Another Attempt to Take Over the AWDF - Page 11

Sarah,

Not trying to be too nosey, but what state are you in? Perhaps some of us on the board can direct you to a club that suits you. 260 a month is crazy. At least in my neck of the woods.

Mike

Mike,

I'm in New England. That's all I want to say cause I don't want to get blackballed.......sorry.

I totally understand. If there are other clubs in your area, visit them. A lot of clubs-mine included need more dedicated members not less.
What about it New Englanders? Is it really that hard to find a club willing to help out in your area? We can't chase people away and then
wonder why the sport isn't growing :)


Good luck

Mike 

John,

Yup! But, I can't afford to drive hours just to train. Sorry. I am not that person that is ok driving 3 hours each way just to train. I have a life, a family, a job, and need to drop off and pick my son up from school. So, if people want to say I am not a dedicated IPO trainer because I won't sacrifice my family and first born than so be it. I need to stay in my State. Unfortunately, unlike AKC events...IPO training is not accessible everywhere and to everybody. Club members control who can gain access. I think this is the major problem with IPO. All the clubs near me are full except one (almost 2 hour drive) and I can't train on their day anyways. But, essentially, clubs decide when and if their club is considered full. What I have seen...is a lot of people taking club spots and they aren't even training a dog anymore. But, they did train like years ago or are buddies with everyone so they keep their spot. So, I am trying my best to make it work. It is what it is! 

Sarah

Smiley, I just read your post describing your experience at the clubs where you witnessed what I call ACCEPTED DOG ABUSE. On the other thread about stick hits, the abuse is not the padded stick, it's what you described that "made your skin crawl" ....electric cattle prod and abusive use of ecollar. Those "clubs" and their overly enthusiastic "trainers" are the problem with IPO, not the stick hits.
As long as people look away, walk away, dogs will continue to be abused in the name of points......... Scrutinize a club closely when they purchase a building to train in.....
To answer your question; can a dog be successfully trained and titled without ecollar and prong? Yes, but it depends on the dog. An inexperienced person is more likely to mess up a dog's training WITH those tools than without. Sounds like you have a good bond with your dog and that is more in your favor than using tools with which you are not proficient. You can get real attention and devotion from your dog, the very things the the people using force with pain are trying to achieve.

Thank you, Joan. I appreciate your experienced words. My dog and I are really enjoy IPO training! When I saw my name is the USCA magazine and then when I got my scorebook in the mail was pretty awesome!! But, the most exciting thing is watching my dog do things so willingly. I NEVER realized how hard it is "just" to get an IPO 1. I remember watching dogs train thinking they were going for IPO3 and it was for IPO1. I don't think people who have never done it CAN EVEN COMPREHEND the amount of work that goes into training an IPO 1 dog. It definitely will weed out a lot of dogs. I try not to discriminate against American dogs cause like people..you can't judge a book by its cover. But, their statement that any dog can do IPO is total BS. No freaking way. This sport has challenged me in ways I never thought possible.

My dog is not well bred according to conventional standards. I'll be honest. I didn't even know about working line dogs when I got her. I have to go 4 generations in her pedigree to get a dog with a ScH title. But, I learned, her breeder was an early importer of DDR dogs in our region and was very bullheaded about only keeping dogs that passed her own personal temperament evaluations. She culled and sold the pets to others. But, her own breeding dogs were tested like hell and she would not accept anything less. So, my dog is from 4 generations of her own personal dogs starting in the 5th from her imported female. So, even though the dogs in her pedigree don't have the titles..she is from a breeder that actually tested her dogs courage off the field in a variey of ways. Some quite interesting that involved farm animals!!

But, my girl..has a switch. She is very friendly. When we first started protection work, nobody thought this sweet, happy dog would do anything on the field. But, by the end...they were intently watching her! She can just flip a switch. One time, she was being worked in protection and most dogs focus on sleeve thing. Well, he went to reach out with his bare hand towards her and she immeditaley snapped at him and ignored sleeve. I don't know what that means but they all clicked in approval..for what that's worth!! hahaha

But, she is my pet. I bring her to cub scout events and soccer games. Kids can run screaming in the yard and she happily follows them. She just seems to know when to turn it on and when not too.  I don't know...I just love her to pieces!!!!!





 

Your dog sounds like a true GS and she is fortunate to have you.

Beautiful pictures, and she has a great life with you.

Smiley


 I'm in New England too... I don't know what club you were going to but.....If you want to come up to New Hampshire, send me a PM