From Tim Burke

Hello,

The proposed by-law changes state nothing about where you can show or trial. That may also be discussed but it is a separate issue from what Johannes has stated in his proposed bylaw. I do know that to show at the WDA Sieger show you must be a WDA member.

I must admit that I had the same initial feeling that many have expressed “I live in America so don’t tell me what I can and can’t do!”. But after thinking it through and hearing some of the reasons for this proposal I can understand why this discussion needs to take place. I would like to point out why there are reasons to at least consider why this has been raised and ask that you evaluate the pros and cons of both sides and make an informed decision based on facts and not passionate internet rants.

Let’s consider for a moment what might happen in a typical competitive business situation. Two businesses are in competition with each other, both offer a similar product and both compete for the same customer. One business is older, more established, and much larger than the other. In business, several scenarios could play out. A friendly merger could take place, the assets, employees, and customers of the smaller business are merged with the larger one creating a homogenous company. If a friendly merger is not able to take place than the merger (consolidation) could take the form of a forced buyout. This is especially prevalent for publicly traded companies. And lastly, if the larger company is unable to complete the merger with either of the first two scenarios then it may try to force the smaller business out completely.

USA and WDA attempted to find common ground several months ago with the end goal being a “friendly” merger. Unfortunately the WDA is also tied into GSDCA and was simultaneously negotiating with them to improve that relationship. Many on the EB feel that we extended our trust to the WDA leadership and that our trust was violated.

From a breed standpoint the WDA is a small thorn in our side because they have different rules than us. They are very tightly tied to what they perceive the SV rules to be and do not have any separate considerations for our country. I think that most would agree that the rules for Germany do not always work well here in a country that is physically far larger and with far fewer participants in Schutzhund than Germany. We continue to be the only country in the world that is unwilling to embrace our own system and to stand up for ourselves. Some make the argument that the WDA has some credibility because they are an offspring of the GSDCA and therefore of the AKC. But I would like to point out some arguments against that. First ask yourself, if the AKC/GSDCA are tied so tightly to the WDA then why a separate program (Working Dog) for them instead of adopting the WDA and Schutzhund as the mainstream? Secondly, it is very unlikely that the AKC/GSDCA will ever adopt Schutzhund and the international (WUSV) breed standard. They are too firmly entrenched in their current way of doing things, the dogs are not genetically capable of doing the sport, and the handlers are also not capable. Please do not take the previous statement as without exception, because there are dogs and handlers that could do the sport but they are a minority. The last thing that an old school GSDCA person wants is a red and black, Schutzhund titled, German shepherd showing up at one of their specialty shows.

It will also be argued that we have too few trials and shows now and that we would be shutting down an alternative for our members. Well if WDA no longer exists, is the expectation that the WDA clubs and members would cease trialing and showing their dogs? I don’t think that is likely and I would expect that those who wish to trial and show will continue to do so, just with USA.

I am sure that there will be much discussion about this and I encourage you to ask questions, and evaluate the information for yourself. If the leadership within both WDA and USA have recognized that our breed is better served with one strong organization (as an alternative to GSDCA) than the question perhaps is not if, but of when?

Please have fun with your dogs and the sport, at the end of the day that is what really matters the most.

Tim