by Kerry Webster » Sun 15 Feb 2004 8:01 pm
Having been in quiet mode for a little while, and reading the progress of this topic, I feel it is time for my input into the subject.
First, I do not think there is one person on this site who should be accused of not putting in the "hard yards". All of us competing are fully aware of the dedication and perseverance required to train a dog for retrieving, especially to All Age level, and just because one particular dog is successful doesn't mean that owner has worked any harder at training their dog than the rest of the people competing. Some dogs are quicker at learning than others, some are stubborn, some have hormones on their mind, and some, well...will never make the grade regardless of the work put into them.
Then there is the luck factor,and, it does exist in trialing. There is also unfortunately, the favouritism factor, and this also exists in trialing. (Ever seen a judge suddenly, and conveniently, go blind to a particular dogs misdemeanours ??).
It seems from all accounts, that the majority of handlers keep on training and trying with their dog/s taking the bad with the good, and not giving up on their dog or themselves. It takes a hell of a lot more guts and determination to persevere with a dog that may be a little behind the 8 ball, than to just toss it out of the kennel.
In regard to Non competing dogs, I think this is the ideal way to keep people and dogs in the sport. Why can't we have for example, in Restricted, the untitled dogs competing, then the N/C dogs. The same entry fee, but no award except a small token (eg. 1.5kg dog biscuits). Exactly the same runs with the N/C dogs running after the Restricted dogs, and all RRD titled dogs being eligible to run until they gain a place in All Age, with the same requirements for Novice, until a place is gained in Restricted.
There will still be those handlers that progress straight on to the next level to compete, regardless, but this will allow for the handler who may need more experience to stay at the lower level until they feel comfortable in trying the next. As stated earlier, some people will stay there forever. So What ! We will still be keeping them in the sport, and maybe their next pup will progress further.
I can't see a problem with the obligatory 4 dogs, 4 handlers rule either. If this isn't achieved then the stake becomes a Non Competitive stake with no points, no titles.
My belief is that no points should be awarded toward club trophies to Non Competitive events.
Prue, FYI, over here to be eligible for Top Retrieving Dog of the Year, a dog must have won an All Age trial. A dozen seconds and thirds would not get you the title.
I don't believe that the method used in obedience of gaining a qualifying mark, could be utilized in Retrieving, as Gareth said. Too many variables in retrieving make this impossible to implement. With obedience having a set of tasks to complete within a set boundary, which is well known to the handler and usually the dog, makes the comparison to retrieving, a mile apart.
That is all for now, I have fizzled out.
Kerry
My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am.