smitte21

I agree... I also get my hackles up when people think that because my dog is a show dog that she lives in a kennel and has no other contact with the world than showing. Hmm... she's my pet first and foremost and she also is a show dog, a therapy dog and a dog I hope to compete with in Rally, Agility and some sort of scent driven arena. I enjoy spending time with my dog... she is a wonderful girl and lives to spend time out with me. Our rescue boy prefers to be more of a couch potato as he has issues with some people and is a bit leery in certain situations. It doesn't mean I love either any less just that I can only do certain things with each.

__________________
Proud owner handler of AKC/UKC Ch. Olde Fashion Agent 99, CGC, TDInc. and Beauregard Smith, CGC

www.savybassets.net

Mikey T

There is a big difference between dogs lifestyles that are shown by the breeder and/or owner than those that travel with the entorage of a professional handler.

The relationship between an owner and a dog they actively train is some sort of dog sport vs one that treated as a typical house pet is vastly different as to be uncomparable.

Soundtrack

Having done it both ways, I have to agree. The relationship I have with the dogs I work with is vastly different from what I had with dogs that were "just pets", even though I loved them dearly. Training and working together opens up a whole new line of communication.

__________________
Gabby-Soundtrack Sumthin' T'Talk About Can/Am RN CCGC TT
Rosie-Ch Soundtrack Cracklin' Rose CGN AGN RA Am RN TT
Melody-Ch Soundtrack Unchained Melody TT
Sailor-Ch Soundtrack Expedition Sailor RN TT
Chili-Ch Soundtrack Spice Up Your Life
Curry-Ch Soundtrack Canadian Brass
Pepper-Ch Pennieslogon Living La Vida Loca CGN
Vina-Ch Soundtrack Grand Illusion
Lenore-Ch Soundtrack Guilty Conscience
Leila-Ch Soundtrack Almost Paradise
Deela-Ch Soundtrack Wink Of An Eye

hig4s

I don't really consider my bassets pets, more like family members, children. I give them opportunities to do things. Those things they seem to like, I find time to do again. I use to show beagles, and my sister shows and field trials her labs and beagles.

But neither of my current bassets or our previous basset showed much interest in the training required for events. What they do love is walking on the beach. Not sure why but our female, Mercedes, loves sand/dirt. She is like Pigpen from the old Peanuts cartoons, almost every time she comes in we have to wipe her down. Now Zatarra we generally just have to check his feet to make sure he didn't step in something.

I assume they will also enjoy hiking once they get a litter bigger, so that will be another activity we plan on pursuing with them.

Kirska

I don't think it's really fair to say that there's some sort of conspiracy or something like that. Some of us just don't enjoy doing those sorts of things with our dogs.

As long as we're happy and the dogs are happy, what difference does it make? Everyone enjoys their pets in different ways and as long as the dog is treated right and happy, who cares what they're doing?

I've tried the show dog thing and it's just not for me. I don't like the environment. I'd love to give agility and other events like that a try one day, but generally I don't enjoy the strict training and practice that goes with those types of events. My dogs are trained to behave and not get themselves into trouble. Beyond that I just don't find it fulfilling at all.

Also, some dogs are just not suited for many events. Our mutt doesn't do well in large crowds or new situations, so he stays at home 90% of the time. He's never been to a public event with dogs and likely never will, but he is happy at home.

peterluquer

I asked Lollypop what she thinks. She gave me a look, rolled over and bared herself for a belly rub.

__________________
Peter Luquer
peterluquer@gmail.com

vb3

Rosco, Layla and I routinely train for the day when napping becomes an Olympic sport.

Kirska

Haha so true, I think bassets would take all the winning spots. I just finished basic obedience with Anabelle and everyone would laugh at how good she was at the down/stay. The other dogs would try to get up and go see their owners. Anabelle would roll over and fall asleep.

Welshtyke

Tracking and field events here in the UK is very very limited. However we have had our two (rescue) Bassets for four months now, and a take them across the fields for a good sniff with the chance of picking up rabbit scent. Is it me but the longer we have them the more it seems is that a Basset is at its happiest when its is in a field, wood or moor with its nose to the ground chasing after a scent.

One thing that intrigues me does rabbiting and doing what comes naturally for a Basset improve its well being and also as a family pet and companion. Well it does me good enjoying watching them doing what they seem to be enjoying.

Mikey T

Many basset that do a lot of field work are thought of as "working dogs" as such there is the belief being "a family dog" will effect their ability negatively as well as being indoors effects the heat and cold tollerance. In you country think of dogs belong to a hunting Pack. they are not family dogs so in that case no. But the family dog that is allowed to use its nose on a frequent basis is geting both exercise and mental stimulation this is very important for deminished behavior problems and studies on older beagles proves that it improves learning ability and health.

Diet, Exercise, Stimulating Environment Helps Old Dogs Learn
The Effects of the Environment on Dogs

On a more personal level most field work involves either the dog learn on their own or from other dogs so I don't think it changes the personal dynamic between the owner and dog as much as activities the require more communication and training, but any activity envolving the dog and human together enhances the bonding.