WUSV/GSDL BRITISH REGIONAL CHAMPION - Page 4

The object of the GSDL/WUSV System is to be FULLY INCLUSIVE and based on identification and clear and identifiable Health measures.
To reach this objective it is essential to offer detail of the fundamental requirements along with the CHOICES and OPPORTUNITIES.

Therefore this MUST include the SV System AND a system for those that do not wish to follow the SV system in its entirety, but maybe partially.

Many exhibitors want the opportunity of making up a Champion in our GSD breed and many consider that a making up a Champion in the GSDL/WUSV System is far more meaningful for our breed than making up a KC Champion. Any cursory examination of this comparison between a KC Champion and a GSDL/WUSV Champion makes this very obvious.

It is therefore logical to offer the OPPORTUNITY for exhibitors within the GSDL/WUSV System to make up Champions. To deny exhibitors this OPPORTUNITY would clearly be a fundamental breakdown of the objectives of the GSDL/WUSV System.

It is also logical to consider ALL ideas that are submitted on the method to be used in making up a Champion, and they should ALL be carefully considered, irrespective of who submits them.

The inclusion of Champion Status within the GSDL/WUSV System will make the system much more attractive to GSD exhibitors, Spectators, The general public and many GSD owners and purchasers. Our new system has MUCH to offer our GSD breed, we should ensure we maximise its potential and ensure that we avoid limiting its OPPORTUNITIES and CHOICES.

The title of "BRITISH CHAMPION" has a very appealing and attractive ring to it. I also believe the international GSD World will immediately be attracted by such a meaningful title based on health measures and identification.

There is ONE essential addition to our GSDL/WUSV System still to be included, and that is the DNA Parentage Test to be included in the Breed Survey. This should be introduced as soon as possible.

Note: many countries have Champions, and several countries are adopting our GSDL/WUSV System and watching the progress of our system very closely. They consider our GSDL/WUSV System is ideal for ALL GSD exhibitors within their countries, offering CHOICE and OPPORTUNITIES. They know they must build on what exists in their country, whilst also offering the SV system that exists in Germany, this offers unity and progress alongside choices and opportunity. We have proved our GSDL/WUSV System is THE WAY FORWARD.
 

Originally I saw no reason to get involved with what I considered a simple request for people to give ideas, views and suggestions for having  Champion status/ points system included at the regional events. The reason for now having to post is to try and stop the current situation about anonymous  or named suggestions being put forward. I would like to think that any suggestion put forward would be taken into account named or un- named and confidentiality would be in order when these suggestions are dealt with by the WUSV/ GSDL Group. The whole idea of the flyers being given out at the future WUSV events is to gain everyones input, this is also the reason for posting the the request on the Leagues Web Site and not just for those who attend the Events. When the results are put together they will be discussed by the group and I for one will not be interested in who put the suggestions forward , my only interest is the future of the Events in the UK.  From all the ideas put forward  hopefully the Group  can come to an agreement as to what fits best with the way forward  so as to give the exhibitors, quality events which are enjoyable and rewarding.
 
John Ward.WUSV Group Cornwall

PS  I am sure someone putting a name on their suggestion if not not recognised will not be tracked down before it`s accepted !!

Very well put David (Videx) and John (Member)

look forward to seeing lots of constructive ideas :)

Abby, if you want to submit a postal idea maybe send to Shirley Hutchinson as she is the Secretary, or hand in at a show, look forward to receiving it.

My address for any comments

Mount Farm
Stowe Lane
Hixon
Staffs
St18 0NB

There was mention of suggestion boxes in an earlier post and we have already agreed we will put a suggestion box out at the forthcoming shows - ALL views will be considered by the working party on this issue.

The above is my post in my role as WUSV/GSDL-BRG secretary, here's some of my personal opinion on the matter.....

Two key reasons why the WUSV/SV system is better than the KC system are that health testing and working ability are incorporated and mandatory.

There is no compromise over health testing and the discussions on a Champion Title have already made this a high priority.

The top title of British Sieger and British Siegerin is only available to those in the working class at the British Sieger and so they must have schutzhund qualifications.

In the UK, we do not have the infrastructure that there is in Germany or elsewhere, for exhibitors to gain SchH qualifications - progress is being made but it is difficult (believe me I know what I am talking about on this point!). Therefore, the top title is largely being restricted to exhibitors who can afford (and want) to send their dogs away to gain the working qualification.

Add to that the fact that some people feel that Schutzhund is not necessarily a measure of working ability that they wish to engage in - there are several other valid working qualifications which are not recognised by the WUSV/SV system and it becomes obvious that a very large portion of exhibitors in the UK are being excluded from being able to obtain "the prestigious" title.

This is why a system with choices is being introduced (hence adult classes not just working classes) and, in my opinion, could become the envy of other countries.

I am not a member of the working party on this matter but will share my views with them for consideration.

Shirley

(hutch) Shirley wrote: "In the UK, we do not have the infrastructure that there is in Germany or elsewhere, for exhibitors to gain SchH qualifications"

This is a very important point. I have been to Germany hundreds of times over the last 20+ years, averaging around a dozen time per year, and believe me most GSD folk here in the UK would be amazed just how many GSD Clubs exist with superb Club houses and small kennels for the temporary use of dogs attending the clubs and the range of training and appropriate experienced  trainers. Most towns and cities have several different clubs, some only a few miles apart.

