BrendaMNgri
Loving the herd life
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2016
- Messages
- 133
- Reaction score
- 196
- Points
- 133
- Location
- The Big Out There, Northern Nevadaa
I am reading some good things in this thread here today, and I am glad for it. @Skiesblue no offense taken at all. I do wonder why so many people put trust in a cross of non-LGD with LGD because they do result in unpredictable dogs that may = MAY= or may not, work out like you would hope. It takes ten times the patience and time and training typically, with a rescue dog. I agree with @Ridgetop as well in her well put post, it takes someone with huge patience and hope to rescue LGDs and the risk is high. It does look like you've had better luck than worse, @Skiesblue and you are to be commended for that.
@Ridgetop I too have pretty much stopped breeding my dogs. Most of it from old age (my own LOL and my dogs, many of whom are past the breeding age now) - plus many twists and turns that are part of the risk factor when you try to breed anything. I've had enough bad luck to fill a swimming pool, but I keep picking myself up and trudging on. I don't like what I see going on in the LGD world where too many people don't seem content just to responsibly own and use them, no, they think they have to breed them, too. Thus many LGD breeds are being ruined in this country by fad breeders, irresponsible breeders, people who use the dogs for social status and gain. I could go on and on but I'll spare you. I know others see it too and know what I'm talking about.
I care too much about my dogs. I expect customers to keep in touch and when they won't, it rankles me something bad. I don't have to worry about that right now. I'm hunkered down on my ranch all summer starving to death more or less on my retirement and pushing to get my LGD book done and published and out there for folks to read. I see more people who need the use and understanding advice more than puppies, frankly. That's where my energy is going. The book will be remembered far longer than any puppy I put out.
I think so much of what makes for success with these dogs - hell, with livestock too - is being able to admit when you screwed up or did wrong, take that step back, and try Plan B. And not think its the end of the world, but "empty your cup" so you can fill it again with new knowledge, maybe better knowledge, and keep on trying.
@Ridgetop I too have pretty much stopped breeding my dogs. Most of it from old age (my own LOL and my dogs, many of whom are past the breeding age now) - plus many twists and turns that are part of the risk factor when you try to breed anything. I've had enough bad luck to fill a swimming pool, but I keep picking myself up and trudging on. I don't like what I see going on in the LGD world where too many people don't seem content just to responsibly own and use them, no, they think they have to breed them, too. Thus many LGD breeds are being ruined in this country by fad breeders, irresponsible breeders, people who use the dogs for social status and gain. I could go on and on but I'll spare you. I know others see it too and know what I'm talking about.
I care too much about my dogs. I expect customers to keep in touch and when they won't, it rankles me something bad. I don't have to worry about that right now. I'm hunkered down on my ranch all summer starving to death more or less on my retirement and pushing to get my LGD book done and published and out there for folks to read. I see more people who need the use and understanding advice more than puppies, frankly. That's where my energy is going. The book will be remembered far longer than any puppy I put out.
I think so much of what makes for success with these dogs - hell, with livestock too - is being able to admit when you screwed up or did wrong, take that step back, and try Plan B. And not think its the end of the world, but "empty your cup" so you can fill it again with new knowledge, maybe better knowledge, and keep on trying.
