Sometimes people write to me and ask me to write about a certain subject. Such was the case at the end of last week when I received an e-mail from Erica. She writes: “If you ever get a chance, could you do a blog on what is different between showing in the regular classes vs. the breeder/owner/handler class? I've always wondered if it was really different or not. The latter seems more fun to me but then again I also prefer to show my own dogs.” Well Erica, I confess I’ve never shown my own dogs myself except when I’ve taken them into puppy matches. Going Best Puppy at a match is about my only claim to fame being an owner/handler.
Why, you may ask don’t more people show their own dogs? Aside from physical, health or age related reasons; there are those that believe that they wouldn’t have the same competitive edge as they do with a professional handler. Most of the time (not all of the time), a dog won’t show as well for his owner as he does for a handler. He might not move as well for his owner. You remember that little thing called “double handling?” Well this can be all the “edge” that some dogs need. This can be the “spark” that makes all the difference in the show ring. This is a movement breed and therefore, the dog will be judged quite a bit on this. If he gaits easily by your side, he won’t have the same advantage as those dogs that are gaiting at the end of their lead.
When the dog is set up in the ring and the judge is looking at them, he’s looking for a dog that says “Look at me. Aren’t I special?” With a dog that is being professionally handled, he’s alert because he’s looking for his owner. Now in the all-breed ring, the handler trains the dog to bait to keep him looking alert.
I called my friend this morning that does a lot of exhibiting in the Bred by Exhibitor classes and asked him to shed some light on this subject for me. He’s taken many points from this class. He told me that you can enter a puppy six months and above in this class. But at the all breed shows, most judges do not like putting up a puppy for the points. He told me that you have a better chance of winning from this class if the judge is a judge that showed his own dogs in the Bred by Class. He said it was important to know your judges and like at any show, know what it is that they are looking for. He also told me that about 80% of the time, it’s cheaper to enter in the Bred-By-Class. He told me if you finish a dog’s championship from the Bred by Exhibitor class, the AKC (American Kennel Club) gives you a Bred by Exhibitor Champion certificate.
So I asked my friend, how many championships for the German Shepherd Dog is finished from this class. His answer was……few and far between. I asked him why this was. His feeling was that many novice people enter this class that does not have the experience or knowledge about the proper way to show our breed. He said that they don’t have the capability to show their own dogs the way that they need to in order to be competitive. He said that the owner should really work with their dogs to make them ready to show competitively. Most importantly, make sure your dog is good enough to win.
There must not be anything more satisfying than finishing your own dog that you bred and own. Some people will co-breed their dog with a handler so that the handler is now the co-breeder and can show the dog for them in this class. This is not the same thing as the actual breeder who whelped the litter and kept the dog to show.
Some of you like Erica who wrote to me enjoy tremendously going out in to the ring and showing off your own dog. It can be a great experience and an enormous sense of pride for the owner. Finishing your dog from this class is the ultimate in satisfaction……….BUT how many of them do?
Can the Bred by Exhibitor truly compete and win against the professional handler? If he does, what are his odds of winning? I would think if a person really wants to show and be competitive from this class……….watch and learn what it is that the professional handler is doing that you may not be doing. Learn from them. Ask them if you can have a moment of their time and ask them something that you would like to know. Realize however, that these professionals are extremely busy at the shows so you may not get the satisfaction that you were hoping you would by talking to them. It’s probably a better idea to wait to talk to him after the show is over. Some professionals will take an apprentice under their direction and help guide him.
Some people that exhibit in the Bred by Classes do so to put some single points on the dog themselves. Then when it’s time to go after the major points, they’ll hire a professional handler.
So then, these are my questions to my readers……how many German Shepherd’s finish their championships from the Bred by Class? I’m not talking about those breeders that co-breed with an up and coming or professional handler so that person can show the dog for them. I’m talking about the actual owner that has PHYSICAL possession of the dog that they bred.
My next question is how many Bred by Exhibitor Dogs, if at all, ever won the points at the National Specialty show?
And lastly, how do the judges view those dogs that are shown under them in the Bred by Exhibitor classes? Obviously the good judge gives them an equal opportunity as the rest of his class winners. Do the judges feel that the dogs from this class exhibit the same quality as the dogs in the other classes? How many judges have awarded the Bred by Exhibitor dog the points at a MAJOR SPECIALTY show? I’m interested to know these answers, but let me qualify it by saying this……..these questions only pertain to those dogs that are not shown and co-owned by a professional or up coming handler. These questions are about the true Bred by Exhibitor.
Thanks Erica for your question and thanks to my friend for giving me a little insight in to the world of the Bred by exhibitor class.
My rating: finishing a dog from Bred By: (4), finishing a dog at all: (4)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
SOMETIMES I ASK TOO MUCH OF YOU
SOMETIMES I ASK TOO MUCH OF YOU
By
Barbara J. Galasso
You struggled to be born into this world while your momma pushed and pushed and I gently pulled you to safety while you cried and screamed…..sometimes I ask too much of you.
Oh you were special from the start…..that’s why I taught you how to stand for examination and taught you how to pull out on a leash while your littermates ran around chasing after their toys.…..sometimes I ask too much of you.
You’re bathed and groomed and smelling so “yummy” while your littermates roll around in the grass and exhibit the tell tale dirt around the nose as a testament to how much fun they’re having……sometimes I ask too much of you.
You watch over and protect my little Johnny and Sarah as they play in the back yard while I cook dinner for the family.….sometimes I ask too much of you.
When it’s late at night and the winds are howling and it’s dark and bleak, we hear a noise outside our back door, and you jump up barking and running from window to window until I open the door so you can investigate.….sometimes I ask too much of you.
When old Mrs. Henley, lonely and blue lies in her bed at her new residency known as the nursery home, you as a therapy dog are sent in to cheer her up and put a smile on her face..….sometimes I ask too much of you.
When little six year old Tommy Miller ventures out on the pond and falls through the ice, because you are a rescue dog, you are sent with a rope wrapped around your waist into the frigid water to pull the trembling boy to safety…....sometimes I ask too much of you.
When you are the first one to step off the curb onto the street to lead the blind man who cautiously follows you while the scary noises of cars and trucks feverishly beep their horns..…..sometimes I ask too much of you.
When you are shipped across the United States and are greeted by a stranger known as a “handler” that takes you to an unfamiliar kennel where you’ll live for the next six months so you can be campaigned towards your championship……sometimes I ask too much of you.
You’re shown at the big National Specialty Show which costs me a fortune for a handler, air fare and hotel. You take a reserve. I am disappointed. You should have won the points I mumble. People congratulate us. Let’s celebrate they say. You’re tired and hungry and would much rather be home…….sometimes I ask too much of you.
When I breed you to that famous dog and you suffer to bring ten little puppies into this world just so I can say I bred a champion or two..….sometimes I ask too much of you.
When you are the first one in the line of duty, and you are commanded to attack the criminal who turns with a knife in his hand and you take that stab rather than the police man…...sometimes I ask too much of you.
When you are sent with the soldiers to a foreign country and they go to investigate an oncoming troop of enemies, you are the first one sent to go forward and the first one to take the assaulting bullet.…..sometimes I ask too much of you.
