Rave

OK, so that's what I'm wondering ... WHY have people allowed this over the years? Why has it gotten to a point where it's acceptable for females to be bitchy? I imagine a lot of it has to do with working ability trumping what, at the time, were likely somewhat minor behavior faults. At what point does snarkiness in today's dog become aggression in future dogs? p.s. Julie - if they're inclined to accept it, then it's become acceptable. ;-)

I have always heard that female BCs can be snarky (aka bitchy!). That people don't want females because of the bitchiness. I've heard of people having to rehome one of the females because they were being bitchy to each other. I've also seen people knowingly breed a snarky female. My question is, why has this trait become acceptable? Or has it? I have always had females, two-four at a time, and have never had a snarky/bitchy one. Until now. ;-) The breeder of the one I have now acknowledges the dam is snarky - says she likes them tough. Obviously she's not the only one, as I've heard and seen many snarky females over the years from all sorts of lines (working, sport, show, etc). Personally, I would never breed a snarky dog as it's not a trait I like. Do most BC females have a snarky side to them?

I have become spoiled living in the midwest now, where the vast majority of trials are on indoor turf. I realized this when I went to train in a friend's grass field (that is far from perfect) and had issues with the footing. I was too busy navigating the uneven footing to pay attention to my dog and really get anything out of being there. Now her field isn't ideal, but when I think back I used to trial on grass all the time but now unless it's even/well-manicured I take notice. I don't complain about any of this, as I realize it's MY problem, but I do try to stick to the places with nicer footing now. Yep definitely spoiled. :-) That said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE turf trials and wish every trial was on a nice turf surface. My speedy dogs haven't had slipping issues.

I get raw meaty bones from a vendor at local trials occasionally and all my dogs are fine on them except one. She can't even chew on it for a few minutes without causing significant GI upset. So she gets a boring old bone while the others chomp away on the meaty stuff.

Yeah me neither, and I play flyball. Let's just say I was in a mood that day.

This reminds me of a recent facebook posting from a flyballer who was excited that ACK is now going to recognize flyball titles (purely as a money-making venture). She was hoping those flyball titles would now count to her Vizsla's ROM status. I asked what flyball (or agility, rally, etc..) had to do with the working ability of a Vizsla and she didn't like that. oops.

You weren't attacked, we just don't agree with you.

I used to drive an hour north for the right kind of kennel (an agility person who watched them in her house). Now that I've moved and have 5, one of whom would not do well in a kennel setting, I just have a petsitter come to the house. It's so much easier and less expensive. Plus it makes me keep the house clean!

Well I don't think she's breeding from any top sport dogs, so not sure how she is justifying charging that much. I know of one person in the NW who has her dogs and has been known to place well at some big events, but that's about it. I just went and read her 'news' page to see if I was missing some big sport name who has her lines and still don't see anyone. Also, the few RS dogs I've met in person have not impressed me at all. If she's breeding for pretty looks, these dogs certainly were not. What stuck out to me the most was their wiry-like coats (and yes I know that doesn't matter, but it was weird enough to make me remember).

Great feelgood story! Thanks for sharing!

Not a fan of tree agility since my dog ran into a tree last summer.

Most boarding facilities do a pricing structure where there is a base price and then several add-ons you can choose from. Not everyone wants the same boarding experience for their dogs. I, for one, will not use a doggy daycare or "cageless" kind of place, where that might be what you're looking for. As was already pointed out, make sure there is screening and supervision for any strange dog interaction. Most facilities will have their policies and prices spelled out very clearly. As far as what else to ask, I'd want to know when the facility is unmanned, how long between last night potty and first morning potty, is bedding provided, is food provided? I'd want a place where I can bring my own food. Above all else though, I'd go visit to tour the facility.

I've also personally known two people whose dogs have had issues/gotten sick because of raw and had to switch back to kibble. It's not for every dog.

Yeah I question the motivation of people who charge that much for puppies and are producing a very high number of litters each year. It can't be to improve the breed.

Yes I've seen people playing nadac with dogs who shouldn't be out there, but instead should be resting on a cozy bed somewhere. I just can't watch people put their old dogs through that, when they can barely run. It's sad, very sad.

Hobsnob is a sports breeder, so no one here will likely recommend them just for that reason. They are definitely producing a different type of BC than the typical working type you would see at a USBCHA trial. I've also heard they have some aggressive lines, so caveat emptor. You can get a great working bred dog for about 1/3-1/2 of the price of what the highest producing sport breeders are charging.

Doesn't matter if a dog paces or trot, for what I described the dog is evaluated at a WALK.

I is SPAY-SHULL!!

My response...

Nice response. Even if it doesn't go through, hopefully she'll read it. I'd like to see her tell anyone who just ran IFCS World Champs that they're not creating a path. Ever try to get a dog to the backside of the jump withOUT creating the correct path? lol

I thought the exact same thing when I read that.

Oh Sharon likes feedback, but only of the positive variety. Anything negative is usually stopped before it gets to the list.

One of my BC's broke her foot once and kept on running. Pitched a fit when I stopped her to put her up. You learn to notice the subtle things. Our stoic dogs may not show signs of lameness while in the middle of working or playing, but afterward, when the adrenaline wears off, is when you will usually see the signs. Watch how your dog moves while uninjured so you can recognize when his/her gait is off. A healthy dog's spine should not move side to side when viewed at a walk from behind; a horizontal "sway" in the hind end can be indicative of compensating for something. Now that something might just be a sore muscle, so no need to freak out, but watch your dog and learn what is normal for him/her. Watch when the dog first rises after sleeping or lying down for awhile, that is typically when they'll be the most stiff and show the most signs. They may not whine on exam, but they may pant, lick their lips, turn their head, etc... Your vet should be skilled in watching for these subtle signs of discomfort.

My dog at 7 was still kicking @ss in very competitive 22" USDAA classes.

I think the entire article sounds like one big excuse not to socialize or train your dog. Quit making excuses and go train your dog how to act and how to cope.