Pick of the Litter

PICK OF THE LITTER

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 litter mates. 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 all of the much acclaimed puppy test 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 behaviourists 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 who 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 K-9 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. Rather 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 when I was younger, and they had lined me up with a dozen younger boys, that would be picked to work with dogs, more than likely I would have been culled, but environment and the dedication of one individual, whom I will write about later, 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 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 K-9 end of the lead.

E-mail Mike with questions or comments.