TRANSPORTATION

In the area of transportation we are setting ourseves up for AR attacks if we engage in practices that preclude dogs being able to relieve themselves out side of the shipping crate.   The significant problem areas here are shipping and transporting great distances such as hauling to Canada.  On the latter there is also the issue of comfortable temperature.

Since 911 air shipping is even more difficult because of the long wait times.  All it takes is one isolated bad incident and the wrong kind of publicity, and you know what happens. If we don’t behave rsponsibly here
there will be laws forthcoming........
HOUSING AND KENNELING

Hunting dogs are not cage animals and treating them as cage animals presents a target for the antis.  A kennel that is too small is a nothng more than a cage.  This entire area is very subjective and what might be satisfactory in one circumstance may not be staisfactory in another.  Because of that government regulations regarding area and size may be completely off-target.  For example, what is appropriate on field trial grounds might be very inappropriate for year-round living for a dog. What is appropriate for one owner who gives his dogs plenty free time out of a kennel might be inappropriate for the owner whose dogs leave the kennel only for training, workout or trials. 

Perhaps a major problem in this area is the most important criterion which is used to make kennel construction decisions.   Too often it is owner convenience rather than the well being of the dog.  If you consider your convenience over the well being of the dog, then you should not have the dog because it is your actions that contribute to the movement toward more government regulation.   An economical alternative to kennels and pens which is far superior to kennels is tethering. This can be either by stake or cable with a chain attached to a pulley (the latter being preferable).   Both provide opportunity for digging, a natural endeavor for digs’ cable also privides a chance for some running.   There are some  proposed very nonsensible rules about both of these.


 conclusions and desired action regarding above remarks about breeding practices.

Bottom line is simple on this: either you support the above or you don't!   If you support the above then you should take action toward self regulation, encourage others to, and at the same time vigorously oppose government regulations in this area, which in many cases are self inflicted by irresponsible dog ownership.   If you do not support the above then then you are part of the problem  which makes you a contributor to weaponry used by those who want to legislate, in some case, to end the breeding of dogs by individuals.   It is you, those without self responsibilty, who should be regulated out of dog breeding! 

 Let's eliminate the need for government regulation!
To be continued... the next segment will address treatment of dogs at field trials including scheduling of trials.