I thought the show was great simply because it showed working dogs and some bite work. It could have been done better but the fact that is was on the air at all is a victory for all of us. Most people don't know anything beyong Fluffy running in circles at AKC shows. On another note did anyone notice a logo on the wall during the competition that Animal Planet blurred out? It looked like it might be USA but I couldn't tell.

The AP production of the event was a plus for LE K9...the AP crews spent some time with the featured department teams prior to covering the USPCA Feild Trials. Most of the AP coverage at the Trials was of these teams.
Some showed well at the Trials, others have had better days. The mal from DC belongs to a friend of mine. As we say 'on any given day'...the dog chose the National Trials to blow his evidence search. I guess that was Dusty's given day! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
One thing to factor in with these performances--most of these teams are working the street right up until they leave for the Trials. Speaking from experience, if you get a street apprehension shortly before the trials, the dogs demeanor is affected more often than not. Makes your trial experience a bit difficult at times...
And the Mals are well represented at the trials. They just didn't get the coverage at this particular event (us mal people are used to being the 'red-headed step-child)...if I'm not mistaken, the Top Team for the two previous years was a mal (the same team)!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
And let's not forget--the camera adds 10lbs to you!! Man & beast alike!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I must say "well done" to the officers that competed. They showed their dogs well and trained very hard to get there. Any time the media shows our K-9 teams in a positive light we have gained something. It was a show that kids and adults alike have watched and enjoyed. Those that want to find fault with the dogs or handlers, should put themselves in the same position with their own dogs. I don't think it would be that much fun to have the entire country watching me make mistakes. But these folks did allow themselves to be put into that position and they did a fine job. If any of them read in here....THANKS ! You did a fine job.

I thought the program was great, I do wish they had showed the dogs working better. As someone els said more of an ESPN type coverage. I was also suprised that the decoy never really showed and agression toward the dog, there was no real fight. I suppose it's best to minimize the bite work as far as PR goes but I would have expected the docoys to challenge the dogs more like what you se in Schutzhund or FR.

Simon I think the blurred out sign was an ad for beer. the lettering was red and the first letter was a "B" and the last one an "R". I don't drink that stuff so I'm not sure.

regarding the decoys/helpers: after watching the show twice, I am fairly sure that each helper was a member of the team of the dog being worked.

I liked the search when they called the man out of the box, and the dog still wanted more. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> That is what I was hopeing for every dog to do.

Krista your right . The decoys were just plan old cops running from each others dogs , far from seasoned decoys .

That competion is not meant to be a highend test of the dog . The Nationals is simply the basic USPCA Certification scored at a higher level and the dogs must score a 590 or above out of 700 in there Regional Cert. to be able to go to Nationals . They then must score a 620 or above under tougher scoring standards to get their National Certification .

To most use to KNPV , Ring sports or the like it's pretty boring . But it's open the the general public and they seem to like it alot building great public support for K9's in those areas .

no complaints here, Jim. It was interesting to see how they do things. was especially intrigued by how the box search was set up (with people leaving scent in every box). i live in the cincinnati area, and it was nice to see the 'hometown team' in action. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

One question I have. I have seen it a couple other times but why was the one dog working from the right side. My dogs all work on the left but know a right side comand where they go to the right.