What if our Handlers, who know very well that they hold the key to the success or failure of the breed because of their power actually answered the following questions: 1) Do you show German Shepherd Dogs as your primary source of income? 2) Do you also breed, either by actually whelping the litters on your property or by having your name on the litters? 3) Which type of client do you PREFER to show for: a) The client who knows the breed, brings the dog to the show, grooms for themselves and has a fair idea on how to present a dog and the dog is "basically" trained? b) The client who may or may not know the breed, brings the dog to the show bathed but you (or your lackey) have to re-groom because they didn't do it right? c) The client who gives you the dog to do everything with little or no intervention? I think if our handlers gave open ended answers to these questions (instead of just "yes or no") ie, do a little soul searching, I think it might be time for them to consider the following: - A lot people who have a deep passion for this breed and a deeper knowledge are the ones who want to remain hands on in the showing process of their animals. - A lot of people who are trying to learn this breed are frustrated at not being able to be hands on in the showing process of their animals (hence European style shows are flourishing with younger, vital people-it's very hands on - as are rally & agility which also continue to grow in popularity). - A lot of people really cannot fathom the idea of prima-donna handlers who book dogs and never put a hand on them until they are brought ringside and hooked on the end of the handler's lead. - A lot of people cannot understand how they are unable to place their great show prospects into show homes anymore, because there are handlers selling "show" prospects to these potential buyers. Now breeders - what if handlers said, for one year, we're going to do something different to try and help the entire process: 1) We're going to pro-rate our fees based upon the amount of hands on effort you put into the dog. Bring me a dog that is ring trained, groomed and ready to go, and I'll charge you (cheap + expenses). The more effort my "team" or I put into making this dog look good, the more it will cost. 2) If we breed any litters, your puppies will be our primary focus in finding show homes. 3) If we procure potential show homes, we will help you sell the puppies, BUT, we will NOT charge these new people outrageous prices for young animals that do not even have their teeth in, ears up, etc. Would any of the above help people to show more dogs?? ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Kathaleen Strong ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. 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. 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@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================