How would you handle this? - Page 2

I personally would speak up, but would TRY not to be too insulting. Explain to him about WHY the German Standard is there, what it entails, and why they use this Standard. I would then tell them that if he insists on breeding this way, you would really prefer not to speak about it, as it truly bothers you. Hopefully, he will respect your candidness, and not continue to buffet you with his "feats" in breeding. Honesty is always the best policy!

What makes the blue one any different from the white ones? The white ones are still against standard. I just would ignore any further comments and try to steer the conversation the other way. Any person with half a brain will figure out that you don't want to talk about his "out of standard" dogs if you change the subject every time it comes up. Vickie

Why do people, such as yourself and others, feel the need to notify others when they are doing something wrong (wrong in your opinion)? Don't get me wrong, I do the same thing. But when you really think about it. It is none of your or my business. I am sure that somewhere along the line, someone told Stephanitz that what he was doing was misguided, wrong or just plain stupid. As 1doggie states above, the SV is not the end all to the world of GSD's. White GSD's and blue (yes blue) GSD's are still GSD's. They are just not what dedicated breeders and owners adhere to, but they can be just as loyal, intelligent and capable of anything Ursus Batu is. Would you tell a man that his gay son should have been drowned the day he found out about it? C'mon. Let a man have a little pride in what he considers his "lucky" dog. I am sure that, that particular dog will have a good life, if this person feels the way he talks about it. My guess is that that particular blue shepherd will have a better life than a "normal" shepherd. As I once heard a showline dog say to a working line dog "throw me a bone, will ya" :)

I would like to add that there is nothing wrong with having an intelligent conversation with another and presenting your case for or against anything. However, words like drowning and moron have no place in an intelligent conversation. Who knows. He may change your mind to his way of thinking...............................................................................Okay, I got you there. The first thing that went through your mind when you read that last statement was "I DON'T THINK SO". That is a person with a closed mind. Am I right? ;-)

I always find it hard to bite my tongue because in the back of my head I am thinking, "If I don't say something than I am adding to the problem." Lack of knowledge to me is a big issue. Informing people about the importance of titles, health clearances, temperment ect, seems to be a great idea. The question is will they ever truly get it? When someone wants to do something, my opinion is the last thing they care to hear. Thier decision to do what they are going to do has already been made. I know that I always feel better saying my peace because atleast then I know that I did what I felt was right. Wether they take or leave my advise is on them but maybe me holding there hand and walking them through the local animal shelter will help sway thier decision a little tiny bit.

gsdlvr2-- When this man chose to breed Am White GSDs, he was more than likely well aware of the differences between your type of dog and his. Even though his preference conflicts with yours, I gather he has been respecting your choice and not condemning it with insults, otherwise you wouldn't have held your tongue this long. Try and return the favor. He's happy and proud. If the dogs are healthy and loving, and the sire and dam have all the proper breeding requirements (such as medical and OFA clearances), then (at the very least) they'll be good PR with the public. I'd just relax and talk GSDs with him. Let him brag, and put your knowledge out there. You both will benefit and enjoy having a fellow GSD compadre to chew the fat with....hopefully.

I say why not educate him?? It is too important IMO.. Maybe buy him a book to read that talks about how important the breed is and what is good & bad within the breed. This way it will not be your words and opinion, it will be of someone who wrote a book!!!! Man they had to know everything about the GSD to write a book right???!!!! Or print the info off of this site and hand it to him.. www.geocities.com/sahiela2/colors.html Best Regards, Dennis

I've worked in several jobs that required me to deal with pet owners, and really I've learned that it's best to keep mouth shut unless it's urgent. Preaching to people really won't get them to change their mind about things. Best to talk to them on 'their level', so to speak, and try to open them to new ideas without pushing them. A little bit at a time helps. As long as the person loves their dogs, it's a start.

gsdlvr, well... It's a funny subject isn't it, I get it at the shelter all the time, People actually walking through the door wanting "this dog" because they have one at home, and they want to breed. Every Staff member in the shelter ducks and runs, serisoulsy it's like scattering cats when you open the barn door they're cutting into every crevice they can find, because all you know what breaks loose, Nothing makes me more furious than an Idiot who has a dog and wants another one, to breed, They know nothing about the dog, and know little about they're own dog, No papers, just a dog, could be breeding full brother and sister for all they know, But they don't think of that. Until of course I point it out, quite bluntly at that. Once I calm myself I go into great detail and try to point them in the "right" direction, Go spay neuter what you have, Buy registered dogs from respected breeders, After spending a year or so with them, whelping a few litters with them, cleaning up the poo daily, giving flea baths a couple times a week and so on, Then decide if it's right for you. My advice to you... Do what you feel you have to do, You always have the option of clearly but courteously saying " I don't agree with your breeding practices and would care not to discuss the GSD breed with you" or more tactfully hopefully, I'm not so tactful you can probably tell. Anyway don't let this become an ulcer for you, If you must say something, think long and hard what you want to say and how to convey it so it does not come off like I do all the time. LOL. But if you feel you can continue to choke well then maybe it's best to let sleeping dogs lye. Good Luck to you, I give you props for your efforts so far, I don't think SuperGlue would have held me this 1/2 as long. Your definately a nice person and someone who shows a great deal of "control", Good Job and Best Best of Luck to you, I hope you find your resolve to your troubles. :-)

Hundguy: You have a decent idea there, however, there are a lot of books written about white GSD's. What if he buys you one of those first :) The authors of those books "had to know everything about the GSD to write a book right???!!!!" also :)