Echo

The rule for the use of English is there because Australia is considered to be an English speaking country (I'm fairly certain it's our official language) but mostly to make things easier on the judges who often have a lot of people to get through.

If this is the reason why English is stipulated, then why is it not applied to ALL other ANKC disciplines?.(Which it is not)

I don't see the logic in this.

I believe these days, that the Agility judges usually have a lot more dogs to get through, so how does this help them, when any language can be spoken in the Agility ring?

To the original poster, care to clarify why you started this thread? Was it because you train in another language and wanted to know if judges approve of it? Although the thread was about changing the rules, obedience recently had a rules reviw, did you put forward your idea then?

EFS

I started this thread because (as I said in my original post) I can see no valid reason that this rule is in place.

Just makes no sense to me, that English should be stipulated for Obedience trials only, when there is no such stipulation for any other ANKC discipline.

I do not train my dogs in another langauge, so I have no ulterior motive for wanting to see this rule dropped.

It irks me to see rules put in place, that are there for no apparent reason, especially when they may disadvantage some people.

In the Obedience ring, the judge only has to score the performance.

This can still be done exactly the same, no matter what language the handler is using.

Provided (as I said earlier) that commands are restricted to a single word (as per existing rules).

There have been a couple of posters saying that commands must be of one syllable only.

I would appreciate it if someone could tell me where to find this in the rules.

I did not put this forward to be changed at the recent rule review, but am thinking that I will be doing so at the next one.

Unless someone can give me a valid reason why it should remain. So far, I havn't read one here.

With regard to the Obedience Rules, I have often wondered why the ANKC specify that:

All verbal commands must be in the English language unless approved otherwise by the Judge.

I know people who have requested of the judge that they be allowed to use another language while trialing their dog.

In most cases, the judge has refused permission.

I can see no valid reason why this should be the case.

After looking through the ANKC Rules for all other disciplines, Obedience is the only one which specifically calls for English to be used.

Why should it be acceptable, under the rules, for any language to be used at any other trial, other than Obedience?

Surely, in this day and age, where we have a very multi-cultural society, this would be a form of discrimination against people whose fluent language is not English?

There are many people who do not use English as their first language when at home. It would be common sense for such people to train their dogs in their chosen language.

I can't see what possible difference it makes, which language is used when trialing, as long as the commands given are restricted to single words, as per the rules. Especially when this rule only applies to Obedience, and not any other discipline.

Julie

Thanks again, but I don't live in NSW.

Julie

Yes, thank you, that is the company.

But I am really after information from anyone that has actually purchased/used this product for their dogs.

Julie

Has anyone here purchased one of these?

There is a distributor in NSW.

Would like to have some feedback from someone who has used this product to clean their dogs.

http://anivacfirst.com/

Thanks

Julie

Two GSD's Hip/Elbow x-rayed 6 months ago at Monash Vet. clinic.

$245 each. These were digital x-rays.

The advantage of digital is that if positioning is not correct, it can be seen immediately on the computer screen, which allows for re-positioning in an instant, before another shot is taken. No need to wait for developing of older style x-rays, to check positioning.

The images are very clear and much better quality than the old machines.

Julie

I think it woudl be up for discussion because the GSDCA and the NRC(A) have both asked for it to be tabled. Both National bodies have written to hugh Gent regarding the matter. It 'may' have been an admin error 'this time' but what about the next time, this issue needs to be sorted once and for all and put to bed.

Here is a copy of the NRC(A) letter to Hugh Gent...

10 September 2010

Mr H Gent

President

Australian National Kennel Council

PO Box 309

CARINA QLD 4152

By email: [email protected]

Dear Mr Gent

REMOVAL OF FCI RECOGNISED TITLES

At a specially convened meeting of the National Rottweiler Council (Australia) held on 7 September 2010 it was unanimously decided by Delegates of all NRC(A) member clubs to write to the ANKC to voice our objection to the ANKC’s directive to its affiliates recently posted on the Dogs Victoria website, which stated:

That “Schutzhund titles obtained in other countries by dogs imported into Australia will not be added to the ANKC database at the time of re-registration. Schutzhund titles such as SCH and IPO previously added to the ANKC database will be removed. SCH, IPO & other similar titles are a form of attack training and the ANKC does not recognise these titles or discipline.”

We note that this directive has since been removed from the Dogs Victoria website.

The ANKC’s actions cast aside the historic efforts of generations of breeders who have worked diligently to improve the health and temperament of not only the Rottweiler but other working breeds.

The NRC(A) has been directed by its member clubs to demand that the ANKC at its forthcoming Conference give a written undertaking that the ANKC and its affiliates will not under any circumstances interfere with the registration certificates/pedigrees of dogs imported into Australia and further, that the ANKC or its affiliates will not alter or delete in any way the registration certificates/pedigrees of dogs that are on the ANKC database.

