Breeder advice

[anneconroy]

Thanks for your comments -- I luv the term "non herders"!!!

I also believe there are some differences in the bites in MR vs FR -- and that some dogs that are non herders and maybe even herders (GSD's) will have a predisposition to be able to do well in one or the other -- it has to do with the movements the decoy makes -- seems that in FR the decoys are more active --

Any insights on that??

ac

[smccann]

There are several differences between MR and FR but the major one in the bite work is the MR decoy is not allowed to esquive or use stick hits. Although if the dog bites and then lets go in MR the decoy may then esquive. Possibly the esquive is what you have interpreted as being more movement in FR?

Not sure what else it might be because when the dog bites, both MR and FR decoys are taught to move with "lifelike" movements. In comparison NVBK decoys are slower and rhythmic in movement to show case the bite to the judge. MR and FR do not eval grip as NVBK does.

I guess in looking at which dogs might be better suited for FR over MR you could look at that in FR generally the dogs that have fast entries and quick reflex/reaction times do well. Again being smaller and nimble is important so that they can turn quickly and grab the decoy as he/she tries to esquive. Larger dogs with slower reflexes and reaction times don't fair well with esquives. Inertia is a hard thing to stop if you've got a hundred pound dog barreling in on it's quarry! So yes, the smaller more nimble Mals typically win out even over the heavier GDS. That's talking generalities though - there are always dogs that break the mold

I also tend to think of Decoys like artists and they all have their own styles. Maybe you are seeing decoy differences or maybe even differences in the levels?

Comparing Ring sports is an interesting discussion but there are still topics about MR that fuel controversies. I personally really like the sport but like anything it's not for everyone.

All the best,
Sarah

[osirisdobermanns]

Von Hess dogs have been doing good in Ring too..