Testing
Hedden's CWE Buddy Roe
"Great working dogs are bred from because they can work, which proves they are workable." Onstott
There is no formal test to determine the usefullness and abilities of the OWE and BBs, as they are put to the test of reality 24/7. There is no substitute like the daily life of the OWE and BBs, where anything can and does happen. It is the firm opinion of the OWEPS that Sch/PP should be heavily regulated and monitored; not meant for pets or pet owners, but for law enforcement or military use only. They are trained to attack and release on command. This is an attack dog, not a guard dog that you leave your children with. Stability has to be bred in, it CAN NEVER be taught.
The OWE is a true working dog for the very reason of its inheritance as a child's play-toy and babysitter, and foremost as a guard dog. The most important ingredient of the OWE is their temperament, without which there is no OWE. There are examples where some modern 'WEB' have accomplished levels of competitive obedience and agility, while others have earned titles in competitive hog catching while others have become temperament tested by passing a test for confidence, stability and defense. However, to truly exemplify the aspect of the OWE, one should observe their skills guarding cattle or other farm livestock, as this is what defines them.
"No occasion has yet occurred for testing the usefulness of the dogs brought from Cuba. It is still believed, however, that they may be used with effect; and why should they not be used? If robbers and assassins assail us, may we not defend our property and our lives even with bloodhounds? Shall we look upon our ruined dwellings - upon the mangled bodies of men, women and children, and then meekly say, 'the poor Indians have done this - we must be merciful and humane to them - we will not set our dogs upon them - oh, no! That would be more horrible than these butcheries.' Those who are safe from Indian alarms, in distant cities and peaceful lands, may indulge in gentle strains of humanity and brotherly love; were they dwellers in the log cabins of Florida, they would attune their notes to harsher measures." Florida Governor Reid, Letter to US Legislature (circa 1840)
Dwellers of the rural south know and understand this concept well and are very familiar with these 'harsher measures' as this is the life of the rural southerner; harsh; where the only test of their OWE or BBs is the duties of daily life. The OWE and BBs were and always have been a "country dog", or Canes Rustici. “Caius gives a very appropriate name for the group,' (alaunt/mastiff), 'when he classifies them as “Canes Rustici”, dogs of the country – country dogs. ..” Watson 1906.
There is no formal test for the work of the farm dog other than being a successful farm dog.
There is no formal test to determine the usefullness and abilities of the OWE and BBs, as they are put to the test of reality 24/7. There is no substitute like the daily life of the OWE and BBs, where anything can and does happen. It is the firm opinion of the OWEPS that Sch/PP should be heavily regulated and monitored; not meant for pets or pet owners, but for law enforcement or military use only. They are trained to attack and release on command. This is an attack dog, not a guard dog that you leave your children with. Stability has to be bred in, it CAN NEVER be taught.
The OWE is a true working dog for the very reason of its inheritance as a child's play-toy and babysitter, and foremost as a guard dog. The most important ingredient of the OWE is their temperament, without which there is no OWE. There are examples where some modern 'WEB' have accomplished levels of competitive obedience and agility, while others have earned titles in competitive hog catching while others have become temperament tested by passing a test for confidence, stability and defense. However, to truly exemplify the aspect of the OWE, one should observe their skills guarding cattle or other farm livestock, as this is what defines them.
"No occasion has yet occurred for testing the usefulness of the dogs brought from Cuba. It is still believed, however, that they may be used with effect; and why should they not be used? If robbers and assassins assail us, may we not defend our property and our lives even with bloodhounds? Shall we look upon our ruined dwellings - upon the mangled bodies of men, women and children, and then meekly say, 'the poor Indians have done this - we must be merciful and humane to them - we will not set our dogs upon them - oh, no! That would be more horrible than these butcheries.' Those who are safe from Indian alarms, in distant cities and peaceful lands, may indulge in gentle strains of humanity and brotherly love; were they dwellers in the log cabins of Florida, they would attune their notes to harsher measures." Florida Governor Reid, Letter to US Legislature (circa 1840)
Dwellers of the rural south know and understand this concept well and are very familiar with these 'harsher measures' as this is the life of the rural southerner; harsh; where the only test of their OWE or BBs is the duties of daily life. The OWE and BBs were and always have been a "country dog", or Canes Rustici. “Caius gives a very appropriate name for the group,' (alaunt/mastiff), 'when he classifies them as “Canes Rustici”, dogs of the country – country dogs. ..” Watson 1906.
There is no formal test for the work of the farm dog other than being a successful farm dog.
Working Dogs?
The term 'working dog' has come to define a multitude of breeds and types today. However, when we look at what these 'working dogs' are doing, many are left with a false impression of what 'work' actually is for these dogs. In the modern sense of the term, it defines a dog that is used in a variety of staged events and competitions such as agility, obedience, Schutzhund, tug of war, racing or dock diving to name a few. Many enthusiasts are quick to argue that their chosen field is in fact work and as such, they have a true working dog.
However, those who do not compete with their stock in any such events, using them only as they have been used historically, will argue that the competitor's 'working dogs' are no more than a sporting dog bred only to perform in competition.
Defining a working dog depends on which background you come from, in which camp do you stand. The OWEPS defines a working dog as one that earns it's keep on the farm as a successful farm dog; the only test of the farm dog. The prefix 'working' is redundant in a breed or type that has historically been bred and utilized as such.
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However, those who do not compete with their stock in any such events, using them only as they have been used historically, will argue that the competitor's 'working dogs' are no more than a sporting dog bred only to perform in competition.
Defining a working dog depends on which background you come from, in which camp do you stand. The OWEPS defines a working dog as one that earns it's keep on the farm as a successful farm dog; the only test of the farm dog. The prefix 'working' is redundant in a breed or type that has historically been bred and utilized as such.
©All Right Reserved
