Independent Rottweiler Klubs - Sieger style/Working

[poohbearsmom]

Anyone here been involved in the forming of one? Any advice ?

Anyone interested in joining one in the S.E. region (FL/GA/AL/SC) ????

[spoteet]

We are looking at starting one here in Knoxville. I had not heard of them until this past weekend. All the Rottie people around here have been trying to get some kind of club started for a while now and I think we've settled on the independent kind.

[sophie's-mom]

E, I'd be interested in finding out more about this.

Keep me posted.

[BostonRott]

Independant clubs are popping up for many reasons:

a) less rules to follow
b) no bad reputations associated with parent clubs
c) if you put on your own show,wine/dine the judge, it's easier for your dogs to win
d) people who don't like how you run it have no governing body to complain to ........ you can do whatever you wish (i.e. have your husband be the helper for the breed test).

Not saying that all that I've listed above is particularly "nice" or "pretty" but it's fairly well the truth. Many who have formed independant clubs either don't play well with others, or are fed up with the parent club's BS.

Many of them are a good time, but just be aware that their not as "innocent and politik free" as you might think.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by BostonRott

Independant clubs are popping up for many reasons:

a) less rules to follow
b) no bad reputations associated with parent clubs
c) if you put on your own show,wine/dine the judge, it's easier for your dogs to win
d) people who don't like how you run it have no governing body to complain to ........ you can do whatever you wish (i.e. have your husband be the helper for the breed test).

Not saying that all that I've listed above is particularly "nice" or "pretty" but it's fairly well the truth. Many who have formed independant clubs either don't play well with others, or are fed up with the parent club's BS.

Many of them are a good time, but just be aware that their not as "innocent and politik free" as you might think.

Thanks for your candor, Gretch... I can always rely on that, and you're absolutely right. LOL

Yes, there are ups and downs to the Independent Klubs, just as there are if one continues on only with existing clubs...and there are sure to be "politiks" practiced by the same folks who've always practiced it, regardless of club affilitation... However, it's getting a little frustrating to watch the "parent" clubs, and more importantly, the local clubs lose steam... I'm relatively new to all of this - and as some of you know, I'm not one to bitch and not offer a solution...

Being one to prefer the Sieger style shows over the AKC style, there are less and less shows within a reasonable travel distance as time goes by, I was dabbling with the idea of getting a group together....

Nice input, Gretchen, Thanks!

[EliDogInTraining]

There are always going to be politics involved at some point unless you start a club with only one member, yourself. Too add to what Gretchen stated, the indies just don't quite carry the meaning of say an AKC specialty club or USRC club. IMO starting an indie club is only diluting the possible membership base even further. If your local club is losing steam try helping infuse it with some new blood. If they aren't receptive start another USRC club. At least you keep the membership base within the same organization. Nothing in the by-laws that say you can't have two clubs in the same area. Not to mention it's a whole lot easier than trying to get an AKC club off the ground.

[Zephir]

Poobearsmom,

I'm up for helping to start a club. I would prefer a USRC club, but would be willing to help with either USRC or independant as I prefer sieger style over AKC , also. I'm in Columbus, GA so I am fairly close to Tallahassee. PM me if you want to discuss doing this. We are in the process of starting a schutzhund right now. This should be interesting....

Staci

[laurlitt]

I hope that anyone planning to form a new German Style club will seriously consider forming with USRC. The organization and breed needs the support of the community to remain (or get back on the path of being) a strong organization. USRC has the architecture behind the organization that will allow for a successful forming of new clubs and has the registry, breed programs, award systems, etc. to back it up. USRC offers local, regional, and national events that needs the support of members through-out the country.

Just like it is important to stick to one breed standard it is important to stick with one organization to bring our breed into the next decade or more :)

If you'd like more information about forming a club in your region you can contact the appropriate Regional and/or Assistant Regional Director for your region. Their emails can be found at USRC Contacts.

Also, I would be willing to help out with any questions/support of forming a new club. I have recently (2003) formed a new club in Southern CA and planned two successful conformation shows. You can find general information on forming a USRC club at Forming USRC Club

Feel free to PM me with any questions.

[poohbearsmom]

Very good points, all.... Lots of food for thought to digest....

Any more good/bad/ugly to share? Bring it on....

[stevenc]

Originally Posted by poohbearsmom

Very good points, all.... Lots of food for thought to digest....

Any more good/bad/ugly to share? Bring it on....

Hey Elizabeth! Are you looking for just conformation or both working and conformation? My understanding of a Independent show is just conformation by a guest judge. Maybe ad/bh but no working venues. Since USRC does not allow AKC dogs to be siegers this is an alternative for these nice dogs that do not wish to have working titles. I find it funny how negative folks think if you have a show and take the judge around that your dogs wins. That seems to be a judge problem and not a club problem. Hell took a judge out to dinner and drove him all around in Florida and he DQ our dog. I think independent shows have merit. Have we forgotten that the shows are suppose to be for fun?

[work-n-show]

Originally Posted by stevenc

Since USRC does not allow AKC dogs to be siegers this is an alternative for these nice dogs that do not wish to have working titles.... I think independent shows have merit. Have we forgotten that the shows are suppose to be for fun?

Hey Steven, the USRC also has a "select" title which is awarded to the most beautiful dog not eligible for Sieger.

Also, I'm not sure what you mean by AKC dog. Care to share your definition?

[Judi W]

The thing to consider is after you all have done all of your training - any trial or show you want to sponsor without an affiliation is no more than a practice match. Not much return for all the work put in

[stevenc]

Originally Posted by work-n-show

Hey Steven, the USRC also has a "select" title which is awarded to the most beautiful dog not eligible for Sieger.

Also, I'm not sure what you mean by AKC dog. Care to share your definition?

Let's be honest. Sieger/siegerin title is the most prestigious title that the usrc offers at a show. The "select" title is a consellation prize. IMO a conformation show should not discriminate against a non-working dog. The best dog at the show should win. I am sorry I used AKC because the dog may or may not be an AKC dog. Hence, this is why I like the idea of an independent show!

[stevenc]

Originally Posted by Judi W

The thing to consider is after you all have done all of your training - any trial or show you want to sponsor without an affiliation is no more than a practice match. Not much return for all the work put in

I hate to disagree with Judy W but if you have an ADRK judge at your show and you receive a great critique why would this be a waste of time? When you breed dogs and show dogs and you have a very good critique from an adrk judge I would think this plays into peoples decision somewhat. Just my opinion.

[stevenc]

Originally Posted by work-n-show

Hey Steven, the USRC also has a "select" title which is awarded to the most beautiful dog not eligible for Sieger.

Also, I'm not sure what you mean by AKC dog. Care to share your definition?

Not as prestigious as seiger and I believe that if you have a conformation show that it should be based on looks like the German do at the adrk.