Competition itself is not a bad thing (quite the opposite IMO) and plenty of people enjoy it in a fun manner. But it also often brings out the worst in people - those that are too competitive want to win at all costs and when that happens, the dogs will suffer.

agreed. Most people aren't like that though. And it's not just show people. My Mum used to see a woman who had a BC that did competative obedience. Poor ****** wasn't allowed any time off and wasn't allowed to even sniff the ground. She would turn up at the park, do half and hour's training then take it home. If it dared to put nose to the ground or look in the direction of another dog it would be bellowed at 'YOU ARE WORKING!!!!'

Consequently for years my Mum assumed that all obedience dogs were treated this way. It's the same with show dogs, and breeding dogs, people see a bad example and cling to it.

Thats if it lived with you and you chose to do that. Id not personally want to leave dogs at home all day while I took others to a show, and they be on their own all the time, you may not have a problem with that, I would. A "companion" animal, Id rather the dog have company all the time if possible.

To many yes they are, its also a common word for ones kennel, their "stock" is a common term used.

i hate when people refer to dogs as 'stock'...

Do you? Doesnt really bother me as long as they are cared for.

'stock' i can deal with.... its whan they are called 'it' it bugs me

So to show their love and respect for their dogs, they had better keep all the dogs they no longer show, keep them in kennels because they will have to many, the dogs will probably live a boring life, being left at home in the kennel when they owners are away showing,


But thats better than being re homed to a one to one home where the dog will take on the persona of a "pet" mmmmmm, yep at least this way the owner/breeder can say, I love my dogs!!

You need to realise, ALL dogs are not simply pets to ALL people..it does not make them a worse owner than you or I who looks at them differently.

Infact its rather patronising to take the view, if they dont do as you do, they are not dog lovers

Why ?? what they are referred to does not mean they are not well cared for,.

Does the dog hate being called stock, I doubt it.

Do you hate it when cows or sheep are called stock,, its a name nothing more.

I suppose thats what it really comes down to....when you think of animals as Stock, they are there to do a job for you - be it provide food or income...or fun and prestige in this case, You care for them to the extent that you need them to be fit and healthy and understand what is required of them....but that is as far as it goes......I guess I have issues with dogs being treated this way due to the way the the relationships form between dogs and people.

I guess its not the same for everyone - but the bond with my guys is very deep - it goes much further than them just being there to win prestige or serve the next generation - it is a relationship built on trust and understanding that we both gain from - I just can't imagine wanting to give that up after x number of years, its hard enough that the life span is so much shorter than ours.

Yep, and me,



Exactly, thats the whole point, dogs and any other animal will not mean the same to everyone.

Its not how people see them or for what reasons they keep them, its down to how they are treated.

My dogs are my life, I showed a bit, they are family, I would never part with them.......but, I have no problem understanding the fact others may see them in a different light.

I dont presume, that my way is the only way, and anyone who does it differently is not a "dog lover".