When you get old and gray and arthritis has robbed you of your youthful gait and the light of life slowly fades from your eyes, you look up to meet my tear stained face as if to plead “today’s the day”, and instead I say, “No. One more day, just give me one more day”.…..sometimes I ask too much of you.
And now as I hold and gently rock you in my arms and the reality of life without you sets in, I kiss your forehead and tell you “Its okay girl, your work here is done, so go on ahead to heaven which you have rightfully earned. And if God should see fit, could I dare, could I hope, could I ask one more thing of you? Would you then dear friend hold the Pearly Gates open for me?’ I know..….sometimes I ask too much of you.”
NO PART OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR!
From the book: "MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life: A Story of Love"... The memoir of a love affair between a woman and her dog...Maggie was a special dog--a beautiful and exuberant black lab who gave years of unconditional love to her owner Kairns. Throughout their years together, Maggie taught Kairns much about the emotional intelligence of animals and the importance of trusting one's intuition when caring for a pet...Kairns offers a tantalizing glimpse into the possibility that her bond with Maggie was so deep that she had prophetic dreams in which she predicted...an undiagnosed cancer...Tenderhearted and sincere... Dawn Kairns' latest book, MAGGIE: The Dog Who Changed My Life: A Story of Love, seeks to show the unconditional love animals are capable of giving to their human counterparts. She tells the story of her Labrador Retriever, Maggie, and their deep, emotional, and spiritual bond, which surpasses expectations and teaches Kairns more about dogs than she ever knew. MAGGIE raises questions about life and beliefs and demonstrates the canine ability to sense human thoughts and feelings, weaving the two species together in a tight bond. Kairns has not only written a pet memoir, but one that aims to bring the reader to a higher level of thinking about our four-legged friends. --Jill Brodsky, Rocky Mountain Pet Tails Magazine, October, 2008
My rating: living with and loving dogs: (4)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
INTERPRETATION
I always love reading judges critiques of dogs that they’ve judged. It gives me a visual in my mind of a dog that I never seen before. Or if I did see a dog at a show, it helps me to better understand what it was that the judge liked or didn’t like about a particular dog. I think critiques can be very valuable…….most of the time.
If you were to go on the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s website and take a look at the dogs that are reviewed there, most of the time you’ll see their pictures, pedigree and many times a few critiques from different judges that had the opportunity to judge these beautiful animals. This is where it becomes very interesting is when you read critiques from DIFFERENT judges of the SAME dog.
Most of us will agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one judge finds attractive may not be what another judge finds attractive. Some may like a plushy, pretty type of dog and another may like a hard, dry type of animal. It’s all in what the individual finds attractive. Neither is right or wrong. It’s just their preferences. It doesn’t say in the standard that a dog has to be plush in order to be pretty.
Now if a judge held in his hand the standard of the German Shepherd Dog while he judged, would there be any doubt as to what each dog should look like, and perform like? You see in this writer’s opinion, I don’t buy into what some people may say, “It’s all how the judge interprets the standard.” As I’ve already said, I can understand that different judges will find different things about a dog that makes him attractive. Again, we are talking about preference here. Preference and interpretation are two different things.
I do not believe that one judge can write a critique and say that his winner’s dog had a great lay back of shoulder and therefore, used his front very well. Then I’ll scroll down and read another judge say about the very same dog, that although he liked the overall package that this dog presented, he would have liked to have seen him have a better lay back of shoulder and this is why he gave him a reserve and not the winners dog. In my opinion, this is not an interpretation. This is not about preference. When it comes to the structure of the dog, either his bones are laid on correctly or they are not. It shouldn’t be up for discussion. Either he has it or he doesn’t. Right about now some of you may be saying maybe the dog wasn’t putting out for judge number two like he was for judge number one. Sure that can happen and it does. However, the bone structure doesn’t change from one show to the next. His attitude in the ring has nothing to do with his skeketal structure!
Many times the “newbie” (the person new to the breeding and showing of dogs) is highly influenced by what a judge does in the ring. If he wins under this judge, he believes his dog is a good one, when in reality the dog may be mediocre but does not have any disqualifying faults. It doesn’t mean that the judge particularly liked this dog. It means he judged him to the standard of the breed and that’s all.
Just when you think that you’ve begun to understand the structure, type and temperament of the breed, you may overhear other breeders saying something different from what you thought was correct. Are they right and you’re wrong? The only way to be sure is to know what the breed standard calls for as found on the German Shepherd Dogs Club of America’s website. That is the blueprint, if you will of what is correct for our breed.
Although the heading for my article is “Interpretation” I really dislike using that word when it comes to our breed standard. I can accept that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one finds beautiful, someone else may not. What blows me away is when the word interpretation is used for the structure of our breed. I’ll read about someone saying that he judged the dog according to his interpretation of the breed. What does interpretation have to do with structure I ask? If the standard clearly states that the shoulder should have a certain degree of lay back, then there should not be any room open for discussion about it. Either the dog has it or he doesn’t. We’re not talking about what your eye finds appealing. We’re talking about the skeleton of the dog. There should not be any interpretation about it. What’s to interpret?
I guess you could call that my pet peeve……and following on the heels of that is when I see judges, pushing, mauling, feely, and touchy when they’re examining the dog. Unlike some grooming tactics and tricks a handler can use to cover up a dog minor appearance faults when he sets him up, there’s nothing you can do to alter a dog’s movement. If a dog is a good mover and a judge is a good judge, he can see it within several feet when that dog takes his first steps. Having a good eye is a trained eye. He’s very familiar with the breed’s movement. He’s either lived with it with his own dogs and probably has attended and observed this breed’s movement for years at the dog shows. I love showing under a judge that knows the proper structure of a dog. I might not always win under him, but I know that he has given my dog an educated look!
In this writer’s opinion, some judges shouldn’t even be judging. Just because a person has the necessary requirements to get his judges license, doesn’t mean he should! Again, in my opinion, some all breed judges (and some so called specialty judges) should never be licensed to judge the German Shepherd Dog. Anyone can put up a pretty dog. It takes the experienced eye of the dedicated student of the breed that knows and understands the proper structure of this breed. Without that knowledge, he should never set foot in the ring with the German Shepherd Dog. These types of judges set back our breed for generations to come by allowing dogs of inferior quality to attain their championships.
Again in my opinion, poor judging is a result of a judge’s poor UNDERSTANDING of this breeds standard. Without an educated eye, a poor specimen of the breed may be taking away the points and blue ribbon from the more deserving dog that that judge couldn’t and didn’t know how to recognize.
So interpretation has nothing to do with it in my opinion. It’s like saying the color black has many interpretations. No it doesn’t. Anything lighter is gray. And it’s the same for the dog. Either the dog has a good lay back of shoulder or he doesn’t. Either he has a good croup or it’s flat, steep, short, etc. In bone structure, there is no room for interpretation. It is what it is. Either you know the standard or you don’t.
I think before someone gets his license to judge our breed, he should be put to the test by several of this breeds top judges. Let him judge several shows and then get feedback from the knowledgeable judges that can give him advice and guidance about the proper structure, movement and temperament of this breed. Then once he “gets it”, then give him his license. A license should be viewed as a privilege and not something that just anyone who applies for it can get it. Who is that serving? Certainly not our breed!
