[nagdu] choosing a school

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi AnnaLisa.
I had very similar questions when I was getting dogs from GDB, especially
before they changed their ownership contract to be more genuine ownership
instead of a sham.
For me, I'm afraid practicality trumps philosophy most of the time.  I was
happy with the training, and with the dogs I was getting, and with the
relationship I had with the school.  With GDB, it seemed to me that the
higher-ups who make policy had a more custodial attitude than the people I
worked with when I had a problem or needed training, though occasionally
I'd come across a trainer with some silly ideas.
When I decided to switch to TSE, the ownership policy did have something
to do with it, and the attitude it arises from--that we are adults who can
manage our own affairs.  But there were also lots of practical
considerations that tipped the balance, like not having to fly across the
country, and training in my local area.

Which is a long-winded way of saying that I hear where you're coming from.
 If Leader works for you, and you're happy, mostly, I'd call that good
enough.  But only you can decide how much philosophical issues bother you,
and whether voicing your objections is enough.  I don't agree with
everything the NFB says and does, either, but, so far, making my
objections known has been enough for me.
Tracy


> Hi Steve and all,
>
> Steve, I hear ya.  I have had two wonderful dogs from LD, and I have
> established a good relationship with them over the years.  I have also
> made
> so many friends from there, handlers and raisers, it would be pretty
> painful
> for me to break ties with the school over ownership.  Part of me feels as
> if
> I would be betraying them, not the school so much, but the people there
> and
> the good friends I have made.  Not to mention the hassle of applying to
> another school and being put on a waiting list for who knows how long...
> But Sunny is almost 8 years old, so I am being forced to think about it
> more.  She is not ready for retirement yet, but who knows how much longer
> she has, a year, two years, three?  If I did decide to make the switch,
> how
> soon would I have to think of starting the application process?  I really
> strongly disagree with the ownership policy, but there are so many other
> positive things the school has done, and is doing to improve things, such
> as
> the Trekker program, the accelerated mobility program, the wonderful new
> dorm they built a few years ago, reducing class sizes etc., I just don't
> know whether ownership is a big enough deal to me to switch schools.  And
> I
> ask myself, by not switching schools with the current policy as it is now,
> am I only helping to perpetuate this paternalistic policy?  I know what
> Marion would say, a definite and resounding yes! <smile>  On the one hand,
> would it be better for me to stay there and voice my strong objection and
> maybe by doing so try to change things, or on the other hand, would it be
> better for me to leave and tell them why I am choosing not to go there
> again?  I truly am doing a lot of soul searching about this, and I want to
> hear from you on this list because you can be more objective.  It would be
> great to hear from anyone but especially other LD grads on this.  Of
> course
> I know in the long run, the decision is mine, but I value your opinions as
> well and want to hear from all sides of the issue to help me decide.
>
> Thanks.
>
> AnnaLisa and Sundance
>
>
>
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