tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post6956635612821917371..comments2023-08-17T07:44:09.940-04:00Comments on MargeBlog: The Future of Dog ClubsSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18146649374510678844noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-67539397222241470952011-02-06T08:37:22.524-05:002011-02-06T08:37:22.524-05:00I went to my breed's national specialty and fo...I went to my breed's national specialty and found two worlds.<br /><br />1) - Because I owned "rescues" and only a couple have their papers and NONE are show quality, there were a group of snobs who looked down on us.<br /><br />2) But, more importantly, I found a couple of mentors who explained to me what I should and should not do (where my dogs were welcomed and where I should refrain from taking them). These mentors had as much experience - and some more - than the people in the first group, but took the time to help me understand the culture.<br /><br />Funny, as I listened to the second group, I found more and more people at the show who were great to talk to and fun to be with - and who thoroughly enjoyed meeting my crew.<br /><br />So thanks to the mentors - and shrugs to the snobs.D.K. Wallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04708239686660301305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-6775402311888758792011-02-02T20:29:36.543-05:002011-02-02T20:29:36.543-05:00Good points and interesting discussion. I do think...Good points and interesting discussion. I do think that the dog world, not only dog clubs, needs to do more about finding newbies to get involved. I've read about obedience especially beginning to die out. Doesn't seem like there are any of those kinds of worries for agility, but I am a bit concerned about how agility is evolving to be more serious, fiercely competitive (not always a bad thing, but it can be), and focused on results.Natashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986443645823408698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-14153452947920309552011-02-02T18:15:18.639-05:002011-02-02T18:15:18.639-05:00I'll admit, I'm poking my nose in the conv...I'll admit, I'm poking my nose in the conversation just like a clueless newbie.<br><br />The issue you pointed out though is very present in a lot of hobbies or social groups that have a common activity or interest. It's all about people's attitudes and common sense...<br><br />But they should also put it the other way: if they don't encourage and try to keep their newbies, how will they get great experienced members? We all have to start somewhere.Laviniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08077833136741791230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-57436435398386183012011-02-02T15:12:54.164-05:002011-02-02T15:12:54.164-05:00I don't know of any dog clubs for Kirby and I ...I don't know of any dog clubs for Kirby and I here, but I know if there was one I would look into it. It's hard to socialize him (and he needs the practice)here in the winter of Michigan where it seems like no one by me walks their dogs! I can't take him into pet stores yet because he can go off on a moment's notice. He has gotten somewhat better but we have a way to go. <br /><br /> Anyways, we will start Rally classes in March and we have a instructor that is totally cool with Kirby being dog reactive. She told me she can help me with that and I'm looking forward to working with her and the other people that just enjoy being with their dogs!<br /><br />I love the pic of Marge in this post!<br /><br />Kirby's momKirby, CGChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04845583293526183881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-46131156802505898522011-02-02T08:53:29.619-05:002011-02-02T08:53:29.619-05:00Sounds all too familiar.
We too started as "...Sounds all too familiar.<br /><br />We too started as "just pet people", ended up getting hopelessly addicted to all the wonderful things training and competition can do for us. Part of me is proud to have been accepted into the "inner circle" of the local competition circuit, having proved we are a worthy team. Then again, it's sad to see how intense these people can be now that we know them - forgetting that the whole idea is to go out there, have fun & foster the relationship with your canine partner. All too easy to forget, I'm afraid, but that's what it's all about, right?<br /><br />MichelleBRUTUShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11876504197398697370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-37888909283369335382011-02-01T21:38:19.615-05:002011-02-01T21:38:19.615-05:00I used to love my dog club, but lately can not sta...I used to love my dog club, but lately can not stand it. It is dominated by justs a few people that complain and complain and complain about all they have to do but they do everything they can to not include anyone else. People get tired of feelingleft out and leave and the ones complaining about how no one else helps out are once again left with tons of tasks-it seems to me that dog clubs, what ever type of clubs need to open themselves up more and let others help and feel a part of things for the club to grow and change and keep alive, keep old memebers happy and not burned out and keep up with the times. I dont even think it matters so much what type of activities they include as long as they let others feel they are valuable and belong.Kathy Mocharnukhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03029142726866533193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-11654843529072708072011-02-01T19:54:36.227-05:002011-02-01T19:54:36.227-05:00Roxanne, I'm surprised and saddened that you e...Roxanne, I'm surprised and saddened that you experienced such coldness at Rally class. Rally class is definitely one of the dog training environments that I like the best; we have an awesome, knowledgeable teacher who really makes it fun.