Congratulations again.
Puppy evaluation video
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i think one reason not to say "this is the best pup in the litter" is that it depends on what the individual human is looking for. One thing I really look for is good angles in the shoulder b/c of the amount of agility I do with my dogs. (That front shoulder assembly really takes a pounding over years in agility.) However, you might pass over "my" pick because you are looking for something else in your breeding program. (Not to say that you are looking to incorporate straight shoulders in your breeding program.)
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@Buddys:
I do not think this was an 'awesome' video. I actually wanted to cry watching her be so 'mechanical' with that poor guy. I can not stand the idea of show dog-ing. He did not enjoy this. She even said 'he was shaking….' just too bad, not natural,.... Why?????
I actually read this comment BEFORE watching the video, and expected harsh, unemotional detachment while handling the pups. I completely disagree. The whole time, she was handling the puppy gently, speaking kind words, telling them "good boy" etc the whole time.
The purpose of showing dogs is to evaluate dogs that represent the ideal, and perpetuate dogs that meet the standard. It is to prove that there is a good reason to pass the genes of one dog on. In the case of back yard breeders, they just throw two dogs together, out pop puppies & they sell them, with no regards to how genes come into play.
While showing, from an outsider's view, seems harsh, if you ever go to a couple of local shows, you will see it isn't. A great example, if you didn't see it, is at the very end of the recent Westminster video. When the top 3 dogs were shown at the very end, one handler was playing with her dog while awaiting ribbons. The dog was so happy to be there with its handler, and it really showed.
Just to put the "not natural" part into perspective… it is not natural for dogs to- pee in a designated place (ie: outside). In the wild, they go where they deem is proper to go. So teaching them potty training, while it plays on some of their tidy instincts, is not really natural.
- putting leashes and collars on dogs is not natural. Most puppies fight them at first, and have to be taught that they are not bad.
- dogs do not like to be on their backs. It is a vulnerable and submissive position. Yet, I can cradle Callie like a baby without resistance because her breeder handled her in all sorts of "unnatural" ways when she was a puppy.
- get along with cats, birds, hamsters, or any other "prey" animal. However, living with humans, dogs are usually expected and asked to get along with these other animals.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of things we expect of our dogs, even dogs that are just pets and don't do any showing or anything, that are not natural. We put clothes on them, put them in crates, take them on car rides, get along with lots of strange dogs at the dog park, be friendly with strangers, tolerate children, on & on & on.
So although the pups do not enjoy the strange & unusual handling that takes them away from mom's warmth & play time with littermates, it is something that prepares them for going to new homes. The more unusual ways they are handled as pups, the more adaptable they will be in their new homes.
So I'm not trying to argue with you or anything; I just want you to know that these dogs are not being mishandled. If you are curious about how "happy" show dogs are, speak to people who show, or go to a show in your area. I am new to showing (just over a year), and show Callie on a very limited basis. But when I go to shows, I challenge myself to find ways to make such a weird, unnatural experience fun for her. And those around me are always willing to help. Most people who show are just pet owners who show as a hobby, and the dog's happiness and safety is always top priority.
So have no fear, the pups aren't really distressed. They are just in a new experience that they don't particularly care for, but will get used to with continued praise and encouragement.
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Andrew, I agree with you.
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..Andrew and Sharron..I agree too..she could not have been sweeter about it..as a newbie to showing this video and videos like this are very valuable to be able to look at.
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Since Wanda is the breeder of my Franie and Trip (last years models whelped 1/6/2010 and I have the same video's of that litter)… and for puppies, it is a great way to get them used to being handled regardless if they show or not!!! I could not disagree with you more... she is a great breeder, been in Basenjis for way more years than I care to count and Carrie's post was totally right on!!!!
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The whole time, she was handling the puppy gently, speaking kind words, telling them "good boy" etc the whole time.
In all fairness, I agree and I will put out an apology to Wanda, I retract any negative comments about her, her status in the community of showing and handling of dogs, or in any way harm her reputation. But to everything and everyone there exists a personal and subjective viewpoint. I know that handling dogs 'unnaturally' but in a positive manner only helps with their adaptation of our lives that we subject them to….I agree with Basenjimanna, Sharon about Andrew's comment.
I do not have much experience in show life. Yes, I have witnessed some dogs that thrive on it, and I have watched dogs that the owner is only in it for themselves, pride, and prestige and have little concern for the dog as an entity. (Show Dog-ing can open up a whole new forum), so I may not agree with EVERY aspect of showing dogs, but it does not make it immoral or unnatural or wrong for the dogs, just not for me, but on the other hand, I do enjoy watching the televised version of an AKC show.... Refer again to personal preferences and discussion forums, I am grateful to accept your perspectives as it has enhanced my understanding of how I can misjudge an intent (the video.) Thank you for the well written response. (yeah for forums and open minds….) -
At the dog shows I have gone to, all I have ever seen is pride, in both the owners/handlers and the dogs. It's wonderful to watch a basenji leap into awaiting arms after they have been judged, whether they were winners or not. We do ask our dogs to do lots of things, but in the end these things give us a dog we want to spend many, many years with, and vice versa.
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Ok, didn't want to start anything negative. I was actually referring to shows over all, in general, not Basenjis…...yes, pride is a good thing when not interfering with mental, physical, or emotional, or spiritual health.....
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The whole time, she was handling the puppy gently, speaking kind words, telling them "good boy" etc the whole time.
In all fairness, I agree and I will put out an apology to Wanda, I retract any negative comments about her, her status in the community of showing and handling of dogs, or in any way harm her reputation. But to everything and everyone there exists a personal and subjective viewpoint. I know that handling dogs 'unnaturally' but in a positive manner only helps with their adaptation of our lives that we subject them to….I agree with Basenjimanna, Sharon about Andrew's comment.
I do not have much experience in show life. Yes, I have witnessed some dogs that thrive on it, and I have watched dogs that the owner is only in it for themselves, pride, and prestige and have little concern for the dog as an entity. (Show Dog-ing can open up a whole new forum), so I may not agree with EVERY aspect of showing dogs, but it does not make it immoral or unnatural or wrong for the dogs, just not for me, but on the other hand, I do enjoy watching the televised version of an AKC show.... Refer again to personal preferences and discussion forums, I am grateful to accept your perspectives as it has enhanced my understanding of how I can misjudge an intent (the video.) Thank you for the well written response. (yeah for forums and open minds....) -
The whole time, she was handling the puppy gently, speaking kind words, telling them "good boy" etc the whole time. (see Andrew's letter in thread)
In all fairness, I agree and I will put out an apology to Wanda, I retract any negative comments about her, her status in the community of showing and handling of dogs, or in any way harm her reputation. But to everything and everyone there exists a personal and subjective viewpoint. I know that handling dogs 'unnaturally' but in a positive manner only helps with their adaptation of our lives that we subject them to….I agree with Basenjimanna, Sharon about Andrew's comment.
I do not have much experience in show life. Yes, I have witnessed some dogs that thrive on it, and I have watched dogs that the owner is only in it for themselves, pride, and prestige and have little concern for the dog as an entity. (Show Dog-ing can open up a whole new forum), so I may not agree with EVERY aspect of showing dogs, but it does not make it immoral or unnatural or wrong for the dogs, just not for me, but on the other hand, I do enjoy watching the televised version of an AKC show.... Refer again to personal preferences and discussion forums, I am grateful to accept your perspectives as it has enhanced my understanding of how I can misjudge an intent (the video.) Thank you for the well written response. (yeah for forums and open minds....)
