Some days I want to scream!

[bocron]

So we had some new clients call us last week about starting training with their new GSD pup. They kept going on and on about how the pup was from the finest imported German and Czech lines, etc. There are a few folks in the area who breed good working lines so I assumed the pup came from one of those, but didn't really ask any more. They brought the pup out the other day and she proudly handed me the paperwork on the pup. First let me say, when she got the pup out of the car and started heading toward me my heart sank. He was very spooky and timid and not a nice looking pup at all. Sorry to be judgmental but I know what I'm looking for in a GSD and this was not it. I don't care if the pup was sold by a BYB and was presented as such, if it will be a good family pet then that is great and I'm happy the dog at least has a good home. But when a breeder makes grandiose claims about lineage and workability but has nothing to back it up I get crazy! I have learned over the years not to say a word against a breeder or the claims with a proud new puppy owner. I don't want to spoil their honeymoon period and still want the owners to pursue all the training they are up for. Whether they work with us or not. They usually come to the realization on their own after spending time in our club and being around the GSDs here. Some give up because they realize that the dog they were sold isn't really what was represented and others stick it out, work with the dog they have and enjoy the process.

Anyway, the business card on the folder said "Specializing in the finest imported German and Czech Bloodlines". Well, the mom is a blue GSD and the dad was a poorly marked nothing special. When I got back to my office that night I had to check out the website and couldn't believe it, but it was actually worse than I could have invented! The breeder also has a relationship with another breeder who had even worse stock. Not an OFA number to be found of course, the sire of the pup we saw wasn't even 2 at the time of the breeding so obviously not certified (that is what got me curious to begin with). Of course the contract includes a hip codicil that is good for 1 year, puh-lease.

Sorry all, just had to vent.

Annette

[gagsd]

All the time Annette, all of the time. I think it really has to do with a lack of education.

I know when I started, I thought the fact that my dog had a few "imported" dogs in the 3rd generation was really special.
Hopefully, the breeder and the owner will learn and become more discriminating.

Will you PM me the breeder?

[bocron]

PMing you now.
Also, I got a notice yesterday that there is another new DVG club in Georgia. Up 85 north near Jefferson. We are going to have lots of local trials to go to soon, I'm psyched!

Annette

[Jo Ellen]

Originally Posted by bocron

I have learned over the years not to say a word against a breeder or the claims with a proud new puppy owner. I don't want to spoil their honeymoon period and still want the owners to pursue all the training they are up for. Whether they work with us or not. They usually come to the realization on their own after spending time in our club and being around the GSDs here.

I respect this, I think it goes a long ways. I also think it's great that respectable breeders share their knowledge and experiences here ... I know I'm learning a lot, it's an environment that is conducive to learning.

[gagsd]

Originally Posted by bocron

Also, I got a notice yesterday that there is another new DVG club in Georgia. Up 85 north near Jefferson. We are going to have lots of local trials to go to soon, I'm psyched!

Cool! Who is hosting it?

[bocron]

Originally Posted by Jo Ellen

I respect this, I think it goes a long ways. I also think it's great that respectable breeders share their knowledge and experiences here ... I know I'm learning a lot, it's an environment that is conducive to learning.

Thanks for that .

I used to get so irked on behalf of the puppy owner and would try to explain to them how the breeder they got their dog from was less than honorable. I soon realized that even though I thought I was helping them out, it would really just upset the puppy owner and they would never come back. A couple of our SchH club members saw the paperwork and pedigree and asked if I had told them that they had been ripped off. I explained that if we wanted to keep them interested that it was best just to let them learn by association.
Most people figure out that their dog isn't quite at the same level as most of the other dogs in the club and will eventually ask our opinion. At that point I generally point out the good aspects of the dog they have and then will be more honest at that time about how successful they may or may not expect to be with the dog. We always encourage them to aim for a BH and then go from there. We also encourage them to start tracking since almost every dog enjoys using their nose and it is a big confidence builder.
We have had quite a few members start out this way and then end up getting another dog if they really want to compete. A dog not totally geared for the sport can be a great way to learn and gain great training skills, so we always stress that.

Annette

[bocron]

Originally Posted by gagsd

Cool! Who is hosting it?

The new club is some folks from South Metro (Josh Markow) and other folks who I think worked with Charlie Mezaros at his place (Rick Schair).

We are planning a Helper Seminar and Certification in December at our club and hopefully a trial in spring. (We have a bunch of members that will be ready to trial by then we hope ).

Annette