From the book "Best in Show": Best in Show is the first and only book of its kind in the world...part beautiful coffee table book, part extensive reference tool, part "how-to" guide, and highly entertaining read. Best in Show has something for everyone who loves show dogs and dog shows, written by an internationally recognized expert. "...this book is an absolute "must have"...an unqualified triumph." -- - Dog World (UK). "A bible for all dog show enthusiasts...a treasure that nobody in the dog show world can be without, at least not if they want to maintain their credibility." -- - HUNDSPORT (Sweden). "A must-read to help you enjoy and understand the world of dog shows even more." -- - David Frei, co-host, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA Network. "We put this workhorse to the test at the GAZETTE and it became indispensable in about 15 minutes. We can give the book no higher praise than that." -- - AKC Gazette, February 2008. "A treasure trove...the be-all and end-all book about dog shows." -- - The Ringleader (Australia)
My rating: good judges: (4), uneducated judges: (1)
If you were to go on the German Shepherd Dog Club of America’s website and take a look at the dogs that are reviewed there, most of the time you’ll see their pictures, pedigree and many times a few critiques from different judges that had the opportunity to judge these beautiful animals. This is where it becomes very interesting is when you read critiques from DIFFERENT judges of the SAME dog.
Most of us will agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one judge finds attractive may not be what another judge finds attractive. Some may like a plushy, pretty type of dog and another may like a hard, dry type of animal. It’s all in what the individual finds attractive. Neither is right or wrong. It’s just their preferences. It doesn’t say in the standard that a dog has to be plush in order to be pretty.
Now if a judge held in his hand the standard of the German Shepherd Dog while he judged, would there be any doubt as to what each dog should look like, and perform like? You see in this writer’s opinion, I don’t buy into what some people may say, “It’s all how the judge interprets the standard.” As I’ve already said, I can understand that different judges will find different things about a dog that makes him attractive. Again, we are talking about preference here. Preference and interpretation are two different things.
I do not believe that one judge can write a critique and say that his winner’s dog had a great lay back of shoulder and therefore, used his front very well. Then I’ll scroll down and read another judge say about the very same dog, that although he liked the overall package that this dog presented, he would have liked to have seen him have a better lay back of shoulder and this is why he gave him a reserve and not the winners dog. In my opinion, this is not an interpretation. This is not about preference. When it comes to the structure of the dog, either his bones are laid on correctly or they are not. It shouldn’t be up for discussion. Either he has it or he doesn’t. Right about now some of you may be saying maybe the dog wasn’t putting out for judge number two like he was for judge number one. Sure that can happen and it does. However, the bone structure doesn’t change from one show to the next. His attitude in the ring has nothing to do with his skeketal structure!
Many times the “newbie” (the person new to the breeding and showing of dogs) is highly influenced by what a judge does in the ring. If he wins under this judge, he believes his dog is a good one, when in reality the dog may be mediocre but does not have any disqualifying faults. It doesn’t mean that the judge particularly liked this dog. It means he judged him to the standard of the breed and that’s all.
Just when you think that you’ve begun to understand the structure, type and temperament of the breed, you may overhear other breeders saying something different from what you thought was correct. Are they right and you’re wrong? The only way to be sure is to know what the breed standard calls for as found on the German Shepherd Dogs Club of America’s website. That is the blueprint, if you will of what is correct for our breed.
Although the heading for my article is “Interpretation” I really dislike using that word when it comes to our breed standard. I can accept that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one finds beautiful, someone else may not. What blows me away is when the word interpretation is used for the structure of our breed. I’ll read about someone saying that he judged the dog according to his interpretation of the breed. What does interpretation have to do with structure I ask? If the standard clearly states that the shoulder should have a certain degree of lay back, then there should not be any room open for discussion about it. Either the dog has it or he doesn’t. We’re not talking about what your eye finds appealing. We’re talking about the skeleton of the dog. There should not be any interpretation about it. What’s to interpret?
I guess you could call that my pet peeve……and following on the heels of that is when I see judges, pushing, mauling, feely, and touchy when they’re examining the dog. Unlike some grooming tactics and tricks a handler can use to cover up a dog minor appearance faults when he sets him up, there’s nothing you can do to alter a dog’s movement. If a dog is a good mover and a judge is a good judge, he can see it within several feet when that dog takes his first steps. Having a good eye is a trained eye. He’s very familiar with the breed’s movement. He’s either lived with it with his own dogs and probably has attended and observed this breed’s movement for years at the dog shows. I love showing under a judge that knows the proper structure of a dog. I might not always win under him, but I know that he has given my dog an educated look!
In this writer’s opinion, some judges shouldn’t even be judging. Just because a person has the necessary requirements to get his judges license, doesn’t mean he should! Again, in my opinion, some all breed judges (and some so called specialty judges) should never be licensed to judge the German Shepherd Dog. Anyone can put up a pretty dog. It takes the experienced eye of the dedicated student of the breed that knows and understands the proper structure of this breed. Without that knowledge, he should never set foot in the ring with the German Shepherd Dog. These types of judges set back our breed for generations to come by allowing dogs of inferior quality to attain their championships.
Again in my opinion, poor judging is a result of a judge’s poor UNDERSTANDING of this breeds standard. Without an educated eye, a poor specimen of the breed may be taking away the points and blue ribbon from the more deserving dog that that judge couldn’t and didn’t know how to recognize.
So interpretation has nothing to do with it in my opinion. It’s like saying the color black has many interpretations. No it doesn’t. Anything lighter is gray. And it’s the same for the dog. Either the dog has a good lay back of shoulder or he doesn’t. Either he has a good croup or it’s flat, steep, short, etc. In bone structure, there is no room for interpretation. It is what it is. Either you know the standard or you don’t.
I think before someone gets his license to judge our breed, he should be put to the test by several of this breeds top judges. Let him judge several shows and then get feedback from the knowledgeable judges that can give him advice and guidance about the proper structure, movement and temperament of this breed. Then once he “gets it”, then give him his license. A license should be viewed as a privilege and not something that just anyone who applies for it can get it. Who is that serving? Certainly not our breed!
From the book "Best in Show": Best in Show is the first and only book of its kind in the world...part beautiful coffee table book, part extensive reference tool, part "how-to" guide, and highly entertaining read. Best in Show has something for everyone who loves show dogs and dog shows, written by an internationally recognized expert. "...this book is an absolute "must have"...an unqualified triumph." -- - Dog World (UK). "A bible for all dog show enthusiasts...a treasure that nobody in the dog show world can be without, at least not if they want to maintain their credibility." -- - HUNDSPORT (Sweden). "A must-read to help you enjoy and understand the world of dog shows even more." -- - David Frei, co-host, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA Network. "We put this workhorse to the test at the GAZETTE and it became indispensable in about 15 minutes. We can give the book no higher praise than that." -- - AKC Gazette, February 2008. "A treasure trove...the be-all and end-all book about dog shows." -- - The Ringleader (Australia)
My rating: good judges: (4), uneducated judges: (1)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
CELEBRATING SPECIAL TIMES
So today Amber will have Salisbury steak added to her dinner and she’ll get a large dog biscuit to chew on this morning. I’m afraid there’s no cake to announce her birthday because I’d end up eating it all myself and I don’t need any more cake to distract from my already more than “pleasingly plump” figure!
