My puppies are normally reserved ahead of time,
On February 26 2008, 12:43 AM, msvette2u wrote:Well I'm curious, don't people usually have a wait list before the breedings occur?
This gal is in WA state... http://groups.msn.com/SunstarAmericanBu ... raphy.msnwMy puppies are normally reserved ahead of time,
It seemed that the breeders I know personally have a list of folks wanting their pups before the pups are born.
On February 26 2008, 12:49 AM, TheRedQueen wrote:On February 26 2008, 12:43 AM, msvette2u wrote:Well I'm curious, don't people usually have a wait list before the breedings occur?
This gal is in WA state... http://groups.msn.com/SunstarAmericanBu ... raphy.msnwMy puppies are normally reserved ahead of time,
It seemed that the breeders I know personally have a list of folks wanting their pups before the pups are born.
Most breeders I know have a wait list too...but things don't always work out the way they want. People drop out at the last minute, or there are more puppies that they had thought...etc. I have a friend whose poodle litters go up in size each time...she started with a litter of ten from one bitch, the next breeding it was 12, and the last was 14. So they had many people lined up, but it wasn't enough....
I'm a rescue person myself, but am friends with at least one breeder.
On February 26 2008, katiek0417 wrote:
I know that with our dogs (i.e., Jue) we don't have a whole lot of people dropping out...but it does happen...
On February 26 2008, 10:09 AM, msvette2u wrote:On February 26 2008, katiek0417 wrote:
I know that with our dogs (i.e., Jue) we don't have a whole lot of people dropping out...but it does happen...
Well with $200 deposit prior to the births, I doubt TOO many would drop out, I guess you never know
On February 26 2008, 10:15 AM, msvette2u wrote:I take non refundable deposits on our adoptables
On February 27 2008, 10:08 AM, msvette2u wrote:I guess then, it would behoove professional trainers, to seek out already born "drivey" dogs from shelters, rather than rely on a litter who is to be born
At least they can then see what characteristics the dogs already have, than hoping an unborn litter has the traits they are looking for.
Although I would think (and I may be wrong) that most high-drive dogs would not do well in a shelter setting and would be deemed "unadoptable" and euthed. I'm sure the occasionaly drivey dog makes it through, but most are not appropriate for the "typical" dog owner.
Many police officers/trainers/SAR groups approach Malinois rescue looking for young dogs to train. Most of our rescued dogs are not suitable for these types of jobs. Some of our rescued Malinois are actually dogs that have been rejected by police departments due to their inability to do the job.
At least with bitework, it's often hard to take an older dog and start training it. Drive DOES NOT always equal good work. For example, if an older dog was constantly reprimanded for nipping when it was a puppy, it's going to be a lot harder to transfer from a tug to a bite sleeve (with arm in it).
Although I would think (and I may be wrong) that most high-drive dogs would not do well in a shelter setting and would be deemed "unadoptable" and euthed. I'm sure the occasionaly drivey dog makes it through, but most are not appropriate for the "typical" dog owner.
Many people don't know what to look for in a rescue or adult dog. (when looking for performance work). I had a recent foster (Aussie) that came to me overweight, bad structure (for performance-straight back legs, etc), not much drive for anything, low-medium energy...and her first foster mom was just gushing about how she'd make such a great performance dog!
I guess then, it would behoove professional trainers, to seek out already born "drivey" dogs from shelters, rather than rely on a litter who is to be born
At least they can then see what characteristics the dogs already have, than hoping an unborn litter has the traits they are looking for.
On February 27 2008, 11:35 AM, TheRedQueen wrote:At least with bitework, it's often hard to take an older dog and start training it. Drive DOES NOT always equal good work. For example, if an older dog was constantly reprimanded for nipping when it was a puppy, it's going to be a lot harder to transfer from a tug to a bite sleeve (with arm in it).
A very good point indeed! (sheesh Katrina...we seem to be getting good at patting each other on the back lately...)
One of the reasons our group likes to raise our own puppies as Assistance Dogs, whether rescue or breeder donations...is that they don't have bad habits. By bad habits...we are mainly talking about being corrected for picking stuff up. With puppies, most people correct them for picking up random objects or carrying things around. Well, with AD pups we encourage them to put various objects in their mouths...because that's what they're going to do eventually...pick up everything and anything. We have a harder time with older dogs that have been told not to do that...because it's very common. Or dogs that have been taught not to tug...well, ADs are going to have to tug things, and retrieve things...etc. It's easier to start with a blank slate. (not that it can't be done...it's just harder)
Is that a bad thing? Neutral It's actually funny that you bring up retrieving because you're right. Teaching any dog anything later in life is a lot harder than teaching it early on. Nisha will retrieve (not the perfect bring it back and sit in front of me, yet) ANYTHING from shoes to keys, to bullets, to copper pipes. As a puppy I always let her pick things up (that doesn't mean I let her chew on them, just let her pick them up). Now, she'll put anything in her mouth.
But older dogs...well, trying to get them to retrieve odd items (or odd tasting items like copper) is tough, and to get the perfect retrieve (with the go out, pick up item from the middle, then bring it back and sit in front of you) you sometimes have to force fetch them. I'm not opposed to doing a forced fetch...but if you can start off early, why not?
Maybe in an ideal world. I absolutely believe that there are tons of high calibur working dogs in shelters. I also absolutely believe that those dogs are the first dogs to be put down. I also absolutely believe that if those dogs end up in a rescue that they will probably be in that rescue for a while because though there are plenty of people looking for high drive dogs there are far more who don't want them.
On February 27 2008, 5:44 PM, msvette2u wrote:In my own experience, we've sent dogs to drug detection work, they write to shelters and ask them to assess each dog - the more knowledgeable shelters become, the more dogs may get sent to drug school.
I don't know about bite work, and shelter dogs but I know many who have passed the drug training (Neville, anyone??)
I also do not know if the world is ready for pit bulls doing bite work. Typically, police want sheps and mals for that.
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