Now think carefully how many similar GSD Club facilities exist here within the whole of the UK, and ask yourself how many there is likely to be over the next 10 or 20 years. Then ask yourself why should many GSD enthusiasts be disadvantaged by geographical distance from a GSD Club that offers suitable and varied training.

We have to proceed with what we currently have, and what we may reasonably anticipate. We will never be able to emulate what exists within Germany, however we can at least make every effort to make our very best efforts of each and every opportunity.

It is not in the least surprising that many choose to have their dogs trained in Germany, and this should not be ridiculed. It is a very hard and expensive decision to send a loved GSD away for long periods, believe me.

Our developing British GSDL/WUSV System contains everything and more of what we would have wanted from the Kennel Club for our breeds show scene in past years. Unfortunately the Kennel Club have clearly indicated they were not up for persuading in this direction. The Kennel Club cannot even REQUIRE a reasonable hip score within their profoundly unhealthy "Accredited Breeders Scheme", and they do not require any exhibitors to be even micro-chipped or tattooed.

Ours is a "BRITISH GSD SYSTEM" and it is without a doubt, THE WAY FORWARD FOR OUR GSD BREED here within the UK.

Can someone please tell me what is wrong with putting your name to something you believe in, anyone can submit anything they want but if you can not put your name to it then you obviously do not have the belief in it your self,this board is an example of what annonymous people can do to a genuine forum which was at one time frequented by most breeders,for me putting your name to something means you have a genuine interest in it and it can also help guage just how many people in our breed are showing an interest in the future of it.
jim h

It's really obvious. Because a good idea is a good idea wherever it comes from, named or not. Just because people on this board (often for very good reasons) wish to remain anonymous it doesn't mean they have any less interest in the breed than others. I think it denotes a mistrust of politics within the breed generally.  It does not mean you do not believe in what you are submitting, that's a peculiar take on it, and you can still get an idea of how many people are interested from pure numbers of submissions, not by *names*, names are superfluous.  I can't see that you have offered one good reason for *needing* to know who submitted a particular idea.

Personally I think the idea of total anonymity for ideas for the breed is a good one. It would prevent someone supporting an idea that they didn't particularly believe in, because they feel pressured to support the person who made it or risk possible animosity. Conversely, as I said before it prevents people dismissing an idea because there is some animosity against the person that made it.  That's why.

I applaud the league for wishing to receive ideas from anyone and everyone, anonymous or not. Good sense prevails.

Can I perhaps clarify things to the ones that don`t understand people that wish to use both systems.

My situation,

I was one of the most eager people to "dump" the KC when a safer system was suggested, and we were being treated so shabbily by the KC when trying to push for health screening.

I became involved as much as possible in setting up with very eager colleagues the WUSV/SV system underpinned by our main and credible WUSV/SV affiliated UK club the GSD League.    Together we have all worked out a great alternative.   When becoming of age, health screening is required.   At the youngest age for exhibiting identification is required.  When becoming of age working qualifications are required, and demonstrated at the main British Seiger etc.,

This allows any-one with dogs qualified both healthwise and workwise to compete in and outside the UK if they wish, it has even brought titling and Koerung`s within reach of people not wishing to go out of the UK.  It has brought a refreshing show scene, with people new and old coming to join in, have a look, and see what its all leading to   -  a carefully considered animal with nothing to hide for breeding, as its all out there on paper for all to see.   Its a challenge that we should all have had with the K.C. - but hey ho.

KC Regulated shows:   Well they are still with us of course, and I can take my health screened animals (which makes them superior to un screened animals there IN MY MIND) to those shows too.   I can go and compete and see my friends there too.   I can win or lose but know that although the KC have stuck their head in the sand and continue to look upon showing as a "beauty competition"  I am taking home dogs very worthy of exhibiting snd breeding from if I wish.   

From a point of view of a breeder:   At this present moment, the new system is in its infancy and we have to give to everyone - and some people like the title Champion.   I certainly did, but will like it more if its given such credability as from our system too, which gives me much more of a challenge.   Health hoops to jump through before my female or male can even be considered, not three KC shows and a high hip score to still be able to be a Champion.

From the point of a buyer:  Lets say... first puppy.... where do I ask about it.... unfortunately, KC.   They push their accredited breeder bilge, as they don`t have accredited dogs - and off goes me to a puppy farm with registered pups by the KC.    or    I look at a few alternatives with the internet at my fingertips, and see that there are Champions and high class dogs out there that won their awards for health, character, and the whole package.... even can be called Champion if they are really special.   Where would you go to?   However, we are in our infancy, and although the system we use is established, its new to the UK, so we need to help out everyone that wants to join us in our new found freedom for healthy dogs.



Its about aiming high.   Pushing the people who don`t health screen to address that they are damaging the reputation of our breed

To clarify why I would go to both.   Cos I Can  !!!    and  .....Cos They Can !!!  ( if they have health checked dogs )

Mo