Re: The Dog Whisperer

On Fri, 14 Jul 2006 12:32:49 GMT, Amy Dahl <amy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Handsome Jack Morrison wrote:

Do you think it's generally a good idea to pass on the genes of a
bitch who is "never able to carry more than two pups"? And couldn't
her "nutritional issues" be espressed in other potentially negative
ways, too?

My take on this: I don't like absolute culling standards. If an animal
excels in several areas, I'm willing to take a risk on carrying on a
significant flaw (if it isn't temperament).

Well, we'll have to agree to disagree then. Health is always
paramount with me.

Especially in a breed with a gene pool as large as the Labrador's.

Other breeds (maybe the Elkhound is one), with a much smaller gene
pool, may need to take more chances.

Some things are just non-negotiable with me.

Furthermore, when there is doubt as to whether a flaw is hereditary
and not environmental, it would be wasteful to throw away the generations
of work leading to one's current "best brood bitch." If the problem
continues in the next generation, one can cashier the line at that time,
with better information--again if the problem outweighs the merit
accumulated (we hope) in the line.

The "problem" we're talking about was repeated three times, using
three different dogs.

Once would have been enough for me, especially with the Lab.

Maybe twice, with a breed with a smaller gene pool.

But never a third attempt.

Anyway, that's my opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

PS: I'm very happy to hear that things seem to be working out for your
bitch and her pups!

--
Handsome Jack Morrison

Scientists Question Nature's Fundamental Laws...oh noooooo!
"If this principle is broken, then two objects dropped in a gravitational field
should fall at slightly different rates. Moreover, Einstein's gravitational theory
'general relativity' would no longer be completely correct, Martins says."
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060711_science_tuesday.html

Florida. Almost no restrictions on firearms. Crime rate lowest since '71.
http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2006/07/florida_crime_r.php

Washington, D.C. Total ban on firearms. City declares crime emergency!
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2006-07-12-dc-crime_x.htm

QED.
.

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