Many people celebrate their animal’s birthdays as well as other national holidays with them. Oh and how about Halloween? Some people love to dress their dogs up in special costumes and make them look goofy. Come on, admit it, you know that you do. I’ve seen some of the pictures.
We just love our dogs. We treat them like children. We pamper them. We spoil them. We indulge them. When it comes to showing our dogs how much we love them, there’s just nothing we wouldn’t do for them. We just love them to death. And when they do die, for some of us, showing our love for our dog doesn’t die with them. We may bury him beneath the old shady tree that he loved to lie under. We might even have special urns with his ashes sitting on our mantles over the fireplace. We all know that our love for our beloved animals hasn’t died because his physical presence is no longer with us.
The pet industry has watched us and listened to us and I guess that’s why the pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business. Designer this and designer that……is no longer just for us humans! The pet industry attaches all sorts of fancy names to attract the consumer to buy their products. You can buy your dog, designer beds, designer cloths, holistic food, holistic vitamins, natural shampoos and conditioners, and on and on.
Some people love their dogs so much that they hire a professional animal photographer to take many pictures of their animals. Beautiful photographs are then displayed in different places in the house for all to enjoy looking at. Then some people will hire a very special artist to paint a picture of their dog. The portrait is then displayed in a prominent area of the home for people to enjoy for many years to come. This to me this is the ulimate in luxury. Many years ago, a young couple bought a puppy from me from a beautiful stud dog that I owned. They loved their puppy and the sire of that puppy so much that one day a knock came at my door. Imagine my surprise when this lovely couple handed me this huge package all wrapped up in pretty paper. After pulling the paper off, imagine my further surprise to see a water color portrait of my stud dog taken from a picture that I had given to them. I was so grateful and happy to have that painting and it still remains with me to this day!
Some people even include their dogs in their weddings. Yes, I’ve seen pictures of that as well. They actually dress up the dog for the official picture! If there’s room for a dog, the dog owner literally will have the dog attached at the hip! I’ve seen dogs in pictures riding on their owners motorcycles. My friend takes her dogs sailing with her and her husband. Some people won’t go on vacation unless they can take their dog. They’ll check out places that have dog friendly hotels before they make their reservations. Just look at some of the people in the German Shepherd Dog community. They plan their vacation around the National Specialty Dog Show that is held every fall at different locations in the United States. This is what they save their hard earned money for. To them, this is their vacation. Yes, some dogs truly know what it is to be loved by their smitten owners!
An animal lover includes their beloved pets in just about anything that they include their family members in. They are treated as part of the family. Many sleep on the owner’s beds, live in the house, ride in the car, are invited to join in parties at the house whether company likes it or not……yes sir; these animals are special in their owner’s eyes and hearts. Some dogs are treated so special that every day is like a birthday for these lucky guys! Lucky for the dog born into this household!
I know that some of you that are reading this have your own little rituals that you may do on his “special” day. Any time that one of my dogs or a friend’s dog finished their championship or made his ROM, we would gather at our houses and put on a big celebration with good food, lively conversation and dogs or puppies taking turns coming in the house to “strut their stuff!” Actually, if truth be told, the parties were more for the people than they were for the dogs. The dogs were an excuse for us all to get together once again.
Then there are those pet owners that don't need any holiday or a birthday celebration to share special times with their dogs. Their bond is not about recognizing any special date on the calendar. Rather every day spent with their animal is a celebration of the life that they share. It might be a hike up the mountain, or a stroll through the park. It might even be when you take your dog out in the back yard and throw a ball for him to fetch. Or maybe it's the quiet times that the two of you share as you read a book and your dog is curled up at your feet resting peacefully by your chair. Special times for you means times spent with your special friend that is reserved just for the two of you!
So for all you special dogs out there that were born today HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may you celebrate many more birthdays! My Amber is sitting by me as I type this article for my blog today. Oh she doesn’t care about the subject matter. She’s just sitting looking lovingly at me waiting for me to share another one of my pretzels with her. Oh she knows that she’s a spoiled dog, but well you know it is her birthday, after all!
From the book: "For the Love of a Dog": Animal behaviorist, dog trainer, syndicated radio talk show host and prolific author on all things canine, McConnell (The Other End of the Leash) presents a compelling combination of stories, science and practical advice to show how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners' relationships with their pets. This is more than a simple dog-training book: much of what McConnell discusses concerns how dog owners can learn "the language" of dog by recognizing important signals and reading them correctly. She provides numerous helpful examples of how owners can observe dog behavior, especially differences in posture and facial expressions, in order to help dogs be better behaved and help dog owners to be better handlers; her discussion of the meaning of a dog's "tongue flicks" is alone worth the price of the book. Her overall goal is to help owners provide their pets with "a sense of calm, peaceful benevolence," and she skewers current dog-training fads that emphasize "dominance" over a dog. "Don't fool yourself: if you yell at your dog for something he did twenty seconds ago, you're not training him; you're merely expressing your own anger."
My rating: celebrating special times with your dogs: (4)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A PUPPY NO MORE
This was a little something that I wrote about several years ago. It's something short and sweet about the ownership and love for a bitch that you plan on breeding for her first time. Perhaps you're a first time breeder or maybe you've been breeding for years and one of your girls has found a very special place in your heart. So this is for the first time breeder and for all those that own a "heart dog." It was written for one of my dogs, but the sentiment can be for anyone that is loved by a dog!
A PUPPY NO MORE
By
Barbara J. Galasso
You were just a bundle of fluff when I first laid my eyes upon you. Your big ears crossed over the top of your head and when you ran across the yard to greet me, the wind played with and bounced them from side to side. Just a bundle of love all wrapped up in a package of puppy breathe and kisses. I knew that I had just had my heart stolen and it would never fully belong to me again.
From the time that I brought you home, you truly believed you were meant to be the queen of your castle. You immediately set out to take over your new home and made sure that your cold wet nose had inspected everything. Your smudge prints were left on any surface that used to have a shine to it.
Belly rubs…..oh, that pink belly skin of yours, ball chasing, squeaky toys squeaking, dog biscuit begging, sit, down and stay lessons to be taught. Reminders from you to me when it’s your breakfast time, your treat time, your supper time and your evening snack time all done with a nudge to my arm, a whine in your throat and that constant circling around me until I acknowledge your hard efforts.
How many laughs did you give me almost on a daily basis? From watching you struggle to get your hind legs up on the bed only to fall back down on the floor again. The more I laughed at you, the more determined you became. You’d bark at me for laughing at you I remember. Did you really know I was making fun of you, I wonder. You loved watching TV with me especially when I’d share my popcorn with you, not really caring which flavor it was, but just that it was popcorn.
You and I did everything and went everywhere together; constant companions, you and me. You made your presence known every place I took you. You were never the quiet type, you know. I used to and still do call you “Little Miss Emotional”. You would make your announcements with a loud show off bark demanding everyone come over and pet you and that long tail of yours; well it never did stop wagging. Happy is your middle name.
You’ve taught me to realize that we humans can truly be ourselves around our dogs. You may look at me like I’m crazy when I act the fool, but you’ll never betray my secrets. They are totally safe with you, my dog.
