskies lined up with none of them looking the same.
by missbeeb on 23 March 2009 - 19:03
A Yorkie mix in the Iditarod??? What's it pulling.... the skin off a rice pudding?
by Alyssa Myracle on 23 March 2009 - 19:03
Ah now THAT was funny.
by Baldursmom on 23 March 2009 - 19:03
I read all of the above and enjoyed the debate. One thing I noticed was defining the "work" the "sport" now celebrates.
Anyone that has ever known these breeds knows they need to run, almost a pathological urge with these guys. i see no issues with having the race so long as percautions are taken like the rest breaks, vet checks and even stopping the race if the cold is too dangeroues, there is no need in a "sport" to risk lives of dogs or people.
If at a trial there were a tornado coming or major lightning storm, would you stand out there in it to complete a track?
The work was different, there were lives to save, just like an SAR rescur in hazardous conditions or a police/military action. There is a line behind sport and work. Work is not meant to be "fun". Sport is. In work we serve others, in sport we serve ourselves. As stated above it is the win at all cost that is the wrong attitude.
That said, we now take better care of those working dogs, bullet proof vests, protective boots and we call them out of situations that are too risky for them like colasped buildings.
Interesting debate.
Anyone that has ever known these breeds knows they need to run, almost a pathological urge with these guys. i see no issues with having the race so long as percautions are taken like the rest breaks, vet checks and even stopping the race if the cold is too dangeroues, there is no need in a "sport" to risk lives of dogs or people.
If at a trial there were a tornado coming or major lightning storm, would you stand out there in it to complete a track?
The work was different, there were lives to save, just like an SAR rescur in hazardous conditions or a police/military action. There is a line behind sport and work. Work is not meant to be "fun". Sport is. In work we serve others, in sport we serve ourselves. As stated above it is the win at all cost that is the wrong attitude.
That said, we now take better care of those working dogs, bullet proof vests, protective boots and we call them out of situations that are too risky for them like colasped buildings.
Interesting debate.
by missbeeb on 23 March 2009 - 20:03
... still looking for that Yorkie mix!
by Horse30189 on 23 March 2009 - 20:03
"English Yorkshire Terriers" are not Pit Bulls.
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