Noone is disputing, at least I am not that the AKC has done nothing for the working GSD or for that matter any breed. What I dispute is though that people that compete have 2nd class dogs. The dogs on the team, I know three that could give any dog in USA a run for the money. Simply because they are in WDA is not fair to slander them. I do agree that people that compete in WDA are looking for an easy way to compete on a team, as you only need to win that one trial.
USA is in a big money problem now. Couple that is seems that membership support is not as strong as it once was. I read though that the head of the SV said that no one organization will send a team, meaning that niether USA nor WDA will exculusivley send a team, there will be a comprimise. ANother problem that will come up is that they may only allow 5 do/handler teams from each country shorlty, to scale down the time the trial goes on for. This may pose another problem. The team cannot be picked evenly if they decided to take the top three dogs from each organizations Nat. There will have to be a combinded trial.

Micheal - point me to the article where I talked favorably about the WDA - I need to delete it. It was written when Paul Meloy ran Schutzhund USA. The org (USA) has changed under Mie Hamilton and in my opinion has turned around. If it had not I would not waste my time video taping their national events - it sure is not a moneymaking endevor.

While USA has stepped to the line (and it will never be perfect) the WDA is on a slippery slope into the gutter. Don't kid yourself that the dogs that compete there do so for a reason - either their handlers are not welcome at USA events (for good reasons) or the dogs show there because the handlers want to go to Europe and they know their dogs are not good enough to compete with top USA dogs. Does that make this a second rate event - yes. What kind of an organization has 30 spectators at a national event? Hell there should have been more wives and kids there.

I'd like to see a combined trial if that's what is needed. We would then see the better dog-handler teams representing our country.

I will look on your site, if it has not already been deleted and get back to you.
I can tell you this, I agree that the handlers want to take the easy route, but Monty, when I worked him with his old owner, one of the strongesh dogs that I have worked. THe dog came from Gary Hanrahhan, and I have the tape with Gary commenting that this is a great dog. Sure he was selling him, but he truley was when I worked him a very good dog. I have not seen many dogs anywhere that were as nice in working. He was strong enough for police.
Phil Hoelcher's Bandit, another tough dog that was purchased as a Police prospect. I have also worked him. The only thing I can tell you is his grip will bite three quarters from the fighting drive sometimes. Phil is a formidiable competitor. He can compete with the best and have them on thier toes.
Ed Hooks dog, nice dog. I have seen him work many times. There is nothing wrong with him either. Ed seems to be a gentleman too.
I am not sure if any of these people were thrown out of USA. I know the falling out Phil had many years ago. It is an easier and cheaper route, I do agree with that.
I agree that Paul was no good for the cause. Mr. Hamilton seems to have better thoughts and integrity.
But to say that the quality of dogs is crap, I am sorry, but this is not so. There may be some shitters competing, I am sure, but USA has that too.
As far as spectators, I cannot speak for that. The tracking in this years event as I have been told was hooriable. Terriable grass. Many failures, and I was told not many dogs could track the condtions, no matter where they were from.

Ed--here t'is:

GSDCA/WDA

 Quote:

AKC has done nothing for the working GSD

But isn't that supposed to be the responsibility of a breed club, ie the GSDCA? I am no fan of AKC, but I have also never considered them anything more than a Database Management organization (and a rather inept one at that!)

My impresseion of GSDCA is that it is almost exclusively made up of Conformation enthusiasts, with the WDA on the side to provide high-line breeders the opportunity to "title" their show dogs.

Tell me if I'm off base here...

Dogma--

If the AKC would recognize Schutzhund, that would go a LONG way toward helping the GSDCA be a viable breed organization for the German Shepherd Dog.

They could also quit granting registrations to litters from puppy mills.

A couple of suggestions...

Pete Felknor

Without going into detail, to avoid hurting anyone's feelings, or nailing a friend. I know for a fact that a dog that placed very high in the Nationals went over to the WDA because the handler thought that he would be able to make it to the top level in the WDA.

This dog is a sweetie, but is weak. He scored a nearly perfect in one phase, but was judged weaker in the phase that counts. If you know what I mean.

His tracking was good.

Just an example. The competition isn't as tough in the WDA was my friends opinion.

I agree Pete but I do not think it will happen. The best way to help the breed would be for USA to offer a ZTP and really decide that it wants to be a GSD club for working GSD. This will enable alot of people to get involved. The AKC really does not care to do it. Even if they did go great strides with Schutzhund, there is generations of a poor foundation within the organization.

Of course there are not many great dogs, or real competitors over there. But looking at facts when we look at the USA program, what does it take to get into the North Americans, nothing but the title. The National, well is a bit tougher, but at the end of the day there are at most normally only 10 teams that will give the serious competitor a run for thier money. The only thing is that USA wants the average of at least two major trials before the selection is made. SO it is tougher in that aspect. And that is a good thing.
As far as judging it varies no matter what organization you are under. Everywhere has favorities.
I think that USA has alot of strong people in it now. As an org. they need to make a stance and really put the screws to everyone else.