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SDC Talk! Archived
Messages
November 1 to December 6, 2000
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From: ADMIN - Judy Bergemann
Date: 12/4/00
Time: 3:24:19 PM
Remote Name: 64.33.128.3
All the posts relating to this thread have been deleted.
It may seem like we're "talking" on the phone to a friend, but we're not! Everything we do and say here influences someone's opinion about mushing. Most of us spend a great deal of time and energy living and putting forth a positive image of our sport and then we get a post like this. It undoes in a second what some of us have spent years trying to build up.
I appreciate the regulars on this discussion list coming forward with a reminder that this IS NOT the appropriate place for this type of discussion. Most of you are on here more than I am and I thank you for the public and private notices of this thread.
Furthermore, I am personally apalled by the content of the original post. Dog fights may happen but we haven't had one in 15 or 20 years. Yes, we work with and select for a mellow group of dogs, but it doesn't take a genius to pick up on the signals of impending trouble. The trainer, if they are a trainer, takes steps to immediately defuse the situation.
I also think there's a basic philosophy that some people, for whatever reason, choose to ignore. Fighting or even bad words are not allowed in our kennel from birth. Period! No exceptions! It doesn't require heavy handed tactics. Pups are not allowed to argue...ever. It's so easy to set that in a pups mind with a firm shake at the feed bowl.
If adult neighbors start the mouthing off thing, they're immediately separated in the dog yard. Maybe I'm crazy, but I believe if you let it go, this little difference of opinion turns into a big grudge that they will act upon the first time you turn your back.
I didn't intend to give a sermon, but I don't believe a dog deserves ill treatment because he's being a dog. People are suppose to be smarter than the dogs, though obviously some aren't.
Judy Bergemann