I agree the OTC stuff, in theory, and truly OTC, have their merit. Agreed off topic, but to somewhat reel it back to the topic...most will agree fatigue and frustration can be the path to finding the cur. Of the two types of dogs the high strung/geeked up dog will more than likely run out of gas before his calm/methodical partner. Fatigue can lead to frustration, and frustration can lead to fatigue. It cuts both ways.

The problem (for me) with OTC is that two parties will seldom be equal, as one will come OTC and the other will 'walk his dog a little', or it wasn't a full 8 week keep, maybe 6 1/2. At least when it is a show all the cards are laid out and in most cases the better team wins.

Also agree about 'lifestyles' not being truly indicative of 'box traits'. A buddy of mine had a Ch. Tyrone bred bitch that stayed in her box close to 23 1/2 hours per day. She came out to eat, a quick piss and a dump and back in her box. She was not shy to people, she just did not see the need to bark and carry on at leaves, or other dogs, or dogs being taken off the chain. When the door shut behind you and she seen four walls she was absolutely maniacal, a controlling and punishing between the eyes face dog. Super intense. Remove the box from the equation and she went back to her house and happily waited.

The DTA Ch. Charlie male was high strung and as intense on and off the chain as any dog ever. If his dog house was slid back, then go rub the dog at the next chain space he would then turn his 14ft chain into a flying jenny. He would go at a dead run with a lot of that chain suspended for what seemed like hours on end. Lap after lap. After 6 weeks of that he could have been truly an OTC ace. LOL. He was methodical, but his methodical was much more intense than the next dog's methodical.

I have also seen those really smart, methodical, dogs who pace themselves break another down to death's door and then walk away, like "what's the point" I already kicked the shit out of him what more do I need to do?

It takes all kinds. EWO



Quote Originally Posted by FrostyPaws View Post
I've seen a lot of "geeked-up" dogs on the chain not be that way once they get inside the square and the same can be said for calm dogs on the chain being complete retards inside the walls.

I tend to see them all as dogs initially, and let them show me what they are as time goes by. Calm doesn't always equate to intelligence anymore than geeked up points to anxiety or ignorance.

I do believe if you have 2 dogs of equal abilities, and one is a high strung animal INSIDE the walls, the calmer dog has the better chance of coming out on top, especially when pulled off the chain. That truly is what separates dogs on their own levels as opposed to a show where man has such an influence on potential outcomes. While I would never call an OTC gathering an actual show, regardless of a ref, weight, etc, I do firmly believe that is the best way to actually let the dogs themselves hash it out. I know that's off topic a tad, but I just followed my train of thought down the yellow brick road.