The NRC(A) is deeply disturbed that the ANKC and its affiliates continue to describe international working activities such as IPO, Schutzhund, VPG and BH, in the words of the ANKC, as “forms of attack training.” The inference of the ANKC and its affiliates is that this type of activity creates a safety risk to the public and that the dogs trained in such activity are a danger. This inference can only lead to the view that the ANKC and its affiliates in effect are saying that other canine organizations throughout the World are socially irresponsible and have scant regard for their fellow citizens.

The NRC(A) would like to offer assistance to the ANKC regarding this issue as this by far affects the majority of our members as the second largest National Breed Council in Australia. We have consulted and continue to work with the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Inc regarding this matter and rest assured we do not accept the current decision of the ANKC.

Yours sincerely

John MacDonald

President

National Rottweiler Council (Australia)

cc: Ms Tracey Barry

Administrator, ANKC

Email: administrator

TrinaJ,

thanks for posting this.

Did the NRC(A) receive any reply?

Julie

Are there any Shikoku dog breeders in OZ.

I already have an Akita and I am really keen on getting one of these.

I can get one from America but I don't want to go through the whole customs import thing.

The post above makes it sound as if you want a Shikoku, purely because this is the type of dog you admire, and that you were seeking an Australian breeder who may be able to supply you with one.

Also they are a rare breed and fech up to $5000 USD for a pup. I would love to introduce the breed to OZ.

I'm looking at setting up a Kennel in Australia with a unique breed that no body has yet.

But when you read this next post, it is a complete contradiction.

Do you actually care which breed you introduce?

Or is it more important that it's one that "is a rare breed that nobody has yet and can fetch up to $5,000 per pup"?

Sadly, all I can glean from this, is a case of $$$ ka-ching $$$

I have lived in Cockatoo for 11 years. Rural type property.

We run our dogs in the bush around here on a regular basis and have never had a problem with ticks.

Just watch out for the Echidnas.

Julie

8th September

In a telephone conversation between Bruce Knight (GSDCA President) and Hugh Gent (ANKC President) regarding the issue of Removal of Titles from Certificate of Registration, Hugh has confirmed that it was an “administrative error” that brought about this whole saga.

The GSDCA has been given an assurance, during this conversation, that this issue is no longer on the table and that it is business as usual.

Echo ..... can the above be quoted along with a request that it be affirmed in writing by the ANKC?

I don't see why not.

This information is not confidential and was passed on to GSDCV, who subsequently passed it on to all of its different branch managers, presumably so that we would all know what has resulted. It's great that they are keeping their members informed.

All members of ANKC affiliates deserve to be advised . It would be nice if a formal statement was placed on each state website, advising of the ANKC stance on this issue..

Done

That is fantastic news Echo.

Would be even better if we could get a confirmation of it in writing.

I agree I think this still needs to be made offical by the ANKC that all titles (Front and rear of pedigrees) will be left on certificates of registrations so we don't go down this road again when they want to edit a certificate of registration

Cheers Lee

Completely agree.

If the ANKC can issue a directive, such as we saw on the DogsVic website, then surely it can be retracted via the same means.

ie: In writing, on our state canine control websites.

8th September

In a telephone conversation between Bruce Knight (GSDCA President) and Hugh Gent (ANKC President) regarding the issue of Removal of Titles from Certificate of Registration, Hugh has confirmed that it was an “administrative error” that brought about this whole saga.

The GSDCA has been given an assurance, during this conversation, that this issue is no longer on the table and that it is business as usual.

Thanks to the efforts of the breed clubs who became involved, and the many individual members who submitted protest, it seems that this issue has now been resolved.

Great news for all concerned.

Good news. Can't wait to hear how this pans out.

I dont know about the rottie clubs but before you ask Tapf, I have already told you that the NSW Dobermann club doesnt meet till October so there will be nothing drawn till then, and even if there will it might be way to late as the ANKC conference is in October.

I would have thought, if an important issue arose between meeting dates, that a special general meeting could be called, so that such issues could be addressed.

I know that is how it would be dealt with in the GSD clubs.

Perhaps the constitution of the Dobe Club does not allow for this?

Since this issue raised its ugly head a month ago, there would have been plenty of time to do this, and there still probably is.

I've been following this thread with great interest.

Each time I log on, I hope to read that this dog has finally been outwitted.

I hate to think of any dog living like this, when you know how much better off he would be in a caring home.

I applaud the efforts that everyone is going to and I am certain you will catch him in the end.

