So....sounds like there is a good deal of responsibility placed on the breeders and prospective owners of working dogs. Both parties can only try to do their best.
Not every puppy in a litter is going to have what it takes to be a "working dog" with the proper balance of nerves, drives and thresholds to accomplish one of the many schools of working disciplines available. So what should happen to these puppies? Who should own these dogs?
I LOVE MALS!!!....they are just the neatest dogs to me. However, I am not involved in dogs sports, etc. My Mal is my companion, best friend and protector. Has it been a challenge....you bet. Have I made mistakes....absolutely. But, I read this forum most everyday, I call and email "doggy friends" to the point of being a pest with what I am sure are mundane and boring questions for them. I have spent time and money with trainers and folks that know more than me. Are these dogs alot to handle....yes! But, for me it is a privilege to own one and I probably will til the day I die. Mine keeps me on my toes! I have owned all kinds of dogs all my life and thought I "knew dogs". Have found out how much I don't know is more like it. The dog is smarter than me!!! She has taught me alot and of all the dogs I have ever owned is my favorite.
I had a guy come last night. Wasn't sure if he wanted to do SAR or Schutzhund. Showed him 2 pups that were suitable for each endeavor. He decided schutzhund, but wanted to see a pup that I didn't show him. Told him he's more than welcome to see her, but he wouldn't be getting her. The pup I picked out for him would be good for a novice starting out, good drives, but not over crazy where he'd want to kill it. The other female would've driven him nuts. As a breeder you have to know the exp. level of your buyers, ask as many questions as you can and match up the pups. I also had another woman get a pup for her adult son (he wanted it, she bought it has a pup from my first litter). She kept picking out different pups, kept telling her no, this one is what he needs, went on for wks. I finally told her again this is the one you're getting, it's not for you it's for your son, he doesn't need a working dog, he wanted a family pet and the drives/make up are different and I had picked out her puppy and he was exactly what she wanted, to trust that I would do the same for this situation. Pup arrived, then she agreed. ARGH.
So....sounds like there is a good deal of responsibility placed on the breeders and prospective owners of working dogs. Both parties can only try to do their best.
First they (breeders and owners) have to accept the responsibility. Unfortunately there is little to no accountability for failure to do so.
Quote:
As a breeder you have to know the exp. level of your buyers, ask as many questions as you can and match up the pups.
I would buy a puppy from a breeder (over others - who are less discriminating) like Angela specifically because of the resposibility that she demonstrates. The dog, the owner and ulimately the breed all benefit.
Great post Andres - a great perspective and first step toward responsiblity.
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