Plans for the Future...

[Written in early '07, before I found out about the available kennel that now is home to Wow Take A Bow]

I don't know if I'll ever decide what I want to do when I grow up, but here is a jumble of a few of my ideas. Some are mainly hobbies that would need a paying job as well.

~~~

I would really like to eventually breed Standard Poodles. I want to see the breed maintain their versatile abilities in mind and body, yet still win in the show ring. I know it is possible, but the vast majority are losing various traits in one area while gaining (or just stabilizing) in another. A Poodle should be an all-around dog capable and willing of just about anything!
I also believe that health testing is imperative and a litter should never be bred without all reasonable precautions taken, and risks weighed.

The physical traits that I prefer are of a more 'moderate' build - thicker bones with great muscle tone, strongly angled/balanced front and rear, short loin, tight feet, strong head with ample jaw. I also like a slightly smaller size than the average - 22-25", 45-55 lbs. These qualities contribute to a capable athlete whose body will hold-up for years of activity.
I got Charlie for Junior Showmanship and started conformation as well because Jrs tends to be free as a 2nd class, and I'd have double ring experience. As I've gotten older and spent more time thinking about all the things I'd like to do with him and Poodles in general, I've realized that Charlie has many of the characteristics that I'm looking for. If he passes his health tests he may become my first stud.

As I have experienced at college, early puppy training stays with the dog forever even if never practised. I will certainly be starting training sessions around 3 1/2 weeks when the puppies start making conscious decisions.

If I decide to become an assistance dog trainer and use my Poodles in the program, I (or foster homes) can keep and socialize all puppies until they are old enough to be evaluated for health/conformation, then keep the best show/performance prospects for my breeding program as my pets and competition dogs. The dogs that are not kept can be placed as assistance dogs if their temperaments are appropriate. The few who don't make it would have had extensive training/socialization and should find pet or social/therapy homes easily.

Unfortunately, the demand for assistance dogs is rising steadily as wounded soldiers return home, autism is diagnosed in children, polio survivors suddenly get post-polio, accidents occur... there is no end in sight for potential clients to stop applying for dogs. People with MS and other progressive disabilities can't wait 2 years - if they are to recieve a dog it needs to be NOW! To handle a new dog they need a certain amount of strength and endurance; once that is established the dog will adapt with them as they progress.
The shorter a waiting list can be made, the better for everyone. That is why assistance dog organizations should work in cooperation rather than 'competing'. The reason each was started was to provide dogs to people who would benefit from the assistance - there is no reason to stop clients from getting that help!

Interests
Hobbies: Conformation, agility, rally, therapy, hunt tests (?), breeding Standard Poodles capable of all the above activities as well as good health (obviously). Helping a dog 4-H group. Becoming involved in Search And Rescue. Developing a yo-yo/juggling routine incorporating my dogs.
Careers: Assistance dog trainer, small-scale grooming/boarding/dog-walking business, show biz dog/cat trainer


Home / Charlie / Max / About Me / Photo Album / Links