<br /><br />AC, the idea of a mentor or tour guide for new members sounds so great. I've done a little of that with some of my students from my For Fun Agility class, and it's really nice to see new people become interwoven with old. Directing them to websites, telling them about training opportunities, alerting them to trials in the area that they can visit, all make SO much of a difference for someone who wants to get involved, but is unsure how to. I also made a couple of hand-outs that were useful for them to figure out what class offered at my club would be best for them and their dog.<br /><br />Sue, I stay out of drama and politics, too. I don't like to be on any one's "bad side" and don't want to make enemies with anyone. I keep my mouth shut when controversial issues come up and any gossippy information told to me doesn't get repeated. In fact, the only thing that I really had a lot of input on at my club was the agility class that I'm teaching now. Otherwise, I'm there to train my dog, and that's all.<br /><br />I'm unsure how I've opened a can of worms with my post... by raising the idea that some members of some clubs can really be detrimental to the growth and expansion of a club? Interested in some clarification on that, for sure, because most people who've commented seem to all agree with each other.<br /><br />Thank you all for your awesome, insightful comments. What a great discussion this is.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18146649374510678844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-38505459954258114732011-02-01T14:54:45.533-05:002011-02-01T14:54:45.533-05:00This seems to be a problem in many clubs. Our bree...This seems to be a problem in many clubs. Our breed club is currently going thru these same growing pains. It may actually split the club because the 'old guard' won't allow new members to get full membership rights.<br /><br />People seem to be afraid of losing their power by sharing. Politics always seems to get nasty. I try to stay out of the fray.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05100381901254968075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-43403546096457043652011-02-01T11:51:45.837-05:002011-02-01T11:51:45.837-05:00This is a bummer and like you and KB touched on, i...This is a bummer and like you and KB touched on, it happens with every hobby (perhaps careers as well). You have to work your way in, then snub the outside when you're there. I've left activities I loved because I couldn't handle the elitism. I now intentionally stay at the fringes of what I'm involved with so as not to burn out by bad attitude.<br /><br />But...I recently joined a group that does an amazing job at welcoming newbies. It's part culture (kindness is contagious) but I think it also helps that they have a designated "new members coordinator." This person responds to inquiries, answers questions and generally plays "tour guide" while you're still figuring things out. This might work well for a dog club that wants to support new members. It could help get newbies plugged in and provide a friendly face even if others prefer to stay in the competition corner.AChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11851263591445841749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-83818392220738346082011-02-01T10:52:09.679-05:002011-02-01T10:52:09.679-05:00We saw a bit of this, even in agility lessons, whe...We saw a bit of this, even in agility lessons, where WHERE you trained told people just how serious you are. <br /><br />I thought it was tough, until we tried rally. That's when I realized how friendly (relatively speaking) agility folks were. Because our rally class took place at the same time (in a big building) as regular obedience and conformation show classes, it was a REAL eye opener. <br /><br />Lilly had a hard time with all that energy and movement, so we didn't last long, but we did not feel welcomed at all.Roxanne @ Champion of My Hearthttp://www.championofmyheart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-1629082056423989172011-02-01T09:42:32.812-05:002011-02-01T09:42:32.812-05:00A can of worms, indeed.
I know nothing about '...A can of worms, indeed.<br />I know nothing about 'dog clubs'. Maybe it is the word 'club' that scares me. Yet, obviously, there are 'good clubs' and good people out there. Maybe it is a lack of the competitive gene in our family...<br />Or, maybe, just as some clubs are closed minded or eye-rolling of us ignorants, I am eye-rolling in fear of the clubs.<br /><br />Love KB's comment.Brenda's Arizonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17880225110712592548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-88355442424004563862011-01-31T20:51:03.843-05:002011-01-31T20:51:03.843-05:00I'm afraid that I've had a very bad impres...I'm afraid that I've had a very bad impression of dog clubs from a distance... I never joined one although I was forced to register my dogs with the AKC so that their health information could be recorded at the Orthopedic Foundation for Dogs. <br /><br />But, I do know that there are plenty of close-minded clubs around here. And, when I signed up for agility classes, one of the big selling points of the trainer was that she took non-competitors seriously. In my case, I wanted to do agility to help K get over some of her fears and gain confidence in general. It's turned into a lifelong hobby but I'm still not a competitor.<br /><br />I'd love to see clubs that cared about making the lives of all dogs better by having classes that taught their owners how to train them to do basic stuff and more advance brain-teasing stuff. I don't know if they exist...