And I agree with you on your second statement. However, I like to give all dogs the opportunity to fully bloom out.
Forming a Bond is Vital to Success
Forming a Bond is an "Intangible" Element, that may (or may not) affect Success
Forming a Bond has nothing to do with Success
And I agree with you on your second statement. However, I like to give all dogs the opportunity to fully bloom out.
In my experience shyness has nothing to do with quality. Sure they need more work. Have seen plenty of "I own the world" kind of bulldogs getting beaten by what people consider a time wasting shy dog. I totally understand why people don't like shy dogs. It's not a trait I consider a good thing either. But some dogs are just born with low self esteem. I have had it, and mine were absolutely not neglected. Some blood are more known for it's shyness. It's just a bit more work with socialisation.
I agree, it does tend to be a bloodline thing, but I have seen plenty of shy dogs (with people) who lost their shyness as soon as they saw another dog ...Originally Posted by skipper
However, dogs that can get spooked while in the box are eggshells that can be broken ...
Jack
Thats true. Some dogs are just too shy. As with everything else there are degrees of shyness. My point is that in the right hands a shy dog that otherwise maybe would be culled gets to show the qualities it possess. Which should be every dogmens goal, to bring the best out of every damn dog you get.
There is a paradox of truth here: 1) on the one hand, the best dogmen are those who are able to bring out the best in every dog ... and intuitively "know" how to handle each one as a unique animal ... while the common idiot will ruin many dogs and can only do will with a "fool-proof" dog. And yet the flipside to this is the fact 2) the best DOGS are those who don't necessarily need kid gloves to do well, their very metal hardiness makes them able to overcome a variety of ownership inequities, and NOT be wholly dependent on being in "top hands" to do well.
As a breeder, I strive to make my dogs "foolproof" ... dogs that are confident no matter what, dogs that can go along time with or without a good keep, etc. I have had a couple of truly badass dogs that were later sold, but did not acclimate to their new owners well, and things didn't turn out so well ... and I personally feel more confident sending a dog that really could give a shit about his environment, he just (as Black Hand says) thinks he owns the world that he's standing on, regardless of whose hands he's in.
Jack
Good post.
Very true. Most dogmen blame the dogs for their lack of accomplishments. It never occurs to them that it might be their fault their dogs never turn out. The dogs get sent back to their breeder with the words they are garbage dogs. The breeder are still able to win into top comp with the very same dogs. This is why it is so important that you know what you are working with.
I Vote for a bond with ones athlete opposed to having a chain brain
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