It has long been known by advertising agencies, that to
stroke human vanity is to often make the sale. So it only stands to reason,
that what sells a shiny car, can also assist in selling pups. Words like
" the biggest", "champion", "blue ribbon", all aid in catching the eye
of the consumer. It is no doubt that four little words can sometimes double the price
of a pup. Those words being "pick of the litter". I remember, not
long ago, I had two people train with me. They each had a male German Shepherd's
Dog. Each told me with pride, that they had paid extra, but their dog was
worth it because he was pick of the litter. Unfortunately for them, both
dogs were littermates. I never revealed to these people what would have
obviously caused some concern to them. The truth is that the term "pick
of the litter" can almost always mean "shot in the dark". My father, who
was very learned in the dog world, once told me the only sure way for a
dedicated breeder to get the pick of the litter was to keep the pup that
was left after everyone else picked. What he meant was, this gives you
as good a chance as any. I have seen the much acclaimed puppy tests for
temperament and stability, and am still not convinced. I believe environment
and genetics go hand in hand. Poor genetics creates poor pups; poor handling
builds poor dogs. I have on my facility at this time, a person who purchased
a dog from a local trainer for $50.00. The reason the dog was sold so cheap
was because after seven months of attempting to work with this dog, he
was deemed unfit. We have been training with this individual and this dog
for several weeks. The value of this dog now, is approximately $5000.00.
This is not because of my ability as a trainer, rather the dog's ability
to work. Yet this dog, as countless others, that do not show positive results
to the so-called puppy test, fall through the cracks. I honestly believe
this dog, which is a very good dog, could have been a great dog, had he
been handled right from the beginning. Attitude from the human aspect counts
for so much. If someone was to shake a can full of stones at me on Monday,
I may run. On Tuesday, I may turn and fight. On Wednesday, I might be indifferent.
To one of the many dog behaviourist gurus, I guess I would have a split
personality, or I would have been put down on Monday. It is very important,
that in increasingly many litters, especially in the German Shepherd s
Dog, that any pup that is not noticeably crippled, blind or bleeding could
be easily deemed "pick of the litter". I guess what I'm trying to say,
is as breeder, our responsibility is to the dog first, public second. If
we are honest with ourselves on the first part, the second part will be
pleased. I have been with dogs, training and handling for over 28 years
and I cannot tell you which pup in the litter will excel over the others.
I can tell you, we do our best to breed strong, healthy dogs and that I
believe there are many others that do the same.
It is time to look
at what makes $500 pup become a $1000.00 in a matter of terminology. Some
people will sell a dog as "pet" quality. This means the pup is inferior
as a show prospect or working prospect. Added to this statement usually
goes a non-breeding contract, which can be revoked for extra money or pups.
By this transaction, I believe, an inferior pup then becomes pick of the
litter, as now their monetary value is almost equal. If this is not the
case, why would anyone permit an inferior dog to be bred? Anyone familiar
with dogs knows that money and vanity go hand in hand. If man would use
the sense God gave him, dog shows would be as outlawed as freak shows.
I hope, also, that people will look at the environment the pup is placed
into. If we look at the environment, the human desire in that environment
to communicate and build accounts for so much in the dog's desire to work.
Because a dog will not chase a ball, does not mean the dog has no working
ability. This week I have talked to several law enforcement officers in
the United States, who are very serious in their attempt to cut out all
the foolishness that has cost money and time in the building of effective
K9 units. Our biggest problem is that we are rapidly becoming a disposable
society. Never willing to commit time and energy in the task at hand. If
the dog doesn't work the way we want, he goes to the dog shelter and we
look up another breeder or another breed.
I must admit that when
I was younger, had they lined me up with a dozen younger boys that would
be picked to work with dogs, more than likely I would have been culled.
The dedication and environment provided by one individual, his beliefs,
and the sharing of such with patience, led me to where I am today. That
is environment, and a positive attitude and steady hand. Desire and commitment
will produce the pick of any litter. Desire to achieve the highest goals
and commitment to achieve those goals as a team. This produces positive
environment and enables the dog to excel with his human companion.
So, when you are going to buy a pup, don't let vanity pick it for you.
Pick not only with your eye, but also with your heart. And commit yourself
for the lifetime it will take for you and that dog to work together. You
will find you have as much chance through commitment of excelling as the
dog does. Once again, in closing, I would like to state, these articles
are written to promote and stimulate conversation. I believe in what I'm
saying and apologize only to the K9 end of the lead.
Written by Mike McConnery
