Comments on: Friday babble

By: damnbear

damnbear — Fri, 19 Mar 2004 17:38:22 +0000

dogparks
From what I’ve been learning about dogs & dog shows, breeders benefit from the dog shows by being able to charge more for their dog services and pups if their dogs win in the show, as well the benefit of any prize money. Usually I’ll watch a few of the televised shows to learn more about particular breeds.
As for drama, there can be quite a bit of drama at dogparks too. I’ve been taking Althalus to a local dogpark, Mays Lake in Oakbrook. Today, just walking into the entrance, there were two dogs that got aggressive toward Althalus; lunging and snapping at him. Neither of the owners corrected their dogs for their aggressive behavior, nor did they apologize when they moved on with their dogs.
Later on, I watched a couple with a springer spaniel get freaked out when a boxer locked his jaws on their spaniel’s throat. The couple in a panic grabbed both dogs and were trying to seperate them by pulling them apart; lifting both off the ground before the owner of the boxer could make her way over to help. After getting the dogs apart, the couple calmed down after realizing their dog wasn’t hurt; the boxer apparently only grabbed skin & fur, nothing life threatening. They and the boxer’s owner talked things out, and everything turned out ok.
Dog parks can be a good experience, overall. You can learn quite a bit about various breeds from their owners, and get advice on training, local vets, and other pet services. If nothing else, for those that own dogs, it’s a great way to socialize with other dog owners, talking about what their dogs have been doing at home, as their dogs get some serious exercise that’ll give you a quieter evening at home ;o)

By: pogo101

pogo101 — Fri, 19 Mar 2004 16:00:49 +0000

Good luck (as ever) on getting the job you deserve!

By: animist

animist — Fri, 19 Mar 2004 13:51:12 +0000

I do need to see “Best in Show” some time soon. sounds great! I missed the Kentuckiana Cluster last weekend, but then, as you know, I had more pressing priorities to deal with. (BTW, that’s the same show where I got you the Husky note pad).
Based on your comments, I think you’ll find Coppinger’s remarks in “Dogs” to be ones you may agree with. His analysis puts some science behind the general dis-ease some feel about AKC events. He not only comments on how AKC is ruining dogs, he shows it in terms of form and function, and measurable performance.
Regarding Kentucky, there’s a number of people in the fandom here, and a mailing list. Unfortunately, the largely seem to be teenagers. So I’ve not interacted with that list yet. Just hard to find much in common with them. But hey, I’m not an easy person to get along with either! (LOL!)
Take care, and best of luck.
— Bob