When I think back to when I first joined the forum, I hardly knew anything about GSDs other that they come in B/T, Solid black, or solid white, and that was about it. Didn't know about different lines, sables, bite-work, nerves, thresholds, the history of the breed, the problems in the breed, the amazing unbelieveable super-human intelligence, desire to please, and willingness to work of the well-bred dogs that are still true to intent of the breed.
I didn't understand bite-work (I mean, why in the world would someone want an "agressive" dog?) , maybe had heard the word "Schutzhund" once in my life prior to being invited to join a local Schutzhund club, and hence me getting more interested in the breed, had never even laid eyes on a pedigree, nor had any interest in anything pure-bred, because a dog is a dog is a dog, right?
Didn't understand the issues that separated good breeders from BYB - prior to getting involved in more advanced training with my mutt and prior to reading about the issues of ethical breeding, I would have just as easily bought a dog out of the newspaper, or from a pet shop, not knowing any better.
Funny looking back how much my attitudes and understandings have changed. Quite the transformation (when I was growing up, I didn't even like dogs!). And much of the change from the last 8 years or so I blame on this forum!
So let's hear it! How has your view and understanding of GSDs and related areas changed since you have been a member of this forum?
I didn't understand bite-work (I mean, why in the world would someone want an "agressive" dog?) , maybe had heard the word "Schutzhund" once in my life prior to being invited to join a local Schutzhund club, and hence me getting more interested in the breed, had never even laid eyes on a pedigree, nor had any interest in anything pure-bred, because a dog is a dog is a dog, right?
Didn't understand the issues that separated good breeders from BYB - prior to getting involved in more advanced training with my mutt and prior to reading about the issues of ethical breeding, I would have just as easily bought a dog out of the newspaper, or from a pet shop, not knowing any better.
Funny looking back how much my attitudes and understandings have changed. Quite the transformation (when I was growing up, I didn't even like dogs!). And much of the change from the last 8 years or so I blame on this forum!
So let's hear it! How has your view and understanding of GSDs and related areas changed since you have been a member of this forum?