PETITION TO ALLOW STATIC OUTSIDE ATTRACTION OF GSDS AT BREED SHOWS IN THE UK - Page 3

Tessj10,One has to assume the quality is already there with the winning group. A winning dog has to have quality, type, ballance, soundness, character, and attitude. I hope David wont mind me saying this, but Ch Videx Varus in some puppy classes was very often put into 1st place, then as the class developed he lost places due to his lack of attitude which he developed as he got older. The dog had stacks of quality, many judges want a dog with the lot! AILEEN, dont stop throwing Ideas into the pot, because from an Idea, someone can run and develope it. My view about double handling, it's one of the K.C.corner stone commandments which they will never break. "Static"  can you see anyone standing still for even a second! Imagine your dog has been put into say, second place, It's the 2 day and 45 in the class, you're dog starts to flag a little. Would any one like to finish the story. People will not be able to control them selves. This routine is entrenched in our way of showing, so people wont or can't change. read my last post. Bill Owen.

Excerpt from the KC Red Book 2009/2010 - Page 3.59 F(1)  section 17 Exhibition of Dogs h. The attracting of the attention of exhibits by any method from outside the ring is prohibited. It is the duty of the Judge, Steward or Show Management noticing such attraction to ask that it cease.  When exhibitors sign the schedule to enter their dogs they agree to be bound by KC rules.   No matter how entrenched it has become in our way of showing those who fear change will if they want the CC's back - have to face change.

Sophie, You're quote of section 17, and I'm sure it's accurate, proves my point!! "Tablets of stone"  This K.C. will not be for turning. They cannot afford the outcry or repercussions, their weakness would cause. Everyone needs a face saver here, who has the balls for brinkmanship. History may show, did we need such a fight.  Bill Owen.

Whilst I take on board Patrick what you say Tablets of Stone can be broken and yes this rule has been there since the beinging of time. We doo need to tread with caution on this issue and be seen to be adhereding to their rules.

There is also one more clause that has been overlooked and this could have resounding repercushions - same Red book

page 3.50 14:- Penalty for Infringement of Kennel Club Rules by Show Management.
The General committee shall have power to fine the Guarantors of a show who have broken Kennel Club Rules & Regulations in the conduct of the show.

What I am getting at and I am aware that this also is a rule that has been around for a long time - not only will we be able to count entries on the fingers of one hand but who in their right mind wants to be a guarantor for a show if the KC decided to act on this part of the rules? I personally have no intention of loosing my home or putting my club's insurance at risk because some body wants to run around shouting their animals.

Our leaders hopefully will be seeking a win win situation for the KC & the exhibitors - but all I was trying to say that as exhibitors we may not like the part that is set out for us.  The original outside attraction was called The Ears Upper Club how come this moved to what now is seen as a hooligan type behaviour? Don't get me wrong I like the atmoshphere that all of this creates and it has been  said many times other sports have their shows of encouragement. It is the running that we are now being penalized for and in todays society it is all about Health & Safety, Risk Assessments etc. These all have now to evidenced  before the show in case the Field Officer arrives as he/she will be asking to see them.

The purpose and aim for outside attraction is being completely missed, the purpose is to keep the interest of our intelligent sheepdog whilst judging his endurance, the aim is to be hidden but heard by the dog so that he looks for you, if you are stood in front of him boredom will soon set in. The fact that some animals have numerous attractors is the reason that some control needs to be introduced, we must show the KC that it is necessary and can be achieved with a sensible approach, if its to be allowed then strict rules must be introduced and strictly adhered to. I think the best example of outside attraction achieving its aim would be watching my old late friend Vick Spenton well into seventies attracting his last Champion Novem Volka, just an old man and his dog enjoying their day.

Dave Middleton