Not sure where to put this really so here goes.

Well folks unless something unexpected happens looks like the Working Dog Program will be getting the green light. It was approved at this months AKC board meeting pending some regulation rule changes. Final vote should come next month for the program to start 01/01/2007. The following parent breed clubs, American Bouvier des Flandres Club, American Rottweiler Club, Doberman Pincher Club of America and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America will be allowed to put on up to 5 events per year.

The "working" portion is already a bit watered down from SchH to begin with - we can only hope that "some regulation rule changes" doesn't dilute the work further. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I have a copy of the latest rules and from what I can tell the only differences in the bite rountine is some of the distances allowed in the back transport and the distance allowed for the dog to engage on the escape. The handler it seems is allowed to encourage the dog during all re-attacks.

If you read the minutes, the motion was defeated. It will be brought back up for discussion once the regulations have been corrected. Least that's what I gathered from AKC's site.

The regulations were not approved not the program itself. 4 of the board members wanted to push the vote and fix whatever regulations needed work before the program goes into effect 01/01/07. A re-vote for this is available on next month's agenda for the board.

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Well folks unless something unexpected happens looks like the Working Dog Program will be getting the green light. It was approved at this months AKC board meeting

Great I guess it's time to hang up the leash and get the golf clubs back out. AKC involved in bitework? THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

I don't think I ever wanted something to fail so badly in my life!

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Well folks unless something unexpected happens looks like the Working Dog Program will be getting the green light. It was approved at this months AKC board meeting

Great I guess it's time to hang up the leash and get the golf clubs back out. AKC involved in bitework? THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

I don't think I ever wanted something to fail so badly in my life!

Neat thing about this...you don't have to participate if you so choose.

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Neat thing about this...you don't have to participate if you so choose.

I think the fear here is for the further fate of the working BREEDS. And obviously what will happen when the AKC GSD's cannot do the work... Obviously the TEST must be too hard. Make no mistake, within a very short time this test will be to SchH as the AKC herding tests are to ISDS herding trials.

And also make NO mistake that handlers of American GSD's with titles in this sport will speak of it as equivalent to SchH in every way.

Don't get me wrong, I am completely against this working program. Just like I am against the UKC working program. I show in both venues and have no real dislike for either registry. With the way BSL is these days, the last thing the world needs is registration bodies who have their hands in too many pots to speak of already to get involved with protection.

However, Schutzhund has been/and is being dumbed down just fine without the AKC's involvement (Remember the attack on handler in the I or how about *gasp* gunfire in the BH?).

The comparison of the AKC herding trials to ISDS does not fly with me. Maybe it is dumbed down if you have a BORDER COLLIE but the AKC's herding trials have to cover breeds beyond the BC. After all, BC's are not the *only* herding dogs out there. Those ISDS trials are fine for wide-running, strong-eyed dog able to work at great distances from the handler on fairly flighty sheep but I don't see them proving anything on how a dog can handle rank cattle in a chute <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I think using AKC herding tests as an example is pretty much right on. The test is different from their version of a trial. A dog with a good chase instinct could get their herding tested certification. As to their trials, I'm sure they may be challenging for many breeds, but for the most part with a well bred BC it would be like asking a 6th grader to take a 3rd grade test. And BCs are one of very few breeds left that are useful in a working farm or ranch situation.

And most working bred BCs are able to handle a variety of herding situations. My own dog handles my flighty sheep alot differently than she handles my bold ones.

I personally see the AKC herding and working dog programs more as programs to benefit their organization than benefiting the breeds.