[nagdu] choosing a particular breed and reasons why?

Sun Mar 22 04:03:37 UTC 2015

I have heard time and time again that breeds cannot be char ratio and I really think, for the most part that is true. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 21, 2015, at 9:31 AM, Tracy Carcione via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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