The saddest thing about owning dogs is when we have to say goodbye, although they never really leave us. Living to a ripe old age they are no longer just a dog but are our trusted friends. Over the years they have given their all to be our companions and workmates. Many bring awards in work and show and many bring comfort by walking beside us. We have all had these special dogs. I am sad to say that we now say goodbye to another very special dog – Full Champion Penrose Jump Ship, by Cheslook Onslow (2 CCs) out of SH CH Penrose Old Money. An excellent worker and prolific show winner with 6 CCs, 3 Res CCs (some of these were won when there was the single CC system). She was always in the shadow of her litter brother and breed record holder Full CH & SWE CH Penrose Jack Tar. She just made it to 15 years old and was the remaining dog from her litter. Ship produced 4 litters, with many of her offspring exported, 3 to America; 3 to Holland; 1 to Belgium and 1 to Switzerland. Most of her offspring that stayed in the UK went to working homes.
Will the Animal Welfare bill stop the smuggling of puppies? I doubt it, and so do a few other people that I have spoken to. A nation of dog lovers and like most people I feel affected and somewhat annoyed when I see and hear of puppies bred purely for financial gain. Often, we are told, in appalling conditions. I have seen puppies for sale in the bustling markets of Bangkok, which I found terribly upsetting. Even worse was seeing live dogs in chicken crates being transported as food in Vietnam. The worst image, which I will never forget, is that of a yellow Labrador bitch kept in a windowless cowshed with nothing except a floor covered in dry dog excrement, tucked up against a wall she was nestling her 9 new Doodle puppies, 8 were dead. This was not in Eastern Europe, Bangkok or Vietnam but just 2 miles away from my home, the owner was prosecuted and went to jail. These people or people like them will keep on breeding as long as they can make money.
In the UK there are two types of breeder, those that breed under the radar which usually produce crossbreeds. The second are the KC registered breeders. Because our puppies go on a register with all the details and information, we are the ones that pay the highest price to produce the best quality. Most of us specialise in one breed and regardless of which breed it is much thought is put into the selection of a mating. In Chesapeakes all of our new bloodlines will come directly or indirectly from America. If puppies are now to be over 6 months old before that can be imported who, I ask, will be able to import new bloodlines to expand the genetic pool. Together with the ever increasing regulations and health tests required, failing any one may mean the loss of use or restricted use of that dog for breeding purposes. Chesapeakes have been declining in numbers in the UK, there are very few breeders who breed more than 1 litter per year, with some only breeding every 3 or 4 years. There are no Chesapeakes with Field Trial awards anymore and very few if any with any A/V working test awards. The CBRC run 2 Club working tests and a gundog working certificate, they run 5 shows.
More and more I am hearing that Chesapeakes are losing the interest of the working fraternity. There are very few working kennels that show but more show kennels that work. The gene pool is not big and will decrease, especially if you wish to avoid health problems etc. The government instead of clamping down on all breeders of dogs it would be more beneficial to all if the numerically small breeds or those breeds on the at risk register were given more leeway to sustain their breed.
The other grievance I have is the restriction on the number of dogs you can travel into the UK with. I sent the article to Helen Meuser in Germany, I thought it best to give her advance notice. Helen and two other girls travelled together to Crufts, between them they had 6 dogs. This means next year one will have to be left at home or they will need two vehicles. There will also be the courier companies who criss-cross the channel on a regular basis. I only used them once and that time there was only 3 dogs in the vehicle. I remember being at the pet centre at Calais pulling up alongside a very large white van, which contained over 20 different breeds of dog which had all come from rescue kennels in Spain and were being delivered to their new owners in the UK.
I have imported and exported Chesapeakes every which way except by sailing the Atlantic. There is no cheap way, but there are ways that are not as expensive as others. The big expense is going to be finding the breeder or a friend who will kennel and look after your new puppy until it is 6 months old. The last time I was quoted kennelling by a breeder it was $39 per day, that was 15 years ago.
Last weekend I started with my one-to-one TUF training – therapy, understanding, fun. A couple had spent a lot of money on a canine behaviourist, but were unhappy and still struggling with their dog. Any gundog trainer worth their salt will know as soon as the owner’s car door opens who is in charge! As soon as they arrived and opened the door both owners held the lead, neither wanting to let go as the dog pushed past to come out. This was a new one on me, the dog was great – intelligent, athletic, with a happy temperament, but he was confused and had no leadership. All they needed was to understand to learn to read their dog, to know what the dog needed and how to get it. The best way to help people is to show them what they are doing, so we did simple up and down heelwork, I videoed him, her and then they did me, all doing the same exercise with the dog. Watching it was their wakeup call. She loved the dog but had no control, he had stern control but showed no affection. We then did the stay in the same place exercise, I never mind if a dog sits, lies down or rolls over as long as it submits and relaxes. This took a long time as the dog was confused having two handlers, both of who want to work with the same dog. We got there in the end and they both realise they have a lot of work to do and the dog has a lot to put up with. I am pleased to say they all drove off happier than when they arrived.
Janet Morris
01873 880271
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com