IMO anytime someone "hates" someone else or another group just because
they, nor their
interest is not exactly the same, I would consider that person completely
unreasonable. I sure
don't care for some of the types of "working" GSD...but I sure can't waste
my time literally "hating"
the entire mass of dogs or people. Many are quite nice....dogs AND people.
If this trainer works so hard and is so talented ....he or she could train
ANY kind of dog including
mix Breeds. To hate a group in America that tries desperately to stick
with the Standard of the
amazing German Shepherd Dog is a serious waste of his or her time and
effort. What a waste!
Kind of sad....and sure does the Breed no good!!
On the other hand....some of this is the fault of us... and our Parent Club.
WHY are there so many
so involved in this Breed and yet know NOTHING about our GSD National nor
the Standard, nor
the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Inc.?? THIS failure is sure not
the fault of that trainer!!
The ONUS is ON US....and our Board!!
Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.marhaven.com
-----Original Message-----
On Behalf Of Cynthia Van Den Berge (Redacted sender "vande001@yahoo" for
DMARC)
Subject: Sorta shocking
I belong to a local IPO club. It a mix of breeds but most are GSDs.
Occasionally I mention something related to conformation, specialty shows or
the parent Club. It shocks me that these folks know nothing about the above
and couldn't care less it seems. Just yesterday a guy who has two shepherds
and puts a lot of time into working them mentioned that he was headed to
Purina in late October for some trial. I asked why he didn't go to the
National ( he is retired and has plenty of $$). His dog is a good worker and
he could potentially do pretty well. He didn't know what I was even talking
about. Had no clue what a National was or anything about the parent club.
He is not alone....that seems to be the attitude of every GSD owner in the
club. Why is that? When I got my first shepherd in the early 70s, even
though he was a pet, I wanted, was hungry, to learn everything about the
breed. Like many, I started him in obedience, joined a local club (GSDC of
Atlanta) learned a lot and the story goes on. Why am I not seeing this with
my friends? We have a local club (GSDC of Memphis) who would love to have
them and would work to include them in activities and provide things that
would interest them.
One thing, our IPO club training director is a working line breeder and
hates all things American...so, I am sure her attitude rubs off. Many of
the club members have bought dogs from her (including me). It just
frustrates me that here are at least 6 people who are deeply involved with
their dogs, but have no desire to learn more about the breed. What to do?
Cynthia