<br /><br />It is similar in pretty much every "sport". When I started bike racing, it took a long time to be taken seriously, and then I was part of the culture that didn't take recreational cyclists seriously. I don't know why it happens - in retrospect, it's super silly!KBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16885661679762446456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-76473176522820521372011-01-31T19:17:13.800-05:002011-01-31T19:17:13.800-05:00This is why I miss my club in Alaska. Up there the...This is why I miss my club in Alaska. Up there the goal was training, even if it was for competition. In LA everything is competition and you can't find a decent place to train without spending tons.<br /><br />Kari<br />http://dogisgodinreverse.com/Kari in Alaskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08555458287778413718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-79530667573599337952011-01-31T15:35:39.857-05:002011-01-31T15:35:39.857-05:00Thank you all for your interesting comments. I...Thank you all for your interesting comments. I'm enjoying reading about your perspectives.<br /><br />I just want to say that I really do like my dog club. Especially in the past year or so, they've undergone some changes that have made the classes and activities they offer a bit more diverse than before. I think, that with the help of a lot of people, that can continue to expand.<br /><br />The attitudes I portrayed in this post are also not representative of my club as a whole, but are more of a general feel that I get from some members of the competition community (both obedience AND agility).<br /><br />Hornblower, I fully agree with you that Rally can be a great thing for clubs. Trials are easy to run and are great money makers. It also helps people to get involved with their dogs in a relaxing atmosphere. I am sad that so many people are closed to it. Besides, even if you don't like it, there's no reason to call it "retarded." <br /><br />Diana, I definitely understand what you're saying about the same people doing all of the work for the club. But, I think that should make them more receptive to new people.. because new people are often willing to help. We've had several new "pet people" become integrated into the larger community/family feel of the club. I think that I am one of them. <br /><br />Kristine, don't get the wrong idea about dog clubs from my post. There are many good clubs out there.. every club has a few bad seeds, but not all clubs are bad!Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18146649374510678844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-21835226308354738012011-01-31T15:05:54.695-05:002011-01-31T15:05:54.695-05:00I don't know if there are any official "d...I don't know if there are any official "dog clubs" here for me even to join. I've never really thought about such a thing before. But in my personal experience, put in the word "club" and automatically I am on the defense. Clubs in general make me nervous as so often I have been on the receiving end of their exclusionary practices. Thus, I try to avoid them at all costs. Which is really too bad because a dog club sounds like it should be a great environment. A place to train with a whole bunch of fellow dog lovers? Sounds like fun!<br /><br />It makes me sad that this isn't necessarily the case. It seems we never really leave the gossipy bullies of high school behind. I really hope this isn't always the case.Kristinehttp://rescuedinsanity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-50718455428679467902011-01-31T12:54:38.277-05:002011-01-31T12:54:38.277-05:00I belong to a club. Im not sure what I think of it...I belong to a club. Im not sure what I think of it. There are long time members that are the main truck of the club. They do all the work, IMO, and so things never change. Because they were trained in old ways that people dont like, it turns people off. But new people cant seem to find there place. We are trying and Rally is actully turning our club memebership around with positive training methods. Obedience cant seem to change their training ways for some reason and it can turn people off. Agility just isnt our strong suit as we cant find good trainer to teach classes. They may teach one class and then stop so there is no progression for the students. Lots and lots of problems but I think people who complain are just over whelmed and frustrated from doing all the bluk of the work of a club. This is just my opinion of what I see, so take it with a grain of salt.Dianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16378710392378543981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-61962866344332112812011-01-31T11:37:46.886-05:002011-01-31T11:37:46.886-05:00Anna's mom here:
When we took Anna to the loc...Anna's mom here:<br /><br />When we took Anna to the local dog club for basic OB classes, there were two types of trainers/people:<br /><br />1. The trainer/member who was there to help you and your dog, nicely and with understanding. Knowing that you were probably just there for basic OB and nothing more, but happy that you were putting in the effort to TRAIN your dog.<br /><br />2. The snotty, know-it all trainer/member who looked at the "pet" owners as losers and hopeless. Constantly put down the owner and/or dog and made a intimidating environment for the first timer that much more so. <br /><br />I hated when the first questions out of peoples mouths was "What are you going to do with her? Agility?" <br /><br />When my reply was "I'm not sure, probably just Basic OB, see how she does and go from there."<br /><br />Then I got the snotty "oh you're one of THEM" looks and all conversation stopped. More issues would arise when Anna, who is a little weak nerved and doesn't do well in new/overstimulating environments, wouldn't do the "sit for exam". She doesn't want strangers touching her. That's how she rolls.