By looking at the wonderful pics posted by GSD, it is clearly not going to be an easy job.

This is one cunning dog, who obviously knows his territory very well.

My guess, it's going to take a plan more cunning than he is, to catch him.

I know you will come up with something. I wish I could help, but I live way too far out to offer assistance.

Best of luck guys.

I will be waiting for more instalments.

Chhers

Julie

I wonder when everyone will stop bickering amongst themselves when at the end of the day they all have the same purpose. What is done, is done, and lets just move on to see how we can all come together to rectify this.

Well said wednesday.

This thread is turning into a GSDCA bashing episode.

We all need to get back on track and concentrate our efforts into something constructive, with regard to the original topic.

Sharpshep and others, have you actually done anything positive about letting those that matter know your feelings on this subject? Getting on forums and bitching to each other is not what we need to rectify this situation.

Why didn't the GSDCA intervene with the Victorian dangerous dog laws in regard to Schutzhund titles dogs given that they have the majority membership base who own titled dogs to prove they are not dangerous. The GSDCA was in the box seat to argue against the legislation and make a stand that a titled dog is no community threat???. All they did was work at providing an exemption for titled dogs to be shown without a muzzle and collar requirements in the show ring. In effect, they agreed with the government stance that titled dogs are dangerous which they know damn well is a blatent unthruth.

Not true.

This legislation concerns dogs in Victoria only, so it was dealt with by the GSDCV, not the GSDCA.

The GSDCV's original proposal to the DPI was to have Sch titled dogs made exempt from the entire requirements of the Dangerous Dog legislation. They asked for this, because they do not believe that Sch titled dogs are dangerous.

Unfortunately, the DPI would not recognise their request and would only grant them a partial exemption.

Thus we ended up with what we have now.

Before you know it titles like CPX will be recognised. Couch Potatoe Excellent that is, my Rex would have been a multi winner of this title.

:p

Very funny, but not beyond the realms of possibility.

[ANKC will not take responsibility for the management nor control of Schutzhund in Australia. Also, the ANKC will not recognize any Schutzhund titles awarded in Australia or to any dog awarded a title resident in Australia.

Well , as a past President of a controlling body once said to me, "The ANKC has enough on its plate with Showing, obedience, Agilty, gun dog trials etc, so if you want to do Schutzhund....go and do it but don't expect the ANKC to take it on or accept it."

The thing is Nekhbet and even though I don't like it, it has always been the case that the ANKC will not recognise Australian awarded titles. The issue we have with the ANKC today is that want to remove all titles from a dogs lineage in pedigrees...and that's just not on!!! They have NO RIGHT to do that !

No Member body of the ANKC shall recognize or approve Schutzhund training activity or conduct Schutzhund Trial competition and any member taking part risks disqualification.

Well NO MEMBER BODY does !!! But as to individual 'members' ...they have EVERY right to do what they want outside of ANKC member body's , sanctioned events and grounds. The last time I looked this country is still a free and democratic one isn't it? The ANKC cannot dictate what people do with their lives outside of ANKC events....just as the GDClubs can't either. Like I said there are many many members who participate, breed their Schutzhund dogs and one or more who are ANKC judges as well as Schutzhund Judges......and in 35 years i have not heard of one member being at risk of disqualification.

ANKC Member Bodies consider Schutzhund training is not in the best interests of their activities.]

As stupid as that is.......and as they are over the whole situation .....that is their prerogative .

Personally I would have liked all breed clubs of Schutzhund breeds...to have shown a bit more back bone over the situation......but that's life I guess.

Well said Tapferhund.

Nekhbet, yes it is a dream, but not one we should give up on.

In fact they refuse to accept any member who does schutzhund, bitework, protection etc with any of their dogs.

With regard to the GSD clubs around Australia, this statement is absolutely incorrect.

There are GSD club members who do train their dogs in Sch. and are also members of Sch. clubs.

This is known to the GSD clubs and there is no reprisal because of it.

Stick with the diet recommended by the breeder, unless the pup is not doing well on it for some reason.

If you are not happy with feeding Proplan, then I would discuss your reasons for wanting to change with the breeder.

The breeder should always be your first port of call when you are not sure about any aspect of your pup.

If you have purchased from a reputable breeder, who cares about the pups they sell, then they will be only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

Julie

That cracked me up. First laugh I've had all day.

Some of the idiots you have to deal with when trying to place a dog never cease to amaze me.

At least you saw the funny side.

Julie

I don't really wanna call them and sound like a dick LOL

The schedule should state which type of Trial is offered.

Such as "Restricted " or "Open" trial.

If Restricted, it will be restricted to Breed only, or dogs in a particular Group, but should state which is applicable.

If Open, then it is open to any breed.