Ditto EWO, that is so true about all the questions that are asked when specific dog men are on a winning streak. I have listen to dog men ask V.J. questions about how he fed but never how much work was involved in his keep. V.J. had some young marines to help him, V.J. still over saw the AM work, did the majority of the work in the P.M himself.

He gave these persons honest answers,but many would laugh at him and accuse him of telling a tall tale. LOL What many wanted to hear was what was the secret drug keep one was using. They were looking for a lazy man's keep and let the drugs do the winning for them. Never seen any of them win.

When I was with Mr. Teal and Mr. Skinner down in Georgia at a dog show. I went to the concession stand to get a meal before the next event kicked off. Some men walked up to me. Asked me if I knew Mr. Teal real well. I said yes I knew him and Mr. Skinner.

One paid for my meal and they sat down with me while I was enjoying my free eats. One of the men started asking me questions of what Mr. Teal fed his dog and how was he able to pull a dog so tight and keep it's strength.

I grinned and told them how would I know,I was their designated driver. Told them, Mr. Teal was over near the show ring, go ask him. He would be the only person too know that. These fellows departed from me like a New York minute. LOL

I was never sure that Andy Howle had the best feed keep that was used by others. Still he was very consistence and dedicated in his daily working of his dogs. His work method was very similar to what your senior friend was doing along with pulling a weight so far and walking between sessions. Andy beat Bass/Mr. Gainey/Middleton/ and many others. He worked my Young's Face bitch for her two wins. Face was in great shape and strong as a bull.

So yes one has always got to factor in the work ethnic. When I worked that Mr. Clean dog owned by Braddock. Getting up at 05:00 Am, then 8 to ten hours of work that day. Out with the dog till around 12:00 pm.

About two thirds into that eight week keep. Out on a long dark wooded road walking this wonderful dog. I was thinking,this is really a lot of work. I could be making some good overtime money with my company. With all these hours I am putting in. LOL Yet that day Mr. Clean was declared the winning dog over a good dog of Mr. Pratt. It was worth it all. Cheers