That first year went by too quickly. How many walks up the mountain we took together when chasing and barking at the deer was one of your many favorite past times? You loved going for walks, but I think you enjoyed handling classes best of all. This is where you got to show off the most. Everyone else was so well behaved. Mischievous was a word they added to the dictionary just for you.
Now as I look at the calendar, I realize that next month you will be two years old. The time is fast approaching for the real reason you were born. Your destiny is to be fulfilled. Your heritage is to be passed to the next generation from all the breeders in your pedigree before me. I am chosen to continue the work that they painstakingly started.
As I drive down the street, I take a quick look at you lying in the back seat. I get a little melancholy wondering where the first two years of your life went so fast. I’ve decided I’ve grown the old sentimental fool. I want to keep you just the way you are. I want nothing to take that purity of innocence away from you; the part that still keeps you a puppy.
We just came from the vet’s today, you and I. You had your examination and your blood work was done. The doctor tells me, everything looks fine and your girl is ready to be bred. The stud dog owner is notified and in another few days you and I will be taking another trip in the car together. Only this time you leave as a puppy and return home a puppy no more.
NO PART OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR!
From the book: "Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care" is the most up-to-date and inclusive guide to breeding, whelping and placing puppies. There is a focus on making the most of the "breeding experience" in order to produce puppies who are physically and emotionally sound and go on to enjoy life and enrich the lives of the humans around them. This book contains the all-important basic knowledge necessary to serve as a foundation for the reality of firsthand experience. A clear and commonsense format shows everyone who is thinking about breeding a litter how to create the best possible environment for dogs, puppies and owners alike. Beyond the basics, author Beth J. Finder Harris gives detailed information on selecting breeding stock, neonatal care, puppy development, social conditioning, and also fully addresses the aspects of breeders' responsibilities, contracts and puppy care instructions.
My rating: German Shepherd puppies: (4), "Heart Dogs" (4)
A PUPPY NO MORE
By
Barbara J. Galasso
You were just a bundle of fluff when I first laid my eyes upon you. Your big ears crossed over the top of your head and when you ran across the yard to greet me, the wind played with and bounced them from side to side. Just a bundle of love all wrapped up in a package of puppy breathe and kisses. I knew that I had just had my heart stolen and it would never fully belong to me again.
From the time that I brought you home, you truly believed you were meant to be the queen of your castle. You immediately set out to take over your new home and made sure that your cold wet nose had inspected everything. Your smudge prints were left on any surface that used to have a shine to it.
Belly rubs…..oh, that pink belly skin of yours, ball chasing, squeaky toys squeaking, dog biscuit begging, sit, down and stay lessons to be taught. Reminders from you to me when it’s your breakfast time, your treat time, your supper time and your evening snack time all done with a nudge to my arm, a whine in your throat and that constant circling around me until I acknowledge your hard efforts.
How many laughs did you give me almost on a daily basis? From watching you struggle to get your hind legs up on the bed only to fall back down on the floor again. The more I laughed at you, the more determined you became. You’d bark at me for laughing at you I remember. Did you really know I was making fun of you, I wonder. You loved watching TV with me especially when I’d share my popcorn with you, not really caring which flavor it was, but just that it was popcorn.
You and I did everything and went everywhere together; constant companions, you and me. You made your presence known every place I took you. You were never the quiet type, you know. I used to and still do call you “Little Miss Emotional”. You would make your announcements with a loud show off bark demanding everyone come over and pet you and that long tail of yours; well it never did stop wagging. Happy is your middle name.
You’ve taught me to realize that we humans can truly be ourselves around our dogs. You may look at me like I’m crazy when I act the fool, but you’ll never betray my secrets. They are totally safe with you, my dog.
That first year went by too quickly. How many walks up the mountain we took together when chasing and barking at the deer was one of your many favorite past times? You loved going for walks, but I think you enjoyed handling classes best of all. This is where you got to show off the most. Everyone else was so well behaved. Mischievous was a word they added to the dictionary just for you.
Now as I look at the calendar, I realize that next month you will be two years old. The time is fast approaching for the real reason you were born. Your destiny is to be fulfilled. Your heritage is to be passed to the next generation from all the breeders in your pedigree before me. I am chosen to continue the work that they painstakingly started.
As I drive down the street, I take a quick look at you lying in the back seat. I get a little melancholy wondering where the first two years of your life went so fast. I’ve decided I’ve grown the old sentimental fool. I want to keep you just the way you are. I want nothing to take that purity of innocence away from you; the part that still keeps you a puppy.
We just came from the vet’s today, you and I. You had your examination and your blood work was done. The doctor tells me, everything looks fine and your girl is ready to be bred. The stud dog owner is notified and in another few days you and I will be taking another trip in the car together. Only this time you leave as a puppy and return home a puppy no more.
NO PART OF THIS ARTICLE MAY BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR!
From the book: "Breeding a Litter: The Complete Book of Prenatal and Postnatal Care" is the most up-to-date and inclusive guide to breeding, whelping and placing puppies. There is a focus on making the most of the "breeding experience" in order to produce puppies who are physically and emotionally sound and go on to enjoy life and enrich the lives of the humans around them. This book contains the all-important basic knowledge necessary to serve as a foundation for the reality of firsthand experience. A clear and commonsense format shows everyone who is thinking about breeding a litter how to create the best possible environment for dogs, puppies and owners alike. Beyond the basics, author Beth J. Finder Harris gives detailed information on selecting breeding stock, neonatal care, puppy development, social conditioning, and also fully addresses the aspects of breeders' responsibilities, contracts and puppy care instructions.
My rating: German Shepherd puppies: (4), "Heart Dogs" (4)
Monday, March 8, 2010
THE CRATE - DEN OR A JAIL SENTENCE?
I got a call the other day from a person that owns a Pit Bull male puppy that’s about four months old. I have seen the puppy and he is gorgeous and BIG! The head on him alone makes him look older than he is. But he’s a friendly, fun loving puppy. I absolutely fell in love with him. Anyway, they wanted to know about crate training the puppy because every time they eat something, there he is begging for a handout. I told them, “Well he’s a puppy and that’s what puppy’s do.” I told them that they will have to train him to sit or lie down quietly while they are eating. I told them if he really is a nuisance than they can crate train him until he knows what they expect from him.
I think owning a crate when you own a dog is probably one of your best investments you can make. I start to crate train my puppies at eight weeks old. I’ve never had a problem with this method at this young age. The German Shepherd Dog is very smart and they learn very easily with lots of persistence on the owner’s part.
Some pet people will question the use of crates. Many times a breeder will hear them say that they think putting a dog and especially a puppy in a crate is cruel. They don’t think that a puppy should be locked away in a crate like they are in some sort of jail!
There are many reasons to use a crate for a dog. The number one reason probably would be for the safety of your animals. Then the number two reason could be for the safety of your household items and valuables. Puppies and some dogs are notorious chewers. Anything they can find to put in their mouths, they will. You don’t want them chewing on dangerous electrical cords. You don’t want them chewing on your furniture or getting into your collectible items. You don’t want them getting and eating the garbage.
Many people don’t realize that a dog is a pack animal. If he were in the wild he would look for a den to get out of the elements with the changing of the weather. He would look for a warm, safe haven to rest in. The crate if introduced properly would represent to the dog a safe haven to rest in. The key word here is PROPERLY. A crate should be used and viewed to the dog as something positive, no negative.
