Keeping Dog Titles In a Balanced Perspective

I was reading a dog forum today and one of the subjects was about a television show filmed on the Potomac River.  In this show, there was footage of a dog fighting extremely fast running currents, almost rapids, as he was making retrieves.  The show commentary stated that this type of hunting wasn't for the field trial or hunt test dog, but required a true hunting dog.  

The site forum subject went into a heavy debate on what was intended by such a statement.  This forum subject,on a site which is heavily attended by field trial competitors, was quickly filled with members aghast at the statement that a field trial champion couldn't do something a regular hunting dog could.  This gave me the idea of reminding all of us in the dog world to maintain a balanced perspective when discussing dogs.

When I describe a balanced perspective, I am referring to the open minded approach we all need to take with one another's dogs.  Many times, a dog's accomplishments has as much to do with whom the owner is and what he is willing to do with the dog, as it has to do with the dog's abilities.  When you get a talented dog and a dedicated owner together, it can be golden.  It is unfortunate though when, with loads of effort, and often times money, being spent on a dog, people (and not the dogs) get bent out of shape if anyone was to think their dog isn't "one of the best."  

When I look back onto the dogs I have owned, it started with a dog that was only a hunter.  My dog, Dakota, and I did not enter any competitions, hunt tests, field trials, or local dog club events.  Instead, we spent many sacred hours, alone, side by side, enjoying a duck hunt or pheasant hunt.  I still look back on to these times with as much pride as any trophy I earned with my latest dog.  If  I, as an owner, would have been ready to enter a dog competition arena, Dakota could have easily been recognized for her talents beyond those solitary hunting moments.  

The best way to maintain an open minded approach to someone else's dog is to try and listen not just to what they say about his or her hunting companion.  Conversely, try to listen how they describe their dog and to the level of excitement they tell you about their dog.  We can all be proud of our dogs accomplishments from the amateur training a dog on its first flush (even if neither party knows what they did right or wrong) to the multi-arena champion.

A long time friend of mine taught me a simple saying that I continue to use today.  It is a saying that can almost not be overused.  When hearing from another dog owner describe his dog, an energetic "Good for you!!" response will always work.  You can even say it many times in one conversation, and it is usually never questioned.

So.... until next months blog, whatever work and times you have been able to spend with your dog, I profoundly say, "Good for you!!!!!"

Kevin