USCA to develop a plan to improve the breed - Page 3

IPO is not work .. it is a game.  Work is not IPO .. IPO is a game.  Breeding dogs to compete in a stupid game that is really only an elaborate collection of obedience exercises is the apex of stupidity.  Dogs are companions and servants of mankind and the breeds and individual dogs that best fulfill the roles that their human partners desire will be most valued and successful.  Stop confusing the intelligence and usefulness of a dog breed with IPO competition results  .. it's like saying NASCAR wins are predictive of new car sales in the USA.  

You can change the dog until your Blue in the face until there is a test that shows the dogs abality to change drives and think and stressors to that fact with a physical aspect that makes the dog show there strength you can make all the changes you want. 

IPO can,t be used as a Breed Test!. 

I applaud the conversation, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." But until we stop licking the boots of the S.V. it,s all wonderful chatter!   

             There is a old saying " What wins on Sunday sells on Monday"

You can,t address 1 particular issue without an entire shuffling of the deck. The S.V. won,t care what program we make unless it fits there criteria and there goals. So if USA wants to make a shift it will be  a uphill battle, I like the good fight believe me there is nothing i,d like to see better then Germany with a knot in there undies! The big fight will be what makes a better dog! so first off there will have to be a agreement on "What" the dog is whether you like it or not the definition of working dog will have to once and for all be set in stone and judged by it. 

IPO is a great sport and those that choose to excel in  it to the top podium put in tons of hard work to get there. hours and hours of training and sweat. But the sport of IPO can,t be used to judge the breed ability of the breed if change is really desired.
 
 

Dog1,
I think it would be very beneficial if USCA adopts more stringent requirements for VA dogs.  That would clearly be a step in the right direction.  I am often embarrassed for the competitors that go to a Sieger Show, a National Event in their sport and can't get their dog to heel to the blind, take a stick hit, out or engage the helper with any level of effort.  If your showing and competing at a National Event your dog should perform and be trained adequately or you probably shouldn't be there.  It's not like the Helpers are putting any pressure on the dogs.  The attack out of the blind is no surprise to the dog or handler, neither is the long bite, you know in advance exactly what is going to happen.  You have months if not years to train to show your dog a couple of times. 

I think Ravi's idea is outstanding.  Naturally, there are some dedicated SL and WL breeders that will be glad to see any changes for the better.  Because they already work, train and title their own dogs.  A rating system would only serve to benefit them and make them stand out even more. 

Bubba said and I find this hysterical:

IPO is not work .. it is a game.  Work is not IPO .. IPO is a game.  Breeding dogs to compete in a stupid game that is really only an elaborate collection of obedience exercises is the apex of stupidity.  Dogs are companions and servants of mankind and the breeds and individual dogs that best fulfill the roles that their human partners desire will be most valued and successful.  Stop confusing the intelligence and usefulness of a dog breed with IPO competition results  

The most outspoken person here on IPO in the United States says it's a stupid game.  I suppose for those that can't compete at IPO, it is a stupid game.  Reminds me of a spoiled child having a tantrum and saying" IT'S A STUPID GAME."  It always amazes me to read what those have to say about SchH / IPO, conformation or working ability when they don't show, train, compete or work any dogs that they breed.  Guess what, to all the folks out there breeding their dogs but don't show, compete, title, work or do anything else with them, the USCA plans to improve the breed will have little to no impact on your life, your hobby or your BVATM's.  You can still talk about the 1/2 or 1/4 sibling of your bitch that got a SchH title once; or the fluke that one one of your pups managed to wind up with an owner that actually attempts to train or work the dog.  Then you can brag about your working line breedings because one person put a title on one of your pups.  (out of how many?)








BVATM = Back yard vagina automatic teller machine......You know that box you go to that passes out cash.

Slambunc:

​                      You da man!!!

What is the true definition of a working dog?  A good place to start...Isn't it any dog whether it be working lines or show lines (from any origin of country) that can do a job that he/she has been trained or taught to do?  Any job.

Conversely, what is getting a dog to tend a flock of sheep
or take down a felon, but a trained obedience exercise ?
 
The breed may be born with inherited aptitudes, but individual
dogs still have to be shown what is required in order to (do 'real')
work ...

It all comes down to the temperament, physical ability and heart of the dog, There for a test has to show case those qualities and the breeding must keep them present in the offspring. My friend has a small therapy dog she uses in her counciling work, is it a dog with a job? yes it is thats why a working definition has to be set.