[PyrNet-L] breeding question/showing

["Pyrstar" <pyrstar@pathway.net>]

Hi Stephanie,
Based on what you've reported to have happened in the group ring, I'm going
to take a stab at interpreting this.    Most likely, the handler (owner or
professional) on the dobe probably felt the dobe had become a bit
complacent by the time the group started.    So, in a more or less
controlled environment, the handler allowed the dobe to get a bit fiesty
with another dog--the fact that the other handler wasn't terribly upset
about the behavior might be because the person was aware of what the dobe
handler was doing.    So, the minor altercation had the affect that the
handler wanted, ie, making the dobe more *up* and the dobe showed more
flashily--flashy enough for a coveted placement.   It's kinda' a handling
trick.    Another trick is to have on a tissue the scent taken from a bitch
in season and surrepticiously putting it up to the dog's nose--which also
will have the desired effect of getting the dog *up* and showing well.   Of
course, the downside of this is that if overdone, you've got a dog that
wants to start breeding your leg.   The dogs get tired and/or bored waiting
for the groups to start and the working group has a tradition of being last
or thereabouts, especially if you've got a long drive home.    Sometimes
this is coupled with warm or hot temperatures.    For some reason, when
competing in the Group, if a dog has good or excellent conformation and
simply goes through the motions--the judge seems to heavily penalized the
animal.    This is especially true with dobes, boxers, bull mastiffs,
schnauzers (and what the heck are they doing in the working group?) and a
few others.    That's just one of the reasons it's difficult for Pyrs,
Newfs, Mastiffs etc. to compete with these flashy breeds mentioned above.

For a real eye opener try watching the terriers go into the breed ring and
later the terrier group.    These handlers actually encourage the dogs to
be fiesty (nasty) and the judge is actually looking to see this
characteristic.    

I don't think you actually saw bad aggressive temperament behavior.   It
was probably the handler setting up the situation to encourage the dobe to
behave in a way to get the dog to *show well*.     And, I don't think that
even falls under the *dirty tricks* label.    And, believe me, there are
those, too.

Hope this helps shed some light on what you were actually seeing in the 
working group which really has a whole different set of rules to play by.  
Of course, none of this is allowed if you're competing in obedience.

Jean F-V
W.PA.