A crate should not be used as a means to punish the dog. If it is, the dog will grow to hate it and you will have your hands full putting him in it and leaving him in it without a fight or a lot of ruckus. You want the dog to view the crate as a safe place for him to go to when he wants to rest and relax. You want the dog to treat his crate as his den. Like anything else when training a dog, this should be a positive experience for him.
I always train my dogs to go into the crate and they’ll get a treat when they cooperate. So at bed time, I get the box of dog biscuits, give it a shake and my dogs run in front of me to get to their “den.” They go in it and they are rewarded with the dog biscuit. I tell them they are good dogs. They swallow their treat and then it’s “Lights out time!” They have been trained like this since they were little eight week old puppies. Sure the puppy will complain the first few nights, but better than him destroying your house and going “potty” anywhere they chose. The crate is an excellent house training tool!
If however, on the other hand, if you use the crate as a punishment for when the dog is doing something bad, he will hate the crate. By yelling and screaming at the dog telling him he’s a bad dog and putting him in the crate, he’s just associated the crate with something bad. He’s associated it with a place that he goes to when he’s being punished. Association is very important to a dog when you are training him. You want the dog to associate the crate with something good, not bad.
Also when you are training your dog to get used to the crate, don’t expect him to love it if you leave him in it all day long. The dog needs and wants to be exercised. The crate should represent a place for him when he goes to bed or if you can’t trust him alone in the house, then this is a place he can “wait” until you return. Just don’t make it an all day event because then it will feel like a jail to the dog.
When a dog has a negative feeling about the crate, he can try to do everything in his power to escape from it. Most crates are secure enough that he won’t be able to do this. However, there are those few that are escape artists and somehow have figured out how to get out of his crate. Don’t ask me how they do it, but some of them can. I’ve personally never dealt with a dog that could do this, but I’ve heard about it.
When you first train the puppy to stay in the crate over night, it’s wise to take him outside to go to the bathroom before you put him to bed. The later, the better. Also plan on getting up earlier in the morning than you normally would as the puppy won’t be able to hold his need to “potty” for excess lengths of time. Gradually, you can increase the time he stays in bed in the morning as he gets a little older. Most puppies and dogs will not go “potty” in the place that they sleep, so if he does have an accident, he probably was in the crate too long.
Sometimes an indication that a dog has been in a crate for the majority of his life is how he reacts when he’s out of the crate. If you buy a dog from someone and the dog spins around and around a lot of the time, it MAY be an indication that the dog was crated for too long of a time. I have experienced this with two dogs that I bought with different bloodlines. Both of these animals were left in crates for long periods of time.
Many times you will notice that your dog that is in the house with you may disappear occasionally. If you go to take a look, you might be surprised to find that she went to take a snooze in her crate. I always leave the crate doors open for my dogs if they feel they want a place to go away from the rest of the family.
If you must leave a puppy in a crate for a short period of time while you do an errand, it’s a good idea to leave a radio on so she doesn’t feel alone. If you leave toys for her to chew on while you’re gone, make sure there is nothing that she can choke on. Sometimes you will get a dog like one of mine that is a “chow hound” and this means everything that she can get her mouth on she has to eat. I’ve learned this lesson when I’ve put big beach towels in for her to lie on. She would shred them time and time again. So she no longer lies on anything but the crate floor. This is for her safety so she doesn’t swallow big hunks of the towel and end up choking. Every dog is an individual and should be treated as such.
Getting a dog used to a crate in the house is a great idea because when you take her for a ride, you can put her in a crate in the car and she’ll feel safe and secure without giving you any problems.
Make sure that the crate is large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably. His needs as a puppy will be different as he grows. I like using the plastic shipping crates for my dogs and puppies. I don’t change the size of crate that the puppy sleeps in. Right from the beginning he sleeps in a large crate and this is the crate that he will grow in and sleep in as an adult.
So as you can see, the crate can be a place for peace and solitude for a dog or a place they view as solitary confinement. Make it a pleasant experience for the both of you. A happy dog is a quiet and peaceful dog. This makes for a very happy and content owner.
From the book: "Don't Dump the Dog: Good advice—"Dear Abby" style—for bad dog owners. Do you want to dump your dog because he tries to escape your yard? Barks too much? You-know-whats in the house? Doesn’t play well with others? Chewed up your favorite pair of shoes? You wouldn’t be the first person asking to “return” your pet. And dog rescuer Randy Grim has heard every reason under the sun. But before you load Fido into the back of your car, read this book. In it, Randy addresses the concerns of dog guardians everywhere by responding to letters that he’s actually received. With humor, and from his vast experiences with abandoned dogs, he reveals exactly what you can do to remain calm and fix every bad behavior problem. (Even if it means dumping your husband instead of the dog.)
My rating: crates: (4), used as punishment: (1)!
I think owning a crate when you own a dog is probably one of your best investments you can make. I start to crate train my puppies at eight weeks old. I’ve never had a problem with this method at this young age. The German Shepherd Dog is very smart and they learn very easily with lots of persistence on the owner’s part.
Some pet people will question the use of crates. Many times a breeder will hear them say that they think putting a dog and especially a puppy in a crate is cruel. They don’t think that a puppy should be locked away in a crate like they are in some sort of jail!
There are many reasons to use a crate for a dog. The number one reason probably would be for the safety of your animals. Then the number two reason could be for the safety of your household items and valuables. Puppies and some dogs are notorious chewers. Anything they can find to put in their mouths, they will. You don’t want them chewing on dangerous electrical cords. You don’t want them chewing on your furniture or getting into your collectible items. You don’t want them getting and eating the garbage.
Many people don’t realize that a dog is a pack animal. If he were in the wild he would look for a den to get out of the elements with the changing of the weather. He would look for a warm, safe haven to rest in. The crate if introduced properly would represent to the dog a safe haven to rest in. The key word here is PROPERLY. A crate should be used and viewed to the dog as something positive, no negative.
A crate should not be used as a means to punish the dog. If it is, the dog will grow to hate it and you will have your hands full putting him in it and leaving him in it without a fight or a lot of ruckus. You want the dog to view the crate as a safe place for him to go to when he wants to rest and relax. You want the dog to treat his crate as his den. Like anything else when training a dog, this should be a positive experience for him.
I always train my dogs to go into the crate and they’ll get a treat when they cooperate. So at bed time, I get the box of dog biscuits, give it a shake and my dogs run in front of me to get to their “den.” They go in it and they are rewarded with the dog biscuit. I tell them they are good dogs. They swallow their treat and then it’s “Lights out time!” They have been trained like this since they were little eight week old puppies. Sure the puppy will complain the first few nights, but better than him destroying your house and going “potty” anywhere they chose. The crate is an excellent house training tool!
If however, on the other hand, if you use the crate as a punishment for when the dog is doing something bad, he will hate the crate. By yelling and screaming at the dog telling him he’s a bad dog and putting him in the crate, he’s just associated the crate with something bad. He’s associated it with a place that he goes to when he’s being punished. Association is very important to a dog when you are training him. You want the dog to associate the crate with something good, not bad.
