this just amazed me

[Jac]

Good morning, Meredith. Thank you for taking the time and thought necessary to put together a potential plan to help breeders.
I don't know how things operate in other countries, but in the US this type of plan would not be feasible...the initial difficulty is that each state is divided into counties and each county (even each city) adopts their own set of rules regarding business activity, including dog breeding. In addition, they have local and county animal control laws that differ a great deal from place to place...therefore, who would decide and who would regulate such a grand plan? Certainly not the federal government. )
When speaking of an organization, such as ALAA, I believe that they are in a position to endorse a training type of a program, just like they endorse breed standards...but they can't force all breeders to join or even to cooperate...and the biggest problem there is that the board is run by very well meaning and dedicated people, but personal preferences, private business interests, and sometimes power gets in the way of fairness and organization.
I used to belong to many of these organizations until I decided that they were not offering the caliber of service that I hoped for and that they were gaining power over things that I felt they should not be controlling...
Still, your idea has a lot of merit and potential.
I prefer to see training like you mention on a private basis, completely voluntary. With membership and "graduation" from a program like this could come respectability and credibility which can only be garnered from experience and gained knowledge...
I think that you are definately on to something...potentially a world-wide system of responsible breeding...
It is because of caring people like yourself that great programs come about. I hope that you continue to knock on doors and maybe you can start this ball rolling...best wishes to you!

[Doodlesville]

And Thank you Jac for responding to this post , and so very well put
and i am thrilled that you made the choice that you did regarding the organizations, I just quit trying to warn people, its refreshing to see others are now seeing it, ty ty ty

[MerNor]

Hi Jac!

I totally agree that my idea would be unfeasible in the US... it's simply too large with too many dogs and breeders! It may be a pipe dream anywhere! I also think it's probably best if people join any organization voluntarily... otherwise they just find ways around the rules anyway! The one from Germany I heard described is volunteer and it offers the quality seal that you mentioned rather than being obligatory . Apparently most of the breeders in Germany are part of it though

I think things operate very differently in Europe and especially Scandinavia where populations are so much smaller (we have 9 million people in Sweden as opposed to the 350 million you have in the us) and therefor much easier to control. Plus the federal governments already exercise a lot of control over animal care, rights, registration etc. For example we have a nearly insignificant stray population and all dogs must be identified with a chip or tattoo and be legally registered with the government. I think that registration of this sort holds people more accountable to their animals from the get go!

Isn't it tricky to find the balance between developing a system which furthers the well being of dogs and the development of breeds while still respecting breeders rights? I don't think I have any solutions to that one! I know that you breed some beautiful, healthy, lovely dogs that aren't "approved", but you are a responsible, knowledgeable person who is consciously making decisions, taking fabulous care with your animals and who no one could possibly find fault with! I was thinking more along the lines of uneducated people or people who want to chip in but don't have the knowledge or resources to embark on a professional, full scale, breeding program. We don't have a single labradoodle breeder in Sweden! Our Hagrid came from Denmark.. and there is only one in Denmark that I know of! Basically I'm dreaming up a system that would work for me where I live

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me

[Jac]

Meredith, I think that your dream and your system is lovely!
I wish that I could find a way to make it work here...I'd be all for getting it started!
I agree that an organization that teaches responsible breeding practices, that supports the breeders, the customers and the dogs is an ideal that should be in force.
There are a few organizations like that in the US, but there are also so many problems with those particular groups...pity too, because it could be a boon to the dog world!
Another sad disadvantage is that these responsible, trained, member breeders would (rightfully) expect to charge more for their dogs...and there would likely be a market, but there are far too many people in the US relying on back yard breeders and puppy mills to buy a "bargain" Doodle...they don't want to pay extra for the quality that comes from legitamate, concerned breeding programs.
Thankfully, good breeders go the extra mile because they believe it is the right thing to do...they don't do it for profit, but it is still very disheartening to be placed side-by-side against untrained, ill-prepared breeders and then to watch as people make purchases based solely on price, not quality.
I love the way you describe the animal control situation in other countries. In fact, the things you mention have been included in my point of view when I speak against mandatory spay/neuter laws...it seems to me that promoting responsible breeding and responsible pet ownership is the key, not madating sterilization. But...that't another pulpit...