<br /><br />I was then accosted by one such snotty, old school trainer who said I must have abused my dog to make it this way. EXCUSE ME?? I replied no, she's never been abused, she just doesn't like strangers touching her. He then looked at me "Hmph, then why are you even here?" and walked off. <br /><br />We had to take Basic OB twice, but she passed and that's all we wanted to do. I'm not sure if I'll go back there with another dog. The overall environment is stale, cold and not welcoming.Anna the GSDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05262058029769682810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-39661416852174850182011-01-31T07:03:35.187-05:002011-01-31T07:03:35.187-05:00I have never really joined a dog club due to many ...I have never really joined a dog club due to many reasons. One of the main reasons is there aren't many dog clubs and if there are, there are mainly for their own group of people as it is usually started by a few close friends who love dogs and they want to do something with their dogs, however they do give some OB lessons. Eva and I once joined an OB class but when we finished the basic session and wanted to move on to the second level, the trainer didn't want to teach us because the students he had left were me and EVa. He thought the class was too small and there wasn't any benefits for them to run the second level. So we left and never went back anymore. It seems what we have gone through is quite normal in other clubs too. So they basically just teach the basic class and that's it.<br />I do sympathy those beginners who enter into such a competitive and back stabbing classes for lessons. It's definitely scary for the newbies.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17770349713578695608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-22747139951921786802011-01-31T06:19:17.351-05:002011-01-31T06:19:17.351-05:00Wow, that all seems quite sad to me. I purposely...Wow, that all seems quite sad to me. I purposely found a new, friendly place to train, after having a not so pleasant experience elsewhere. Too many prequisites and rules, when I simply wanted to attend classes to bond with my dog. Once I found that laid back place, I knew I'd never do anywhere else. <br /><br />The league I'm in has people constantly griping and complaining on the message boards about various things. However, you never hear one complaint from the people where I train. The complaints are enough to make me want to quit league. I solved that problem by not reading the message boards. Ignorance is bliss. Life is way too short for all that animosity.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07715453703592474992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-70146955657489844632011-01-31T01:36:28.495-05:002011-01-31T01:36:28.495-05:00we have no experience with dog clubs -only dog tra...we have no experience with dog clubs -only dog training. but on the reactive dog side of things, we were lucky that the trainer was flexible and started letting tula become 'included' in the regular obedience classes. many people in the class would cringe if they had to be near us.. which fine. I get it. that's why it was fun to have norwood & mango in class along with us. soo tula's training could continue & grow and they made even more money from us! and i recruited others too!<br /><br />i guess, unfortunately the best thing is to find a club that meets your needs and values.<br /><br />dee & tulatula monstahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09491710283515737450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-7773589978514338492011-01-31T00:38:43.050-05:002011-01-31T00:38:43.050-05:00I haven't bothered to join a club, mostly beca...I haven't bothered to join a club, mostly because one of mine is a feisty fido & the vast majority of clubs don't seem keen to accept a feisty dog. They occasionally seem to make exceptions for border collies, but other breeds - I just didn't get the 'come on over!' vibe. <br /><br />I take classes from non-club based trainers & that's it. When I trialled with Daisy last year, the club hosting it seemed pretty happy about rally; I guess they would be since they went through the effort of putting the trials on. <br /><br />Rally is IMO a big possible source of revenue & volunteers for clubs - it's fun & a lot easier than agility etc. I also suspect that for some people it might be a gateway drug to the dog sport world :-) <br /><br />I'm glad you wrote this up & I hope your club deals with the snobby divas who make people feel unwelcome.hornblowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11428146299208610591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-12322812817330293522011-01-31T00:15:25.316-05:002011-01-31T00:15:25.316-05:00WOW! You probably opened up a big can of worms, b...WOW! You probably opened up a big can of worms, but I wouldn't know as I have purposely not joined any clubs (gasp!). I have been asked, but horribly, have not responded, although I am actively involved as a volunteer at matches and as an exhibitor. So... I haven't gotten involved in any disputes or gossip and haven't heard these awful things - especially about Rally - even my obed. instructor does Rally and she has four OTCHs (I'm thinkin' that she's no snob here...) I'm getting pretty blunt, but you made so many good points, especially about younger recruits, that I have absolutely no argument!!! You are preaching to the choir!<br />Bless you!<br />xoxo<br />Miche - Sammie's, Avalon's and Ozzie's MomGolden Samanthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01810994485527475133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5768075887820301634.post-70644076144762633542011-01-30T23:19:15.105-05:002011-01-30T23:19:15.105-05:00It really is too bad that so many newbies walk int...It really is too bad that so many newbies walk into a group of insecure, pompousfools (not just in a canine arena) I hope there will always be people with an eye on the future to welcome and take an interest in others with an interest.<br /><br />Great post!Cyndi and Stumpyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15945219976457829612noreply@blogger.com