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by Pat Relton on 30 September 2009 - 13:09
by SitasMom on 30 September 2009 - 13:09
Not all that long ago, I attend this combined event. Talk about night and day.
In a large horse arena, dogs trotted in circles for what some times seemed like an hour. People were running back and forth on the outside of the arena trying to attract dogs. One handler was carted away by parametics after tearing his knee up. Not a sport for the weak or out of shape. It was actually quite fun to watch. Way back in the back of the building, there were 2 tiny obedience squares where the dogs jumped over foot tall hurdles and brought back tiny barbells. And a few more squares for showing puppies and young dogs. Not alot of spectators in the back.
Out side of the building in an open field a SchH trials was being held at the same time. A few spectators would venture out to watch the working dogs. They didn't stay very long. There wasn't convenient place to sit, it was windy, and if you don't understand what's going on, most likely very boring.
Every now and then a SchH dog was taken inside and walked through the crowd. The response of many of the spectators was wonderful. Comments like, "now THIS IS the German Shepherd of my youth, I didn't know they bred them any more". "He looks so strong, his back lets are steady". "Look at the beautiful head". "Those colors"! "Nice balance"...and of course the "is that a wolf mix" from some of the clueless about sables. The conformation competitors were not impressed and politely turned their noses up and walked away.
At one point, there was a SchH demonstration in the main arena, which seemed to be all about showing off protection....I don't think it was the right thing to do. As I watched, the spectators they were very much turned off and some were even frightened that these dogs were trained to bite someone. Of course the conformation folks were gloating right about then.
After the demonstration, far fewer spectators were willing to stop, look and strike up conversations. The ones that did were more the redneck type young guys that wanted tough attack dogs..... I've thought about this for a while and maybe a better demonstration would have focused much more on obedience, and not dwell as much on protection.
Just food for thought.
by Pat Relton on 30 September 2009 - 15:09
Ooooh. So this has already been done but by the looks of it wasnt done right. Dont mean to beet a dead horse but if its done right I think it would make a splash. Sounds like the confirmation people and the bite work people dont have much in common right now.
by dAWgESOME on 30 September 2009 - 15:09
A show dog that could work & a working dog that could show..... I see that as a positve step in the right direction.
by Adi Ibrahimbegovic on 30 September 2009 - 18:09
"Now this is really a pie in the sky idea but what if in the future one of the dogs that was in the show ring, did the bite work demo and vice-versa....
A show dog that could work & a working dog that could show..... I see that as a positve step in the right direction."
by Mystere on 30 September 2009 - 18:09
This all comes down to MONEY and MONEY, they think, to the AMBRED breeders. This is NOT about working dogs, showcasing show line dogs that can work, or anything else.
As for GSDCA hosting the WUSV Championship. Look at the line-up. When is the last time any of them had any involvement with even a CLUB LEVEL trial? Remember, WDA has NO trial requirement for its clubs. It had that rule for exactly one year a couple of years ago and then it was voted out. So, how many people can WDA , who has a primarily a show-oriented membership, drum up to work on hosting a World Championship....who actually know what they are doing?
by dAWgESOME on 30 September 2009 - 20:09
Kay, so I went back and read the blog-
sorry if my next questions sound stupid but this sounds concerning & I'm just trying to wrap my head around this and would like to understand more.
What are the differences between WDS (working dog sport, right?) and Schutzhund other then the "parent" club?
And what difference is it going to make to just a "normal" (as in not politically involved) but actively competing dog person?
by Pat Relton on 30 September 2009 - 21:09
WDS and Schutzhund are the same thing for the exercises and requirements so its all about control and the money $$$$$
It doesnt matter what you call it if the dogs gotta do the same things in the competion
The only reason why people are wigging out is because they want to be in charge of it.
I say as long as its coming back to America than great
by Mystere on 30 September 2009 - 21:09
Regarding the WDS program: No judges of its own and no judges program to develop any. Why kind of program is that. More importantly, what kind of committment to the activity does it show on the part of AKC? At one point, it waved a "magic wand" and just made anybody a judge. At best, a few had to attend a 2-hour seminar. Others, it just waved the wand at and voila--they were a judge.
Only five breed clubs were authorized to host the WDS trials. And, they were limited to single digits as far as the number of trials per year. Of those, only three actually held any trials. Compare that to USA's 200+ clubs, each of whom holds at least one trial a year. Add in DVG's clubs, also required to hold trials. Then, add in WDA's clubs, with far fewer clubs than either USA or DVG and no trial requirement for any of them. If AKC becomes the domain of schutzhund in this country, and the only organization whose titles are recognized, WHO is going to hold the trials needed to accommodate all those to want to participate? Remember, judges can only judge 12 dogs per day (or the equivalent).
Ever tried to get a tracking title with AKC? First, you have to certify (hiring a judge) to even enter. Then, you show up on the appointed day, and you have to draw to see IF you are going to be able to track at all. I attended one AKC TD one year and a person who had entered and travelled all the way from Alaska to Washington State did NOT get to track. Because you enter does not mean you get to play. I don't know, but I suspect that schutzhund as an AKC activity would end up being handled the same way, if AKC became the domain for schutzhund in this country.
I could go on with the reasons it is a bad idea for AKC to take over schutzhund, but I would rather go see a horror movie than conjure one up for myself.
I would not want to see AKC in charge of determining who goes on to international competition and why.
by dAWgESOME on 30 September 2009 - 21:09
Thank you for breaking it down to the details for the freshman. That does not sound good at all........
What can "we" do to stop the madness?
I don't want SchH to go to crap
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