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by guddu on 24 November 2012 - 14:11
It is frequently said that one needs to go and research the dog. But how exactly does one do that. I am interested mostly in west german, czech and DDR lines.
1. What are the open sources you use ?
2. What data bases ?
3. What books ?
4. How do you evaluate hips in litter mates
Can you provide an example of some research you may have done ?
1. What are the open sources you use ?
2. What data bases ?
3. What books ?
4. How do you evaluate hips in litter mates
Can you provide an example of some research you may have done ?
by elisabeth00117 on 24 November 2012 - 17:11
When I start researching ANY line of dog, I start out by going to places where these dogs might be; clubs, trials, friends homes, training classes, etc.
Once there, I ask about the dogs I like and don't like. I talk to the people who have first hand knowledge of these dogs. I ask about pretty much everything, and allow the owners, trainers, decoys, etc. to really talk. Here's the biggest thing - I listen. I go there with open ears and no biased, I just want to know about the dogs and the experiences these people have had with these particular dogs and maybe if they are willing to share, similar dogs.
I personally like to keep a journal of all the things I have learned. I usually go back to my car or home and jot down some points so that I won't forget.
I like to ask about temperament, thresholds, biddability, working ability, enthusiasm, if they are social, how they are in the home, out side the home, on the field, etc. I want to know pretty much everything. And the best part is - people like to talk about their dogs, so this is pretty easy. Now, not all of it is true, like anything, you have to use your own judgement and speak to a lot of people to really find that balance of the truth.
Then once I feel like I have a good grip on what I like, what dogs I have been drawn too - I go to the computer, look up articles, read books, look at old copies of GSSCC and the like, I talk to others. I start researching the dogs people have brought up, start looking for similarities in bloodlines. Spotting like dogs in pedigrees, etc. Then I go back to those super knowledgable people such as TD's, decoys, members of clubs, people who have first hand knowledge of these dogs, and start asking specific questions about particular dogs and what they felt they brought to the table,etc. And again - I listen. I soak it up.
Usually by this point you can see which breeder is breeding what and can expand your research to them. Contact them, ask them about their dogs, listen!
This is just a short version of my "way to research".
I looked for my female for some time and REALLY researched her lines before I brought her home. My next dog will be of similar lines (at least what I have been leaning towards) and I haven't stopped researching yet! :)
Once there, I ask about the dogs I like and don't like. I talk to the people who have first hand knowledge of these dogs. I ask about pretty much everything, and allow the owners, trainers, decoys, etc. to really talk. Here's the biggest thing - I listen. I go there with open ears and no biased, I just want to know about the dogs and the experiences these people have had with these particular dogs and maybe if they are willing to share, similar dogs.
I personally like to keep a journal of all the things I have learned. I usually go back to my car or home and jot down some points so that I won't forget.
I like to ask about temperament, thresholds, biddability, working ability, enthusiasm, if they are social, how they are in the home, out side the home, on the field, etc. I want to know pretty much everything. And the best part is - people like to talk about their dogs, so this is pretty easy. Now, not all of it is true, like anything, you have to use your own judgement and speak to a lot of people to really find that balance of the truth.
Then once I feel like I have a good grip on what I like, what dogs I have been drawn too - I go to the computer, look up articles, read books, look at old copies of GSSCC and the like, I talk to others. I start researching the dogs people have brought up, start looking for similarities in bloodlines. Spotting like dogs in pedigrees, etc. Then I go back to those super knowledgable people such as TD's, decoys, members of clubs, people who have first hand knowledge of these dogs, and start asking specific questions about particular dogs and what they felt they brought to the table,etc. And again - I listen. I soak it up.
Usually by this point you can see which breeder is breeding what and can expand your research to them. Contact them, ask them about their dogs, listen!
This is just a short version of my "way to research".
I looked for my female for some time and REALLY researched her lines before I brought her home. My next dog will be of similar lines (at least what I have been leaning towards) and I haven't stopped researching yet! :)
by guddu on 24 November 2012 - 18:11
Thanks, GSSCC is the GSD club of Canada, right ?.
by elisabeth00117 on 24 November 2012 - 18:11
GSSCC - German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada
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