Page 142 - ShowSight - August 2019

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Avoiding Kennel Blindness
BY MICHELLE SCOTT
QUALITY BREEDING IS AN UPHILL BATTLE
We’re all taught if we work hard our efforts will be rewarded... which may be true in many aspects of life but not necessarily in conformation dog shows.
No matter how much you work with a dog that barely resembles the breed standard you will never make it a top winning dog.
If you want your hard work to pay dividends then you have to start with a quality dog.
We all love our dogs but we need to learn to put that aside and honestly evaluate them. If you can't do that then find someone who will give you an objec- tive, honest evaluation—if they happen to tell you that your dog isn't the world beater you think it is please don't take it as a personal affront. Ask questions, learn—keep learning, grow, and never stop asking questions! Stay curious!
I have a general favour to ask. Can we just stop shaming people who make thoughtful decisions that are different than yours? Please?
If you decide to stay home from the shows because you don’t think you or your dogs can handle the heat, or the cold, or rain, or whatever, then good on you! You’ve thought this through and feel it’s the best decision for you and your dogs.
If you decide to go to the shows because you know that you can keep your dogs comfortable and are prepared for whatever is thrown at you. Good on you! You’ve thought this through and feel it’s the best decision for you and your dogs.
“If you decide to go to the shows because you know that you can keep your dogs comfortable and are prepared for whatever is thrown at you.
GOOD ON YOU! YOU’VE THOUGHT THIS THROUGH AND FEEL IT’S THE BEST DECISION FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS.”
140 • ShowSight Magazine, auguSt 2019