Also when you are training your dog to get used to the crate, don’t expect him to love it if you leave him in it all day long. The dog needs and wants to be exercised. The crate should represent a place for him when he goes to bed or if you can’t trust him alone in the house, then this is a place he can “wait” until you return. Just don’t make it an all day event because then it will feel like a jail to the dog.
When a dog has a negative feeling about the crate, he can try to do everything in his power to escape from it. Most crates are secure enough that he won’t be able to do this. However, there are those few that are escape artists and somehow have figured out how to get out of his crate. Don’t ask me how they do it, but some of them can. I’ve personally never dealt with a dog that could do this, but I’ve heard about it.
When you first train the puppy to stay in the crate over night, it’s wise to take him outside to go to the bathroom before you put him to bed. The later, the better. Also plan on getting up earlier in the morning than you normally would as the puppy won’t be able to hold his need to “potty” for excess lengths of time. Gradually, you can increase the time he stays in bed in the morning as he gets a little older. Most puppies and dogs will not go “potty” in the place that they sleep, so if he does have an accident, he probably was in the crate too long.
Sometimes an indication that a dog has been in a crate for the majority of his life is how he reacts when he’s out of the crate. If you buy a dog from someone and the dog spins around and around a lot of the time, it MAY be an indication that the dog was crated for too long of a time. I have experienced this with two dogs that I bought with different bloodlines. Both of these animals were left in crates for long periods of time.
Many times you will notice that your dog that is in the house with you may disappear occasionally. If you go to take a look, you might be surprised to find that she went to take a snooze in her crate. I always leave the crate doors open for my dogs if they feel they want a place to go away from the rest of the family.
If you must leave a puppy in a crate for a short period of time while you do an errand, it’s a good idea to leave a radio on so she doesn’t feel alone. If you leave toys for her to chew on while you’re gone, make sure there is nothing that she can choke on. Sometimes you will get a dog like one of mine that is a “chow hound” and this means everything that she can get her mouth on she has to eat. I’ve learned this lesson when I’ve put big beach towels in for her to lie on. She would shred them time and time again. So she no longer lies on anything but the crate floor. This is for her safety so she doesn’t swallow big hunks of the towel and end up choking. Every dog is an individual and should be treated as such.
Getting a dog used to a crate in the house is a great idea because when you take her for a ride, you can put her in a crate in the car and she’ll feel safe and secure without giving you any problems.
Make sure that the crate is large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably. His needs as a puppy will be different as he grows. I like using the plastic shipping crates for my dogs and puppies. I don’t change the size of crate that the puppy sleeps in. Right from the beginning he sleeps in a large crate and this is the crate that he will grow in and sleep in as an adult.
So as you can see, the crate can be a place for peace and solitude for a dog or a place they view as solitary confinement. Make it a pleasant experience for the both of you. A happy dog is a quiet and peaceful dog. This makes for a very happy and content owner.
From the book: "Don't Dump the Dog: Good advice—"Dear Abby" style—for bad dog owners. Do you want to dump your dog because he tries to escape your yard? Barks too much? You-know-whats in the house? Doesn’t play well with others? Chewed up your favorite pair of shoes? You wouldn’t be the first person asking to “return” your pet. And dog rescuer Randy Grim has heard every reason under the sun. But before you load Fido into the back of your car, read this book. In it, Randy addresses the concerns of dog guardians everywhere by responding to letters that he’s actually received. With humor, and from his vast experiences with abandoned dogs, he reveals exactly what you can do to remain calm and fix every bad behavior problem. (Even if it means dumping your husband instead of the dog.)
My rating: crates: (4), used as punishment: (1)!
Friday, March 5, 2010
CO-OWNERSHIPS, GOOD OR POOR INVESTMENTS?
So you go to the famous kennel that breeds all the famous dogs and you inquire about purchasing one of their famous show puppies. One in particular catches your eye and you tell the famous breeder that you would very much like to purchase that puppy. The famous breeder chuckles and tells you, “You and everyone else would like to own that puppy!” The famous breeder tells you, “Maybe…..just maybe, I might consider selling her to you on a co-ownership.” Co-ownership……what is that, you wonder?!
Pick up one of the German Shepherd Dog Reviews magazines. Turn to the back pages where it shows the pictures and names of the dogs and their owners winning at different shows across the country. Now take another look at the names of the owners. Many, many of these dogs you will notice are owned by more than one person and sometimes up to four or five people. You’ll see this time and time again by some of the most well known kennels and breeders names in the country. Just what is this about?
Co-ownerships have been around for years. In the simplest of terms, what it means is that the breeder has something that you want, but he’s not willing to sell it to you outright. He still wants a part ownership on the animal. Now there are all different types of co-ownerships available. They really can be anything the breeder and you decide on.
Perhaps the price of the puppy is too expensive for your budget right now, but you would really like to own him. This is when a co-ownership can be rewarding for the buyer because many times the breeder reduces the original asking price in favor of a co-ownership.
Many times the breeder has bred a beautiful dog that he can’t keep and show himself for one reason or another. Perhaps he has too many dogs already. Maybe he’s campaigning other dogs right now and needs to concentrate on finishing their championships. But now he has another top quality puppy that he wants to be shown. This is when he might consider a co-ownership on this puppy. He doesn’t want to let it go outright because he may want puppies back from the dog to keep his bloodlines going in his kennel. He may take the puppies back and sell them to make money to show his other dogs. Then again, he may be a silent co-owner where he doesn’t take anything back but keeps his name on the dog in case the co-owner can no longer keep the animal. Or he just wants the notoriety that comes with owning a superstar. Sometimes if a male is co-owned, the stud services are split, but this is rare unless both the co-owners are helping foot the bill to campaign the dog.
Co-ownerships can become “sticky” if the two parties are not operating from the same level of integrity. One might get greedy and not live up to their part of the co-ownership. Lawsuits are not unheard of when dealing with unscrupulous co-owners. Make sure everything is laid out in a contract and that both parties understand their level of responsibility. If on the other hand you find yourself a great co-owner, you may form lasting friendships where everyone is happy.
Most of the time when a dog is co-owned, the person who didn’t breed the dog but is buying the dog has physical possession of the animal. So at least they get to enjoy their investment. There are others who don’t have physical possession of the animal and are an owner by name only even though they are helping foot the bill. Some people just do it for the prestige of having their name on a champion. There are many different ways of co-owning a dog. It’s up to you and the breeder to decide what it is that you both want from this type of ownership.
I only co-owned three dogs in my lifetime. In fact my very first show dog I co-owned with his breeder. She was great to deal with and gave me many tips about what I should and shouldn’t do. She was a very intelligent (Cornell educated) woman. She knew that I was just a novice, but she liked me because she knew I was going to do what she was looking for with her young dog. Because of the co-ownership that I had on this dog, it opened up so many doors for me. I got to meet some of the “elite” of the breed. She used to tell me all the time. “Barbara, when you own a stud dog, you’re going to hear all sorts of comments and see all sorts of jealousy. When they start up with their tongues wagging, just blame it all on me (meaning her). Besides German Shepherds, she also bred a toy breed, which was the ones that she concentrated more on in the show ring. So she didn’t care what the Shepherd people would say because she had her main focus on another breed, so that’s why she told me to blame everything on her.
