Is this a good kennel? - Page 9

Titles and scores are better than nothing, but still have dubious value at proving that a dog is breedworthy.  Unless a dog has been titled again and again with consistent scores under different judges, it is difficult to assess the true quality of the dog by scores.

I'm a novice in the sport and even I know how whack the scores can be.  I've got a friend of mine who trialled her dog and got a 94 in tracking at one trial, and then a 70 at another trial only a few months later.  Is this a good tracking dog, or one that barely squeaks by?  Hmmm?

One guy showed up at our club trial bragging about his tough dog.  In protection work, the dog ran off the field and got 0 pts Insufficient.  A few months later, I noticed the same dog in another trial.  Protection work:  92 pts Pronounced.  Is this a strong protection dog, or a coward?  Hmmm?

Then there's the whole "good dog" vs "good training" hoo ha.  Some people with deep pockets will pay big bucks to send their dogs to top trainers/handlers so they can get nice scores, so they can brag about their quality dogs.

Titles and scores can be useful data, but I wouldn't use it as the only basis to decide if a dog is breedworthy.  A timely example - I saw Kobra at a seminar a few months back, working in OB and PR and I would have no hesitation buying a puppy from this female, titled or not.  It was a beautiful sight to see - power, speed, and intensity in every exercise.  Unfortunately a lot of folks don't have the chance to see a dog being worked with their own eyes before making a purchase. 

Thank goodness we at least have the internet to make it easy to share photos and video, such that they are worth. 

Yvette

P.S.  LAWoman, you've clearly got an axe to grind.    :P

John,

I can agree with this statement, I just dont believe that the majority of the titles is faked. I live in Germany, so I have a hard time to judge Chech dogs, I am a more into Show lines than anything else. But as a breedwarden within the SV, I just have a hard time to understand why it is so difficult for some breeders to follow some rules. Once again, I believe that in order to get consistency into the breed and to assure that breed standarts are mantained, it is important to follow certain rules. As long as anybody does,what he/she thinks is right, it will not happen. The German SV system is in place for a long time, but not only for the reason that it always was there, but for the reason it was mantained and obeyed.

The Good Sheperd,

does not surprise me a bit ....... are you on your toes at any given time, do you perform at any time at your best ? And that you got your Obidience title in is great, congrats to you. As a newbie, you certanly did a great job. If you liked what you did, I would like to encourage you to take it a step further, I bet your dog will love it.

You all have a great weekend.    Ulli Dresbach

Danke Ulli

I know that in Germany Competetive Obedience is just starting. I also know that most board members here are Schutzhund and ring sport. Since I really don't know that much about ringsport and don't train in it I would NEVER say "Not even a BH or Schutzhund 1". Since I was born and raised in Germany I understand the need for trial and titles to keep the GSD truly a working breed and not a watered-down lapdog. How many of the breeders here on this board would give their eye teeth to have one of their puppies go to a competetive obedience, agility and herding home and actually get titles in these venues instead of being a GSD without a job?

I will stick by my guns - Yes its an insult to say "Not even an Obedience Title"

Claudia

Hallo Claudia,

you did what is the right way to do. You started out, did your obidience with your dog, and I just assume for a second, what could be next ? If you & your dog enjoid what you achieved, take it a step further, I guaruantee you, you BOTH will benefit from the attempt.

The term, "not even an obidience title", is ment towards towards breeders. Not towards a novice trying to increase his knowledge. A  breeder here in Germany should have his "ducks in a row" anyway.

There are about 20 000 pups beeing born in Germany alone, all having a job ? Neverless, they should have the ability to go to work at any time, if trained and cared for properly.

Rest assured, in my opinion, you just did great, if you & your dog see it, to take it a step further, do it !

Kind Regards Ulli

Hey Don,

I will be in the US next year for the 80th birthday of my mother in law, it would be a thrill for me to meet you ! I bet, I could learn 1 or 2 things from you ! Even just having a drink & chit chat a little would be nice ! Search for " vom Sankt Martiner Tal" on here and shoot me a line.

Regards Ulli 

4 Pack,

That was so classy for you to post!  Would you care to explain to my young son what a Douche is since he sat down at my computer and was looking at your so classy picture!?!  I don't really think that was appropriate!  Too bad there is no moderation here!  I didn't call you any names....I didn't call you a bitch or a douche bag!  I don't stoop that low!  But I guess you do,,,,,does that make you a borderline troll or maybe you have week nerves!  You are the ONLY one getting worked up!  I emailed Melanie, I saw the website, I passed on the puppy after discussing the pedigree issue via EMAIL with her!  I answered a question:  IS THIS A GOOD KENNEL?  I gave factual information.  I did not say YES it is a good kennel and I did not say NO either...just posted facts and let the original poster decide for themselves! 

Really, it is just that simple!

Kind regards,,,,jerk!

Vickie

www.PowerHausKennels.com

Easy enough.  It's a feminine hygiene product found on grocery store shelves the world over, very benign really.