[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: ADMIN: Apology to the List--SORRY LONG

From: Penny & Bill <ketchy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: The List <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2011 09:14:01 -0500
Sara and everybody,

We must be going to different shows, unless your "EVERY single  
exhibitor" and "EVERY dog person on the planet" comments were used for  
shock value to get our attention and they REALLY got mine!  I show in  
both the Specialty and the All-breed ring as many of us do, because I  
believe good dogs can do it in both rings.  While there ARE dogs with  
temperament and gaiting problems in BOTH rings, I don't believe things  
are as dim as you seem to think.

There are problems in many breeds.  We have finished a couple Labs, a  
PBGV and a Flatcoat, besides quite a few GSDs.  GSDs follow a written  
standard and I would suggest that you do a LOT MORE reading.  There  
are various books on gait too--so you will be able to SEE how a good  
GSD moves.

About handling:  I want to win, so I have a professional handler,  
although I do show my own dogs in obedience.  I have been in this a  
long time and have always had 2 left feet in the breed ring.  But  
since having double knee replacement surgery in October of 2010, I  
would be hardpressed to move the way I would need to to showcase my  
dogs.  Handlers can do this; I cannot.  I'll admit I don't care for  
the excessive amounts of double-handling that goes on; that's why I  
prefer the All-breeds.

I don't think the breed has been"ruined" as you put it.  It has  
problems as EVERY breed does.  A concern of mine is health issues.   
But there are many super breeders out there, who are having their dogs  
screened for genetic problems, etc.  You need to study pedigrees and  
know where the problems are.

As far as the show ring atmosphere being intimidating, it CAN BE.   
Grow a thick skin.  If you are rebuffed by a breeder/exhibitor, try  
again.  Don't give up.  We are at those shows to see our dogs perform  
and the best time to approach someone is after the show when the dust  
has settled.  Good luck.

Penny in NC
The Farm Dog
Member GSDCA since 1981
Signer of the Breeder's Code of Ethics
**********************************************************************
Every show I go to, EVERY single exhibitor I talk to is disgusted by  
the GSD. EVERY single one of them regardless of what breed they have.  
It's hard for me to listen too but I have a hard time defending the  
showring dog.  It's not normal for dogs to walk like that. I don't  
remember the GSD I loved as a kid walking like that. It's disgusting.  
Why do their legs hit the ground? They look so wobbly and weird.
I hear at our obedience class or at a nosework demonstration or while  
out for a walk.
Why is it that EVERY dog person on the planet (except the specialty  
GSD breeder) is so sad that the breed has been ruined?  Why can't  
fellow GSD breeders see it?  In fact, at my last UKC show (I started  
there to get us ready for AKC) the judge even commented to me on  
having a "normal" GSD and it was "nice to see". :-(
It really breaks my heart.
Plus, I see GSDs at shows shaking, tail tucked, looking around  
frantically. It's just not proper character.
Now, I don't mean to come on here and have my first posts be so  
negative. I am trying to learn. So, please help me understand .....
Does anyone know when the hind end thing started? I know it wasn't  
always like this? Does it give a bigger gait or something?  Does  
anyone wish they could go back to breeding normal dogs but maybe they  
think they won't win in ring anymore?
Does anyone else feel our show ring atmosphere is intimidating to a  
new show ring exhibitor?  Don't some of you wish people could show  
their own dogs without the antics?
I apologize again.

Sara Minsk

============================================================================
POST is Copyrighted 2011.  All material remains the property of the original 
author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind 
are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the 
Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post.  This group and its 
administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in 
any post.

ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY 
MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS 
PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY 
FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE 
PROSECUTED. 

For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx

VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org  
SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html
NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/
============================================================================
[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: ADMIN: Apology to the List--SORRY LONG

Other related posts:
