but why would they do that intentionally?considering AKC has a meaning...

It is just funny to me someone saying that Typey is a akc conformation show term, when they dont know what AKC is? that is very interesting. And people interested in the conformation aspect of our breed,are now refered to "conformation junkies" that is a rather unfair generalization <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Just because people choose not to do SchH with their GSD's does not make them wrong...I prefer doing herding, obedience, agility with my dogs, not just conformation <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> And yes SchH does look very interesting, and I hope to learn more about it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Maybe since you're from Canada you don't get the joke. And, I do think you're missing the point! But, Star Trek is on, so I'm getting off this computer now. Maybe someone else will spell it out for ya! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

In all fairness, Joy has posted other information on other threads that shows she is not informed about AKC events. I refrained from correcting her on it as I did not think it would go anway productive. I suppose I should not leave it there as that is not likely fair either. What I am referring to is her comment "AKC herding is all about penning..not herding". Although I 'get' what she was trying to say regarding the gsd's drive, nerve, etc....AKC has very little to do with penning..in fact, the only penning in it as at the very end...and you get few 'scores' for doing it. AKC herding has 3 different 'types' or courses and at the higher levels it is all about gathering, driving, control, instinct, relationship, drive, and yes, nerve. I have trained my dogs to these levels and if they did not have good drive and good nerve....I would not waste my time doing it with them. NOw....here is where everyone usually comes in about the difference between it and HGH...yes, there can be quite a difference but likely many who do speak on this don't know the differences either.

See....now,I was going to refrain from going into this..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I do think that when 'conformtion' is talked about in forums such as these, it is not usually in the best interest of the breed and therefore....don't mind not having it here as well.

I am also from Canada, and I suppose don't get the 'joke' either.....but I do LOVE Star Treck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Can somebody help me out here?

Am I correct in believing that this list exists to help others with their dog queries and for the sharing of information and expertise?

Assuming this is the function could I please be advised why some members feel it is necessary to ridicule and "talk down" to others.

If, as I would like to believe, we accept each other as members of a "dog club" it would be perfectly normal to assume that the senior members would be far more knowledgeable than the junior members.

If we were meeting on a personal basis at some physical venue would it be acceptable for the knowledgable member to ridicule and/or be sarcastic to a less experienced member?

Why then do certain members believe this is acceptable practice and conduct merely because there is no personal and physical contact?

There appear to be more meows here than you would find at a cat show!

Would it really have been any more difficult to have offered the reasoning that this list does not involve itself with conformation? Or whatever the reasoning may be.

Am I naîve in wanting to share any knowledge that I may have, with others, for no other reason than everybody's further education, which, as an end result, can only be to the benefit of the dog?

Is it a pre-requisite that the sharing of information is accompanied by the disdain shown to the less experienced by those who should know better.

Would you not consider that the less experienced are very nervous about asking for direction, knowing that some smart-arse is going to "knock them down" and humiliate them?

Does such conduct not obviate the very purpose of this list?

It would be my contention that the moderator should be ensuring that such unacceptable conduct does not occur. (Yes, I do consider it unacceptable). If it does occur, it certainly should not be tolerated a second time.

If such rudeness and embarrassment had been directed to me at a physical gathering, the perpetrator may well be nursing a broken nose!

Or have I got this completely wrong? Is this list for no other purpose than telling the world how clever "I" am?

Am I the only one to feel this way, or are there others out there who share my concerns?

And if there are others, speak up. The moderator will only realise that this type of conduct is repulsive, unwarranted and unwanted if you (collectively) advise them of that fact. And judging from the huge number of private e-mails I received regarding the "presumptuous lady" I know there are lots of you out there.

Regards,

Geoff.

Hi Geoff,

I didn't take this thread in quite the same 'light' as you but maybe I am missing something.

I too would hope too that we all can learn and become more educated on topics.

