On The Line
Dog Training Methods by Breed Purpose BY BARBARA “BJ” ANDREWS
B reed type and func- tion is first when judging or selecting breeding partners but every breed should shine in obedience if trained according to its genetic heritage. Even as many breeds have improved in show ring pizazz, more than a few have lost the essen- tials of breed type as defined by tempera-
rhetoric—while AKC and purebred dog breeders do nothing to promote the predictability of purebred dogs! Once the epitome of class and social standing, purebred dogs are demeaned by animal rights and the politically cor- rect levelers of society. Go to a public park or obedience class and tally purebreds vs. mutts. Why? Because we dog breeders unconsciously tout beauty (breed standards) over brains (breed purpose) when most people just want a lovable, healthy (!) dog. Not enough dog breeders attend obedience classes so they fail to realize that most owners want to teach their dog some kind of “tricks” or at least, basic manners. I speak with decades of authenticity because before I was a breeder, I was an obedience trainer. Our Doberman finished her CD degree in three shows and made me a “breeder” by whelping a record–setting litter of 16 puppies. Hella vom Asgard was blind in one eye due to an inju- ry that in no way compromised her brain. We did traditional training in preparation for Hella’s obedience degrees but we
ment, intelligence and activity level. In the quest for ever greater size and “presence,” many large breeds have lost soundness and contrary to the breed standard gained loose skin and wrinkles. Some Toy and Non–Sporting breeds have become card- board cutouts with little personality but tons of coat or exag- gerated features no pet owner wants to deal with. Hound and Sporting breeds present glorious side gait but have lost the heart and stamina needed for the field. Showmanship is important but who wants a Rottweiler that accepts every stranger, a Pekingese who thinks he’s a guard dog or a meek and mild Terrier? People chose purebred dogs because their size, behavior and physical characteristics are predictable but prospective dog owners also want intelligent trainable pets. So why do purebred dog breeders put so much emphasis on conforma- tion and not enough on the rewards of obedience training? That is precisely is why so many people are looking at shel- ters and rescue for a family pet. They’ve been convinced by the onslaught of “adopt a pet” advertising and animal rights
“PEOPLE CHOSE PUREBRED DOGS BECAUSE THEIR SIZE, BEHAVIOR, AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE PREDICTABLE BUT PROSPECTIVE DOG OWNERS ALSO WANT INTELLIGENT TRAINABLE PETS.”
114 • S how S ight M agazine , J une 2018
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