I am one of those that will be participating in the amateur futurity this year. I will be doing so for a great many reasons, but largely as an example for others to see that you can owner handle. I know what you're thinking! "If you're handling in the amateur futurity, what good does that do?" The point is I'm exhibiting my own dog, and am not afraid to do so. I am trying to harbor a welcoming atmosphere, and while I understand the resistance some give, we need more people to join in this sport. It's really hard to do that when somebody is still considered new after a decade of involvement and exhibition! I think there comes a point when people need to stop being viewed as "newbies" (I would like to think a decade of dedication and heartache would qualify!), and as patrons that are also passionate about the German Shepherd Dog. This is NOT to say that people should stop learning! Lord knows I've learned a good deal over the years, and would like to learn even more (I'm always open to grooming tips!), but it's just ludicrous how long people are considered new. I mean, I wasn't considered new after being with my new flyball club for just a month! They welcomed me with open arms, have been exceedingly friendly, and I feel like I've been with them for years and years, even though this is my first experience with flyball! And people that are entering this game now are generally NOT children. The amount of adults (and people older than me at that) that approach me at shows and are interested in the venue is staggering! And I LOVE it, and I'm happy to see them! But their age also means that while they are willing to be guided, they are not willing, and you will be unable, to mold them to your (general) perfect image. You (general) are not teaching children, you are teaching adults, and that needs to be taken into consideration. They may be new, but they do not like to be treated like children (nor do they need to be). I also think more general encouragement needs to be given for those who wish to show their own dogs, and not pay a handler. I hold no ill will for those that choose to use handlers, whether it is their age, their health, or simply their general preference, but I find it to be disheartening and off putting when discussing a show prospect with somebody, and one of the first things they give me is a list of handlers that they've used and like. Winning is not always the first priority on somebody's mind, and that should be ok. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't sell somebody a GOOD dog just because they would like to exhibit it on their own. It may take longer, and it may take "more" money (honestly, I think it probably works out to about the same), but if that is what it takes to make people feel WELCOME and successful, it needs to be done. It is much more gratifying for me to be in the ring and win with my dog, class or otherwise, than to hand her off to somebody else. I understand that they "may do it better". But instead of discouraging people and goading them into handing the lead to someone else, why not offer tips on how to present the dog better? "Hey, this might help you out a bit. Why don't you try x instead of y. See how z improved?" Maybe the amateur futurities need a little tweaking. I do know one thing for sure....when we have our first litter, I'm hoping some go to show homes, and I'm hoping even harder that I can get the owners to take their own dogs into the futurity ring, and we can all exhibit together. Maybe it's a pipe dream. But I think it's a good one. -- Jackie & Jonathan Nguyen Marcato German Shepherds<http://www.marcatogermanshepherds.com> S Konzert vom Drachenberg, RN, CD, CGC "Strauss" Devine's Gunpowder N Lead "Mirada" ============================================================================ 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/ ============================================================================