I 'think' some of the strong feelings talked about or 'lack there of being talked about' come out of much frustration that has been built up over time when dealing and talking with some individuals about this breed. There are many , many divisions in the different 'lines' of gsd's and the divisions in the people's perspective, experience and attitudes in each is just as wide. (many times for good reason) but as you suggest, it would be nice to actually talk about them intelligently and respectfully but .....at times that is difficult.

One may assume that the 'senior' members are more knowledgable than the junior members but that is not always so. Of course that also depends on what you meant by that. Those in the breed for a long time but are only familiar with one 'sport' may be very well educated on the specifics of the breed and the sport but may not know much about another sport. Having said that...I also think it is possible to be very educated in one 'sport' and know very little about the breed, its drives, temperament etc. I have seen it.(as so have many others)

Although I don't think it is appropriate to ridicule or talk down to others, this does sometimes happen out of much frustration. Would this happen face to face and not just on the 'internet'...well, yes, at times it does... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> but certainly not to the same extent it would via 'space'.

Probably one of the biggest 'divides' is between the 'conformation' and 'working' aspect of our breed. And it does often become a 'hot' topic.

Can somebody help me out here?

Maybe…..

Am I correct in believing that this list exists to help others with their dog queries and for the sharing of information and expertise?

Yes…

Assuming this is the function could I please be advised why some members feel it is necessary to ridicule and "talk down" to others.

Perception whether real or imagined is real…..

If, as I would like to believe, we accept each other as members of a "dog club" it would be perfectly normal to assume that the senior members would be far more knowledgeable than the junior members.

Some people have one-year experiences throughout life…..

If we were meeting on a personal basis at some physical venue would it be acceptable for the knowledgeable member to ridicule and/or be sarcastic to a less experienced member?

No…

Why then do certain members believe this is acceptable practice and conduct merely because there is no personal and physical contact?

Individual traits…….

There appear to be more meows here than you would find at a cat show!

The only thing two dog trainers usually agree on is what the third trainer is doing wrong……

Would it really have been any more difficult to have offered the reasoning that this list does not involve itself with conformation? Or whatever the reasoning may be.

I don't think this is the case at all……

Am I naîve in wanting to share any knowledge that I may have, with others, for no other reason than everybody's further education, which, as an end result, can only be to the benefit of the dog?

No. And now you have hit on the crucial point; "to the benefit of the dog".

Is it a pre-requisite that the sharing of information is accompanied by the disdain shown to the less experienced by those who should know better.

It shouldn't be…….

Would you not consider that the less experienced are very nervous about asking for direction, knowing that some smart-arse is going to "knock them down" and humiliate them?

I don't think this is the case regarding this discussion board.

Does such conduct not obviate the very purpose of this list?

Maybe…..

It would be my contention that the moderator should be ensuring that such unacceptable conduct does not occur. (Yes, I do consider it unacceptable). If it does occur, it certainly should not be tolerated a second time.

There are rules listed by the moderator. Limiting free speech is not one of them……

If such rudeness and embarrassment had been directed to me at a physical gathering, the perpetrator may well be nursing a broken nose!

Depending on the 3-S' ……size,strength,speed

Or have I got this completely wrong? Is this list for no other purpose than telling the world how clever "I" am?

Sometimes it is hard to change perceptions and attitudes……

Am I the only one to feel this way, or are there others out there who share my concerns? And if there are others, speak up. The moderator will only realize that this type of conduct is repulsive, unwarranted and unwanted if you (collectively) advise them of that fact. And judging from the huge number of private e-mails I received regarding the "presumptuous lady" I know there are lots of you out there.

There are probably others, but not as many on this list as the working dog trainers that are fed up with what has occurred to the German Shepherd in the name of Conformation.

I don't know what all the fuss is about this time. The question was asked as to why conformation is not discussed here (whether the original poster meant ack or German isn't clear). Several folks who have been around for awhile explained why.
I agree that *sincere* questions should be responded to.