crufts - heelwork to music

[bednobs]

sorry to offend anyone, but does anyone else find it creepy? I can see the dogs do a really good job, but dogs arent meant to get on their hind legs and dance!
at least with showing and sports, you can see they really enjoy it but i can't see it here!

[NazNomad]

I find the whole of Crufts very distasteful. They're not dog-lovers, IMO

[ladybirder]

Totally agree Naz.

[NazNomad]

They don't show you the ''hours spent caged-up out the back'' scenes, so they?

[ladybirder]

It's for the "glory" of the owner.

[NazNomad]

... and the money they can make from future breeding.

[lankeela]

Not even going to bother trying to explain - you have no idea have you?

[bednobs]

me?

[NazNomad]

Yes, I do have an idea, I've been behind the scenes at Crufts, tyvm.

[wildwood]

I do sympathise with your opinion Maz/ladybird,but you have probably formed this on your knowledge on the 'puppy farms' where the Vet hardly (if ever) visits and the welfare of the dogs is not first and foremost..

There is nothing wrong with making money from animals, as long as they are treated ok. From the leather for your shoes to the sausages for the BBQ, it all comes from a money making enterprise.
As far as dogs are concerned, there would be very few dog breeders who make money from breeding pedigree dogs. The Vet fees alone to see a successful pregnancy/litter through to saleable age would leave very little profit. The sole reason to breed is to try to have a dog that is as close to the showing standard as possible. A mishandled dog will not 'show' itself so their wellbeing before showing is paramount.

I've no interest in showing dogs myself because I (used to) move around a lot. I do like all dogs though, but dislike some of their owners.

[NazNomad]

I based it not on puppy farms, but on Crufts.

I used to breed Rotties, but I'd never subject one to the horror that is Crufts.

[jules77]

Caged up behind the scenes, not dog lovers?? What a load of rubbish.

[jules77]

Oh forgot to mention, I love watching heelwork to music.

[kita1]

"They don't show you the ''hours spent caged-up out the back'' scenes, so they?"


The dogs are on show all the time at Crufts (and other shows), members of the public can walk freely round the benches where the dogs are kept when they are not in the show ring. The only time you cannot see them is when they leave the NEC and go home.

The only reason they don't show it on TV is because it would be pretty boring watching dogs sleep!!!

As for it being for the owners 'glory' I am sure there is a lot of 'glory' traveling for 3/4 hours or more in a car with only a dog as company, going into the hall, spending hours on grooming your dog and giving him attention so that he is happy and content, making sure his every need is catered for (including toilet), then spending 15 mins. in the ring - only to come away with nothing because you did not win. Then still think that you came home with the best dog in the world.

I am sure the dogs would rather spend Saturday afternoon bored out of their minds being forced to sleep in their beds whilst their owners are out shopping or watching the football on TV!!

[B00]

I don't really have an opinion either way, but this made me ponder....

"As for it being for the owners 'glory' I am sure there is a lot of 'glory' traveling for 3/4 hours or more in a car with only a dog as company, going into the hall, spending hours on grooming your dog and giving him attention so that he is happy and content, making sure his every need is catered for (including toilet), then spending 15 mins. in the ring - only to come away with nothing because you did not win. Then still think that you came home with the best dog in the world. "

So why do it at all then?

[jules77]

Because its a hobby Boo, the dogs enjoy it, and the owners get to spend the day with their dogs and likeminded people. I wouldnt travel 5 mins to go and sit in the cold and watch a football match, but people do, and pay a fare wack for the privelege. Each to their own.