[nagdu] choosing a particular breed and reasons why?

[Tracy Carcione]

I really don't agree with Raven's characterization of labs.  I've had 5, so
I have some experience.  None of them has been goofy.  None of them have
been wildly energetic or bouncing off the walls.  All of them were perfectly
happy to flop down in my office and sleep most of the day.  All of them have
been serious workers.  Only one was particularly "stubborn", but I'd call it
self-confident.  She knew she was right, and she usually was.  When she
wasn't, she could be persuaded to reconsider. I really value this trait.
Sometimes I make mistakes, and I want a dog who will stand up to me and say
I'm wrong.
A couple of my labs were a bit sniffy, or looked for food, but it could be
controlled.
My current dog is a cross.  I attribute his energy and eagerness to carry
things, as well as his extreme cautiousness, even hesitancy,  to his golden
side.  But I've never had a pure golden, just known a few.  
Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Raven Tolliver
via nagdu
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 8:06 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] choosing a particular breed and reasons why?

Um, ... ... yes!
And just a disclaimer for the lab-lovers, sorry. What I'm about to say is
probably heresy, and may be on the offensive side.
I myself put in an order for a golden retriever. I requested that breed
because through my experiences, I feel that golden retrievers have chosen
me.
I practically grew up with Leader Dogs in my backyard, and frequently saw
their pups in training, and attended several of their seminars and programs
over the years.
The first guide dog in training I ever saw was a 3-month-old golden
retriever when I was 8. I adored how sweet, calm, and collected she was.
In my teenage years, I took walks with their dogs a couple different times,
and both dogs were golden retrievers. I was impressed with how focused and
observant they were, and how they looked to their handlers for direction.
In addition, whenever I visited friends who had golden retrievers, I was
instantly won over by the golden's gentle nature, down-to-earth personality,
and level of obedience.
I have come to understand the nature of golden retrievers, and have realized
how my nature aligns with that of a golden. Like a golden retriever, I am
very sensitive, extremely loyal, gentle-natured, low to moderately
energetic, and I take my work seriously.
I will always choose golden retrievers over other breeds because of their
energy level, work ethic, easy handling, and because I need a dog who can
weather harsh winters without additional covering.
I feel that other breeds are typically higher energy than golden retrievers,
such as German shepherds and labs, and tend to get into trouble with a lot
of down time. Also, some breeds have higher levels of distractibility
compared to goldens. I do not want to work a labrador or a lab/golden cross
simply because they are notorious for scavenging and excessive sniffing.
Sometimes, nothing matters more to them than food. No, I don't want that
dog.
Goldens are typically easy to handle. There is no need for harsh leash
corrections, not that there is with any dog, and they respond very well to
voice commands. Also, goldens take you seriously, whereas labs tend to be
goofy, and retain many puppyish qualities into adulthood. I have seen too
many labs who think everything is a game. It's time to leave, so they pick
up a toy. You pick up their harness, and they run away from you. You call
them, and they don't come, but they're sitting in a corner and wagging their
tail. Labs are also extremely quirky creatures. I'm talking strange behavior
that makes no sense at all.
Some people think it's cute and funny. I am not any of those people.
I understand some of this has to do with a dog's personality, individual
handling skills, consistency, and training maintenance, but some breeds are
more prone to certain undesirable behaviors and unsuitable qualities in my
opinion.
I also understand I have dedicated my  life to a breed that is the
posterchild of allergies and death by cancer. This is why I have committed
my life to natural health and a holistic approach to caring for my dog.
And for the record, I don't hate labs, I just don't want to ever work one.
In my experience with dog training, black labs are some of the most stubborn
creatures, especially females. I have gone to observe and interact with
other dog trainers in obedience classes, and even they agreed.
No doubt, all guide dogs must be stubborn to some extent, but there's a time
and a place for that trait, and some dogs don't seem to gain an
understanding of when and where it's appropriate.
--
Raven
You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you have or
what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 3/20/15, Pam via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> so just wondering if any of u chose a particular breed as a guide dog 
> and your reasons why? i didn't mind what breed i got as long as it 
> suited my needs but i was told i would b getting a sensitive dog. i 
> know a couple of people who always go for shepherds so they usually 
> have to wait a bit longer for a new dog when the time comes.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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