From: kathleen.brewer@cutting.hou.tx.us (Kathleen Brewer)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: To Bait or Not to Bait
Date: 17 Aug 92 22:06:00 GMT
Reply-To: kathleen.brewer@cutting.hou.tx.us (Kathleen Brewer)
Organization: The Cutting Edge - Houston, TX - 713-466-1525

TO: bws20@duts.ccc.amdahl.com

Hi ya Brian!

BWS>about why baiting is _necessary_.  I had given the example of _real_working
BWS>dogs, like Susan Butchers sled dogs, or any cop's canine, or real shepherds
BWS>herding actual sheep, etc.  Those dogs seem quite capable of performing
BWS>their working functions without getting little treats as much as the show
BWS>folks give their dogs treats.  Kathleen did not respond to that.

I did not comment on those type's of dogs, because I have had no
personal experience with them. However it would not surprise me it there
initial training was done with food.

BWS>I think the real answer here is one of taking an easier way.I get the idea
BWS>  from Kathleen's comments that she would not disapprove of obedience handl
BWS> being allowed to bait their dogs in the obedience ring.  There seems to
BWS>be an attitude of doing whatever it takes.  I find this sad.  I think many
BWS>dogs have much greater potential than some handlers wish to give them
BWS>credit for.
I would disapprove. Obedience Trails are based on a mutual understanding
between the dog and the handler. It takes alot of hard work to train a
dog for Obedience. I know, I do it!

BWS>Let's face it there are a lot of handlers out there who use cosmetic
BWS>products to mitigate small coat or color problems.  There are handlers
BWS>who will, for example, try to groom a long-haired dog that is mildly
BWS>cow-hocked so as to diminish the appearance of this condition.  There are
BWS>a lot of handlers for whom dog-showing is a game they are willing to win at
BWS>almost any cost.

Your right, there are real crummy people who show dogs, some even
surgically alter them to conform to the standard. BUT and this is a big
BUT...it would be like saying after reading a story in the paper about
a banker who embezzeled money All Bankers steal money, this would not be
a true statement. In every group of people that come together with a
common bond be it showing dogs or a bankers convention you will have
those individuals that are rotten people but IMO most people do it for
the Love of Dogs, and the enjoyment of the sport.

BWS>Someone also mentioned ( I think it was Kathleen) in an earlier letter
BWS>that some handlers are professionals, who might not see a dog until it
BWS>is ringside, who have had no hand in training it, and therefore baiting
BWS>is a good method for them to handle these strange dogs.   Well, guess
BWS>what, I don't like the concept of professional handling either.  I think
BWS>it is a sad state for dog showing to come to.  Call me an idiot, naive
BWS>idealist, but I think the dog fancy should be one of enthusiasts (_GASP_)
BWS>working their own dogs.  Raising, training, showing, working your dog.

I have to disagree, I don't always like going into the ring and being
surrounded by professional handlers, however I am not above using a
handler. Besides showing dogs, I am a mother of 2 kids and a wife. I do
all the traditional Mommy things, Boy Scouts, Room Mother etc..Things
happen and I can not always go to the shows but if it is an important
show, I will hire a handler to show my dog. Why should I blow the entry
fees because I have to be at a Bake Sale on Saturday. I also had a
special out for awhile with a handler, I cannot make that many shows,
but she was a good bitch and I wanted her shown, henceforth the Handler!
She did alot of winning and I was very proud of her. I try to show my
own dogs but it is not always possible. Bill Cosby owns show dogs, can
you see the uproar it would cause if this man tried to show his own
dogs!!

 BWS>I know that most folks do this/  I detest (yes, that is a
strong word) the BWS>very idea of owning a dog, sending it out to be
trained, sending it out BWS>to be groomed, sending it out to be handled,
then claiming _your_dog got BWS>its CH.  This really reduces the dog
from a working companion to an item BWS>of merchandise, a mere material
possession with which the owner has very BWS>little in the way of
personal relationship.This is a sad thing, and I BWS>think it is a bad
thing.

Brian do you know where that Specials Bitch is right now, Sable is lying
on my bed, asleep where she will remain all nite! I don't think I would
call her a "Piece of Merchandise"!!

BTW Brian, do you show dogs? Have you ever shown a dog? If so what
breed? Just Curious...

Bye...

Kathleen.Brewer@cutting.hou.tx.us
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