I think the puppy class is asinine. Nothing is keeping people from showing their own dogs in the 6-9 class, why put really young pups thru all these?? Maybe I am over protective of my pups. Just a note, these "programs" are promoting many different angles, just not faulty ones. I agree, tho, its really nice to see a bunch of Specials now in the Best of Breed class. As it should be. * Ileana * Love me, love my dogs. In a message dated 6/29/2012 3:41:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tanbarkgsd@xxxxxxxxx writes: Good point Helen! Many have said we need to start thinking outside the box, I believe the board is trying. Whether it is a right or wrong decision, time will tell. I seem to recall AKC starting two "Pilot" programs very recently and both being poo pooed and now have turned out to be successful money making ventures that the Exhibitors are liking. First, the Grand Champion Program. It was talked about a lot, negatively at first, stating that everyone could show their Champion dogs already, why add this "Select" rating to get yet another title. Well, I for one, thought it was a great idea. Having owned and bred several Champions but never having the "cash flow" to promote a dog to a top 5,10, or 20 status, this gives a person such as myself a chance to still show their champion with a "purpose". The awesome side effect this has had is seeing increased entries now in the Best of Breed competition that otherwise were dismally small. Going to a Specialty and seeing 6-8 Champions compete is awesome!!! There were so many people, judges included, that thought this was just a greedy move by AKC, and it probably was 100% financially motivated, BUT, has turned out to be an awesome thing for our breed. As for the Specialty Clubs, we are also benefiting from this move, with increased entries and income! So this was a win win decision. Second, the baby puppy class, another Pilot program that now, starting this July, is an official class. Yet another way to increase income, and also get new puppy owners involved that can actually show their own puppy. Once again, at first not received with open arms. I don't totally understand the AB program on this yet, but from a specialty club aspect, another class the club can benefit from financially and perhaps introduce the new pet owner to dog showing in a positiv fun way. How can either of that hurt? Just another two cents worth Chris Chris S. (Jolley) Kimerer http://www.tanbarkgsd.com/ GrCh. Tanbark's 2MuchBling Joelle Aramist OFA H/E GrCh. Trotwood's Emerald v Tanbark Joelle Aramist AOE Sel.Ex.Ch.Carousel Farms Samantha, PT, TC OFA H/E Ch. CaralonQED JD Drew Bleibtreu, RN OFA H/E Ch. Cresther's Blast of Kenlyn, HI, CDX, OFA >________________________________ >From: Helen Franklin <helenfranklin520@xxxxxxx> >To: SHOWGSD-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxx >Sent: Friday, June 29, 2012 1:09 PM >Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] THE BOARD > >Congratulations to a Board that has the courage to try something new! >They are innovative, forward thinking and deserve praise for attempting >to stimulate new interest. Some things work, some don't, but bravo for >approaching new ideas. >Helen Franklin > > > > >=========================================================================== >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/ >=========================================================================== > > > ============================================================================ 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/ ============================================================================ ============================================================================ 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/ ============================================================================