Many years down the line I co-owned another male with two judges. They too were excellent to deal with. I only kept my name on this champion and helped write his Review ads. Otherwise, they had full ownership of him and directed his career the way that they saw fit.
For every wonderful co-ownership experience, there can also be some true horror stories. One of the parties doesn’t live up to their side of the bargain. Know the people that you’re dealing with. Check around inquiring about their reputation. What has other peoples experience been like dealing with this breeder? Remember if he/she looks or acts like a snake, then rest assured, they probably are a snake!
Know exactly what’s expected of you before you sign your name on that dotted line on the contract paper. Many times the breeder will reduce the original price of the puppy in exchange for puppies back, or a puppy back, and sometimes even whole litters back. Sometimes the co-ownership will end once they get back the puppy or puppies that they want. Other times the co-ownership lasts for the lifetime of the dog. When you think about all the puppies that you are expected to give back to the breeder, the original price no longer looks too expensive!
Co-ownerships can be a rewarding experience for those that are involved in this type of transaction. The breeder is happy that you are showing his dog. You’re happy that you have a good dog to show. In this instance, it is a win-win type of situation. If on the other hand you come across those who have no moral compass, seek help from the Parent Club, the AKC, legal council or all three if need be!
Taken from the book: "How to Solve Your People Problems: Dealing with Your Difficult Relationships"....Interacting with people brings problems with people. The closer the contact, the greater the potential for conflict. In How to Solve Your People Problems, Dr. Alan Godwin shares biblical, practical principles to help readers avoid conflict when possible and handle difficult encounters constructively. The key to healthy, growing relationships is successfully handling differences. Dr. Godwin gives readers the tools and the framework to:
* benefit from every relationship
* handle conflict with grace, reason, and flexibility
* change problem situations into positive encounters
* reduce conflict situations
* successfully deal with unreasonable people
This valuable resource will help readers successfully live and work with others, know how to implement conflict resolution, negotiate problem areas, and create positive connections even when people disagree.
My rating: "How to Solve your People Problems (book): (4), co-ownerships: (1-4)!
Pick up one of the German Shepherd Dog Reviews magazines. Turn to the back pages where it shows the pictures and names of the dogs and their owners winning at different shows across the country. Now take another look at the names of the owners. Many, many of these dogs you will notice are owned by more than one person and sometimes up to four or five people. You’ll see this time and time again by some of the most well known kennels and breeders names in the country. Just what is this about?
Co-ownerships have been around for years. In the simplest of terms, what it means is that the breeder has something that you want, but he’s not willing to sell it to you outright. He still wants a part ownership on the animal. Now there are all different types of co-ownerships available. They really can be anything the breeder and you decide on.
Perhaps the price of the puppy is too expensive for your budget right now, but you would really like to own him. This is when a co-ownership can be rewarding for the buyer because many times the breeder reduces the original asking price in favor of a co-ownership.
Many times the breeder has bred a beautiful dog that he can’t keep and show himself for one reason or another. Perhaps he has too many dogs already. Maybe he’s campaigning other dogs right now and needs to concentrate on finishing their championships. But now he has another top quality puppy that he wants to be shown. This is when he might consider a co-ownership on this puppy. He doesn’t want to let it go outright because he may want puppies back from the dog to keep his bloodlines going in his kennel. He may take the puppies back and sell them to make money to show his other dogs. Then again, he may be a silent co-owner where he doesn’t take anything back but keeps his name on the dog in case the co-owner can no longer keep the animal. Or he just wants the notoriety that comes with owning a superstar. Sometimes if a male is co-owned, the stud services are split, but this is rare unless both the co-owners are helping foot the bill to campaign the dog.
Co-ownerships can become “sticky” if the two parties are not operating from the same level of integrity. One might get greedy and not live up to their part of the co-ownership. Lawsuits are not unheard of when dealing with unscrupulous co-owners. Make sure everything is laid out in a contract and that both parties understand their level of responsibility. If on the other hand you find yourself a great co-owner, you may form lasting friendships where everyone is happy.
Most of the time when a dog is co-owned, the person who didn’t breed the dog but is buying the dog has physical possession of the animal. So at least they get to enjoy their investment. There are others who don’t have physical possession of the animal and are an owner by name only even though they are helping foot the bill. Some people just do it for the prestige of having their name on a champion. There are many different ways of co-owning a dog. It’s up to you and the breeder to decide what it is that you both want from this type of ownership.
I only co-owned three dogs in my lifetime. In fact my very first show dog I co-owned with his breeder. She was great to deal with and gave me many tips about what I should and shouldn’t do. She was a very intelligent (Cornell educated) woman. She knew that I was just a novice, but she liked me because she knew I was going to do what she was looking for with her young dog. Because of the co-ownership that I had on this dog, it opened up so many doors for me. I got to meet some of the “elite” of the breed. She used to tell me all the time. “Barbara, when you own a stud dog, you’re going to hear all sorts of comments and see all sorts of jealousy. When they start up with their tongues wagging, just blame it all on me (meaning her). Besides German Shepherds, she also bred a toy breed, which was the ones that she concentrated more on in the show ring. So she didn’t care what the Shepherd people would say because she had her main focus on another breed, so that’s why she told me to blame everything on her.
Many years down the line I co-owned another male with two judges. They too were excellent to deal with. I only kept my name on this champion and helped write his Review ads. Otherwise, they had full ownership of him and directed his career the way that they saw fit.
For every wonderful co-ownership experience, there can also be some true horror stories. One of the parties doesn’t live up to their side of the bargain. Know the people that you’re dealing with. Check around inquiring about their reputation. What has other peoples experience been like dealing with this breeder? Remember if he/she looks or acts like a snake, then rest assured, they probably are a snake!
Know exactly what’s expected of you before you sign your name on that dotted line on the contract paper. Many times the breeder will reduce the original price of the puppy in exchange for puppies back, or a puppy back, and sometimes even whole litters back. Sometimes the co-ownership will end once they get back the puppy or puppies that they want. Other times the co-ownership lasts for the lifetime of the dog. When you think about all the puppies that you are expected to give back to the breeder, the original price no longer looks too expensive!
Co-ownerships can be a rewarding experience for those that are involved in this type of transaction. The breeder is happy that you are showing his dog. You’re happy that you have a good dog to show. In this instance, it is a win-win type of situation. If on the other hand you come across those who have no moral compass, seek help from the Parent Club, the AKC, legal council or all three if need be!
Taken from the book: "How to Solve Your People Problems: Dealing with Your Difficult Relationships"....Interacting with people brings problems with people. The closer the contact, the greater the potential for conflict. In How to Solve Your People Problems, Dr. Alan Godwin shares biblical, practical principles to help readers avoid conflict when possible and handle difficult encounters constructively. The key to healthy, growing relationships is successfully handling differences. Dr. Godwin gives readers the tools and the framework to:
* benefit from every relationship
* handle conflict with grace, reason, and flexibility
* change problem situations into positive encounters
* reduce conflict situations
* successfully deal with unreasonable people
This valuable resource will help readers successfully live and work with others, know how to implement conflict resolution, negotiate problem areas, and create positive connections even when people disagree.
My rating: "How to Solve your People Problems (book): (4), co-ownerships: (1-4)!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)