How to maintain working credibility in showlines - Page 1

I have always taken pride in having showline dogs that can work, have well-balanced drives, drive-containment, and excellent nerves--and have the ability to produce these qualities. It's true that I don't trial and no longer train my titled males. Even though my boys have an incredible love for their bitework, I can't justify the expense of working them regularly at a local club. I have trained/handled one to his lifetime breed survey. I have entered both in four "sieger shows" (USA or WDA) where they have been praised for their good performance tests. Yesterday, the boys had a welcome treat when I handled and "donated" them to be worked at a USA regional helper seminar/certification event. I brought them to another such event several years ago and never once heard their being ridiculed as "show shit". I would highly recommend that other people with showline dogs (with a love for the work) give their guys this sort of exposure and good PR (for "golden middle" dogs) at events where the participation usually consists of hardcore working line folks. Going to such events one way that I attempt to enhance the pool of qualified helpers in the sport.

What a very nice thing to do, Ms Penery. Such PR is needed.

Often, people behave as if their show dogs are particularly fragile and don't wish to risk injuring them. The thought never enters my mind. One of my SchH3 IPO3 "donations" to the seminar will be 8 years old next month. He had a grand time. It was ironic that he got to schmooze with 4 people from my club where he got his BH at 13 months (when this was still possible) at the same trial where his 8-year-old-plus grandsire received his SchH3 I first became aquainted with and accepted by many of the folks with working lines when I was training and titling the old man. Louise

Keep up the good work girl !!!

The dogs are the ones doing the work! I'm just enjoying them now for who they are and what they have to offer. Considering my age and the ages of my dogs, I have no idea when or if I will ever be able take on another pup to grow into a prospect for training and titling.

Louise, Thank you very much for bringing Zeek and Nemo for me to work. Special Thanks to Nemo for helping recieve my helper certification. as Club Helper John