GRUMBLINGS ABOUT NEW AKC TRICK DOG TITLES “We are aghast!” Those words were used by both the editor and a colum- nist at another dog magazine concern- ing the AKC offering Trick Dog Titles. An editorial soundly rebukes the Board and suggests those who voted in favor of those new titles should be removed from office! But in the same editorial the new AKC Scent Work Title proposal was highly praised with these words: “This is a sport that mimics the tasks of working detection dogs” and “sounds like a way to provide diversity in the title area, have fun and at the same time a way to add something to the coffers of the AKC.” I only wish they had been with me when I took my retired Bronze Grand Champion, Rally and Obedience titled and certified Therapy Dog, Julienne, to a summer camp for children with special needs. In addition to having the children pet and brush Julienne, we had a little question and answer period to encourage the youngsters to verbal- ize. After that, Julienne put on quite a show for them. She has a complete rep- ertoire of tricks that always entertains and delights, not only children but also the nursing home residents we visit. Watching Julienne perform was prob- ably the highlight of the children’s day and, for some of them, the only time that day they exhibited any real joy. It took many hours of training to per- fect those tricks and I would consider her a “working” dog. She knows what her task is when visiting facilities and she does her work to perfection. If the AKC chooses to recognize her and dogs like her, with the possibility of earning
winner of Best Junior come up to her and tell her what a great job she did in the ring. I am fortunate to have been wel- comed into my local all-breed club, my regional breed club and my national breed club. This is the kind of sports- manship and camaraderie we need in the dog fancy. But is everyone always that wel- coming? I am disappointed to say that I have learned of clubs that have such restrictive rules that most newcomers don’t stand a chance of being accept- ed. Are their dogs not good enough? Are their dogs too good, too competi- tive? Does a single board member in the club have the power to blackball a new applicant and have they used that power inappropriately? Sadly, some newcomers have been shunned by their local or national clubs. Might it have been because of some per- sonal dispute with one or more mem- bers? Have they just been considered “outsiders”? This is how we have lost breeders and exhibitors who might have been an asset to their breed or to the fancy in general. Today, with the atmosphere cre- ated by animal activists, we cannot afford to lose reputable purebred dog breeders and those whose efforts enhance our sport. We are up against the “Don’t shop, adopt” and “Breed- ers kill shelter dogs’ chances” men- tality. We need to stand together and not tear each other down. We need our clubs to be welcoming and inclu- sive. We also need to mentor new- comers in the fancy and not drive them away. Is the welcome mat out at your club?
a Trick Dog title, who would be hurt? Isn’t this also a way to “provide diver- sity in the title area, have fun and add something to the coffers of the AKC”? PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT We all embark on our journey show- ing dogs as rank beginners. I have a vivid memory of the seasoned exhibi- tor who came over to me, introduced herself and wished me well when I first began to show in conformation. To this day, if my exhibit takes Breed, she wishes me luck in Group and is often ringside to cheer us on. When my young granddaughter entered her first show in Junior Show- manship, it warmed my heart to see the
“IF THE AKC CHOOSES TO
RECOGNIZE HER AND DOGS LIKE
HER, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF EARNING A TRICK DOG TITLE, WHO WOULD BE HURT?”
172 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , O CTOBER 2017
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