Maybe the UScA membership should decides on new rules ? - Page 1

"This is about the RULES as they are currently written NOT being followed. "  Deeswolf

 Since so many people are not signing or commenting on the dislpay put on at the 2008 SiegerShow, does this mean we should change rules to allow what we have seen?

Why has the voice from the show ring gone silent? This is a good time to try to get things out in the open so rules will be followed by all.

The petition

We, the undersigned members of the USA, having witnessed (either in person or by media) the Performance Test for the working class males at the 2008 Sieger show, wish to proclaim our utmost concern over the lack of enforcement of the Sieger Show Rules. It concerns us that the GSD breed will suffer due to rewarding such questionable temperament through judging that is not following the established rules.

We, the members of USA have a fundamental concern for the advancement of our sport and our breed, the German Shepherd Dog, do hereby sign this petition demanding that the Executive Board of Directors immediately and without delay, conform to the standard of correct judging of the Performance Test of the Sieger Show as stated in the Sieger Show Rules.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/EnforcetheRules/ 

This is a chance for all to speak up.

What have you seen that is not being followed?  Can you or others better explain your concerns (Simple comparisons would be sufficient, not long drawn out messages of frustration), the statement above is not enough to give others a better understanding of what the petition is about and what they are petitioning.

Thanks!

I just watched the YouTube clips, it seems that most of these dogs are not even able to walk off leash.  Is this the main complaint, dogs not ready for the Sieger show?

Are we watching the same videos? I do not think it is simply a case of the dogs ''not being ready''. Sure, maybe a few, but do you really think some of these breeders are going to go to a National event and NOT practice beforehand? Come on. That would be like entering a trial and not practicing.

I have had several discussions lately with people who have asked the same question. What rules were broken? There are rules for a sieger show, as part of the rules, it clearly states, how the performance test is to conducted, what criteria is needed to advance to the stand for exam, and then to go into the ring.  I submit the RULES, as they are currently written, as viewable on the USA website.  Now you can determine if the rules, as they are currently written are enforced.

III. PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION TEST

All dogs of the Working Dog Classes must participate in the Sieger Show Performance Test. There will be two (2) helpers; one for the “attack on handler” and one for the "pursuit and courage test".

The dog has three (3) tries to perform the free heeling exercise to the attack on handler and must reach a predetermined distance from the blind (20 feet) to pass. The actual attack will commence when the dog is between 10 to 15 feet from the blind. The distance from the starting point of heeling to the blind will be 60 feet.

The judge will evaluate the gripwork as it is described in USA’s Schutzhund Rule Book, “The dog should counter the attack securely and energetically in stopping the attack by the helper.” A lack of self-confidence in the gripwork shall be evaluated as “sufficient” in courage.

The "out" should show the dog clearly off the sleeve and in the guarding phase. The only command permitted is one word for the out such as: out, aus, or any other single command of out. The commands of sit or down to affect the out are not permitted here. The dog, however, may sit, down or stand upon the out command, but may not bother the helper. The sit or down may be reinforced at a distance of 10 (ten) feet, if necessary as the handler approaches the dog.

The handler should, after the attack, leash their dog without physical restraint (such as, grabbing the dog to prevent re-grip). The dog may receive an extra command to out to put the leash on the dog with no penalty; however, the dog that must be physically restrained or taken off of the sleeve physically will be disqualified. Once the dog is secured on lead, this exercise is over.

On the pursuit or the long grip, the handler may encourage the dog while holding them by the collar at the basic position to initiate the release as the helper proceeds to the middle of the field to start the exercise. The handler will release the dog upon a signal from the judge. The gripwork and the out will be evaluated the same as in the attack on handler.

Evaluation of the Performance Test

1. Dogs that do not demonstrate a correct performance test cannot receive the rating of Excellent-Select (VA).
2. Dogs that continue to bump or re-grip after the "out" will be placed at the end of whatever conformation rating they would achieve.
3. Dogs that do not perform the free heeling exercise within three (3) attempts, or dogs that do not perform the "out" exercise, or dogs that receive the evaluation of “sufficient” or “insufficient” cannot continue in the competition of the show. No rating is given.

thanks for the rules. How many (which) dogs  in those clips passed or failed? 



"The handler should, after the attack, leash their dog without physical restraint (such as, grabbing the dog to prevent re-grip). The dog may receive an extra command to out to put the leash on the dog with no penalty; however, the dog that must be physically restrained or taken off of the sleeve physically will be disqualified. Once the dog is secured on lead, this exercise is over."

Many dogs had problems with the out and did have to be physically restrained to get the leash on...according to the rules, they should have been DQ'ed.

Then look at all of these: 

The VA1 and VA8 dog came off the sleeve.  The VA3 dog was constantly dirty on the sleeve after the out.  The VA5 dog was very slow to out and re-bit.  The VA9 dog required 4 fuss commands to the attack out of blind and was dirty after the out.  The VA10 had slow outs.                                                                                                                                                                                

         "2.  Dogs that continue to bump or re-grip after the "out" will be placed at the end of whatever conformation rating they would achieve. "

According to this rule, the VA3, VA5 and VA9 dogs should have all been placed at the end of their respective ratings (VA8, 9, and 10).

If we are truly wanting what is best for the breed, then most of these dogs should have failed.  Am I jealous, NO.  I happen to like many of these dogs.  It's not about, liking or dis-liking the dog, owner, handler.  It's about the quality of work that these dogs are required to do in order to advance into the conformation ring for the final stand and selection.  That is why they have the working portion first.  Most of these dogs were titled to SchH3.  They should have all been able to perform the excercises correctly.  And yes, any dog can have a bad day, but most of them?  I do not think so.

The placements at a Sieger Show should mean that those dogs are the best of the best.  In this case, it was just a big joke.  Certainly not something that, as a member of the organization, I am proud of.  And frankly, even those that own these dogs who did such a poor job should also be disgusted.  First in that their dogs did so poorly in the work, and secondly, that the Judge was clearly not following the rules as they are written, and therefore, not looking out for the best interest of the GSD Breed. 

It's time to send a clear message to the Organization.... "We will not tolerate this any longer!!"

Marsha Seck

Everyone should be worried about this.  Although we are concerned for the breed and standard and rules being followed, we really need to be concerned with the publics perception of  this display.  The excuse can be made that these are "show line dogs", but this is still SCHUTZHUND in the public's eye.  When you see dogs not even makeing contact  or coming off the arm on the stick and they stand wimpering and wailing it's sure hard to watch, and something I would be really concerned with the public viewing.

If you don't think animal rights groups are on this think again. 

john

John, that is an EXCELLENT point.