USA Memberships - Page 3

Nia, one more suggestion to avoid the car payment...have you looked into having just the seat back removed from the back seat, and then having a platform built that would sit on top of the seat itself to make a level surface for your crates?

To this day I blame your dog for my dog being such a "loud mouth lime".  He taught my pup real quick, so your punishment will be you will have to listen to it in stereo once the little girl catches on.

Xhango barking the other day is why I was laughing with the newest pup in the club parked next to him.         Nia, next time I do drive the van, take a look at the dual crate in the back, just make sure I'm with you as the girlies don't like people they don't know poking around.     Good girlies.  You could have one made similar after you have a platform built to set it on.

I drive a van sometimes.  I don't call it my soccor mom van, I call it my "Schutzhund Mom" van.    And have a magnetic sign to prove it.  I am ready to go back to my truck. camper, and dog trailer now though.

Like a lot of people,  USA clubs were too far for me to travel,  or were not accepting any new members when I was looking for a club and found ones that seemed like a club I would like to train with.  I just found a WDA club that is closer and more than happy to invite me to train with them.  Nice dogs and nice people, so I'm looking forward to finally doing some training.  I wish I could afford to keep a membership in both organizations but I can't.  So I didn't renew with USA this year and sent in my WDA application.

I have been a member of USA for a long time (since '94) and a member of the WDA for about 5 years.  I belong to a club, USA and WDA just for the affiliation.  I train on my own with a small serious group of friends.  I have spoken with judges from the WDA events and they make a strong case for the WDA over USA.  One big thing they have going for them is the power of the AKC.  I've seen some positive things from the WDA in the past couple of years.  I have always been a big fan of USA, but lately I am disappointed by USA.   My main issue is the protection test at the siegar show, it was a joke.  The Siegar Show is a National Event, if you are going to bring your dog out to compete in a National event, train it for the event.   Dogs being shown at that level should be under control and be able to convincingly perform the protection exercises including the out.  If the dog can not do it due to poor training, weak nerves, poor character, etc.  the placing of the dog should reflect this.  USA has a responsibility to promote the overall dog at these events, and to maintain the working ability of the GSD.  Isn't the golden middle what we are all looking for?  If the most anatomically correct dog doesn't have the temperment to handle the pressure of the protection work, well then show him/her at AKC events. 

Lets hope both organizations will allow  video taping and subsequent posting of the performance of the working class dogs & bitches.