It would be intresting if Ed would give us some stats. on who buys his pups. Does he have a strong sport purchasing market?

In a nut shell it all comes down to one thing...Genetics.

There are so many risks in raising a puppy. The high end competition people don't want to take that risk. So they import.

People who are breeding have to buy breeding stock. It is a silly gamble to buy a puppy wait two years and hope the genetics god smiles on you. So you have to buy adults.

Am I raising pups of my own breeding. You bet! Do I hope I won't have to buy a dog for a long time. You bet. Besides Czech dogs are getting really pricey.

Would I rather everyone bought puppies. Yup. Especially if the had the RAS tag on them!!! Will it happen. NOPE!!! We are a country full of the quick fix mentality. Delayed gratification is a joke to most. What can I have right now??? Gimme Gimme Gimme. I'll take it as long as I don't have to work too much.

You have to remember though, I have a unique viewpoint. I make my living from dogs. Whether it is breeding or training. So I can raise a number of dogs at a time. It is all I do. Most people don't have that luxury. I also, have 40 acres. Again, most don't. So I have an attitude about certain things. Oh well.

Todd
I agree about most people wanting it NOW. I'm waiting for three more years for my working GSD puppy. I'll be 60 then and starting a new adventure with dogs. Now is that patience or what! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Dogs are your business, and you oviously enjoy it. They are a hobby for me,but aside from my family, they make up a large part of my life.

In three years I hope to have theory and technique in my head, with help from you and others on this board, then it's practice, practice, practice.

Thanks Todd. That does provide an answer to my puzzlement. I would read into your answer that your goal is to eventually have your own line of competition dogs, but that right now you're not there yet...

Along this same line....I enjoyed Mike Hamilton's comments at a meeting earlier this year, concerning his view of his preferred direction for USA and breeders in general. In addition to what I already posted, he envisioned USA:
-- as a breed club, promoting/breeding our own dogs and not just buying competition dogs from Europe.
-- promoting HOT as a major event to help promote and showcase this concept of USA breeding.
-- working for unity between two types of dogs: working & show.
-- not discriminating against other breeds at "open" USA Nationals.

His comments made for an interesting meeting. But I fear it was just that...comments. Being new to the sport I don't know yet much about the players involved, but after years working in corporate America, I do recognize a political machine at work. (as is the case in any human organization)

Unfortunately I didn't adhere to my bias either: I purchased a pup bred in the US but from two imported dogs... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Todd. That does provide an answer to my puzzlement. I would read into your answer that your goal is to eventually have your own line of competition dogs, but that right now you're not there yet... You're right. I have been in the dogs for 10 years. However, just started breeding 2 years ago. So my line is too young yet to be formidable on the National scene. It will be there though.

Four trainers I know that have raised a puppy to world class schutzhund competition in the US are Ivan Balabanov (with his own breeding), Jack Schurmann (with his own breeding when he was in Belgium), Richard Pastucka, and Stephen Robinson. To me, nothing is more honorable or admirable in schutzhund than to raise a puppy to world class level competition. -Greg

And that is the goal here! How long did it Take Ivan and Jack to raise their own breeding up to that level? See it takes time. Those who aspire to be there, and have the time, commitment, money, and help will get there. Those who don't will continue to play. I see a win win for all involved.

Actually, if memory serves (no guarantee) Ivan's bitch was his FIRST mal and she was awesome, and first generation pups from her hit the national scene. Same with Jack Schurmann - the bitch was his first GSD, and he bred her once and this outstanding male was the result. Glenn Bennett also raised a pup (not of his breeding) to Sch3 Nationals. I am not aware of Rich Pastucka being a "breeder" or having a breeding program.

:rolleyes: While we are on the subject of titles and clubs, I was wondering if anyone had any good advice about how to start a club. I currently have to drive 4 hours there and back where I train and at time it does seem to be a burden. I do it because I like the sport but it does take a toll on the body and the vehicle. There was a club that I tried out that was only 40 minutes away but I didn't like the helpers style nor did I like the advice of the other members. Any suggestions!!??