people have to put so much in and ask so much of their dogs, at stake is prestige, money, stud fees, reputations.
with so much at stake the casualties are mounting. I hear IPO people complaining that the sport is less of a breed test and more of a pure competition.
this link is not about dogs but two dead horses after one race?
yes one was an accident you could say but these horses are so wound up you could argue the context was the cause, sad all round.
can animals keep up with human demands of them. it is evolution on steroids, the farms and hunts our dogs come from never had to endure the high anti-instinctual events and stress we are putting them under;
disclaimer: I do not compete with my dogs, they live how their ancestors did and do what their ancestors did.
Brianah Maloney Webboard User Reg: 10-22-2013
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I think we should be rethinking about the animal performance world. Be it horses bred for no other reason than speed on the track. To dogs doing bite work, yet tucking tails and running from any stress off field.
We need to rethink what we are all about. Stats brags and titles? Or letting our dogs be dogs, while living with a purpose. All dogs enjoy having a purpose.
But at the end of the day, my dog doesn't know the difference between petty trick training, or taking home a ribbon at a trial.
Tanya Moyer Webboard User Reg: 01-18-2012
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However, you are still competing against a standard. IMHO a complex score sheet = high level training, but you can still title with a passing score. If you want a perfect score then more complex, high level training is to be considered. Where I take issue is with judges; everything is subjective to their interpretation, opinion, like and dislike. Judges should be judging by a standard. In some sports this may be more difficult than others as there are esthetics to consider.
Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
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Quote: Peter Cavallaro
I now hear people wanting the BH to be scored on a complex score sheet.
I have a pretty good finger on the pulse of my regional schutzhund circle, and am in discussion groups with people who are on the national level, and I hadn't heard anyone say this. Most feel that the BH is only to be considered as a temperament test. However, I can see the logic. Some people who are starting out may want a more detailed accounting of where their dog stands in relation to the standard, so that they can better plan their training progression. The BH will never be considered a competition between dogs.
Niomi Smith Webboard User Reg: 04-20-2009
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The BH is scored - or at least mine have been - you are just given a pass/fail at the end.
However, if you ask the judge to see the score sheet, you can see where you lost points.
The BH was explained to me as a temperament test and as a way to see working relationship between handler and dog. It is not a trial readiness test.
I won't speak too much to the rest of the thread - I used to be UBER competitive in my dog sports with a very "if you ain't first, your last" attitude towards myself only (always supportive of other competitors). I have realized that I would rather enjoy myself and have fun, than focus on scores and politics. So I have a new mantra "if me and the dog aren't having fun, why bother?". LOL
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
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Many "competition" events started out as more of a pass/fail type event and then evolved into the ridiculousness you see now.
Novice OB competition used to be valued as "completing the Novice level/test" rather than an opportunity to start racking up ribbons. I have some of the old William Koehler books(an outstanding reference) and points aren't really emphasized until the Open going into Utility level. Until then the focus is on passing or completing a level rather than gaining points.
Maybe at the lower levels of competition there would be some value to going to a pass/fail style while still leaving the opportunity for a dog/handler team to distinguish themselves with high scores at the higher levels.
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is competition getting too competitive
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