Page 24 - Chow Life - Spring 2018
P. 24
In retrospect, this might be a good At the end of the day, the clubs their AKC Forum Long Beach, CA, 2003.
time to ask where we do we stand breeders, vet schools and shelters Katz, Jack, “Deviance, Charisma,
after ten years of undefined labels must settle on a definition for the and Rule-Defined Behavior”, Social
and the blind acceptance of DNA. "puppy mill", "responsible breeder", Problems, Vol. 20, no.2, Fall, 1972,
In the rush to be first, some clubs "responsible dog owner", "viscous pg 186-202
have already begun to implement dog", "dangerous dog" etc. They
mandatory DNA programs. must also articulate the vision, goals Ostrander, Elaine, Presentation at
Acceptance of such a requirement and objectives. These efforts must a Workshop for the AKC Board of
without understanding is certain become the centerpiece of their Directors, December 13, 2004, NY,
to produce unrealistic goals with educational programs. NY.
unintended consequences. In the Spector, Malcolm, Labeling Theory
midst of what seems to be more Conclusion in Social Problems: a Young journal
confusion, we must find the time to History’s judgment will not wait Launches a New Theory, Social
step back and ask the big question. to see what actions the dog world Problems, Vol. 24, No 1., October
Where do we stand after ten chooses to take. The polarization 1976, pg 69-75.
years of undefined labels and the of the sport is well underway. The Strand, Patti, Willis, Malcomb,
announcement that DNA testing efforts made to date have largely "Breeding Dogs" Canine Health
would be used to rid the studbook focused on the use of seminars Conference, AKC Canine health
of errors and clean out the cheaters? held annually which have not been Conference, Oct. 15-17, 1999. St.
Many are beginning to question if sufficient enough to reach the fancy Louis, MO.
the strategy may have been deeply and the growing number of new Wilson, Craig, “ Moredoggerel”,
inadequate especially in light of breeders spread across America. USA Today, March 26, 2004, pg.2A.
the fact that no one has defined Programs that are fresh, brisk and
the problems to be solved or their focused must be designed with
intended solutions. Perhaps out of the help of experienced leaders About the Author
fear and confusion we have failed in the dog world and the research Carmen L Battaglia holds a
to define the means by which we community. The subject matter Ph.D. and Masters Degree from
would know when we have solved must, as a minimum, define the Florida State University. As an
the perceived problems. We should undefined labels and address the AKC judge, researcher and writer,
also remind ourselves that today, utilization of DNA technology, he has been a leader in promotion
breeding is no longer an "elitist" the better breeding methods, of breeding better dogs and has
hobby and its rewards as either pedigree analysis and selection written many articles and several
a pastime or a profession are no techniques, modes of inheritance, books.Dr. Battaglia is also a popular
longer a well-kept secrete. Anyone the management of carriers, TV and radio talk show speaker.
can become a breeder. There are no formula breeding and legislation. His seminars on breeding dogs,
entrances examines, no rules and no The time we have is slipping away. selecting sires and choosing puppies
penalties. No organization serves The storm has arrived. Boarding have been well received by the
to punish those who make mistakes up the windows and the doors will breed clubs all over the country.
or those who produce poor quality no longer be good enough as a way
pups. Anyone of our neighbors can to survive it. The future should not
claim to be a breeder. be left to chance, the novice or the Permission to reprint this article is given
This dilemma will continue to animal rights movement. specifically the author is Dr. Battaglia and
worsen if the breeders, veterinary If you would care to express permission is also granted by the Canine
schools, shelters and others your ideas on this subject, forward Chronicle.
continue to accept and use them to me in care of the editor at
undefined labels. Selling pups as K9CHRON@aol.com
a hobby and breeding has already
been stigmatized and many believe
this is only the first inning. By References:
the fifth, they will be asking for a AKC Gazette, "AKC DNA Tests",
higher standard and acceptance of New York, New York, January 2003.
the principles that will produce a
new kind of animal husbandry. In Battaglia, Carmen, Table 2. "Breed
their world, fewer dogs and fewer Dilemmas and Extinction", Canine
litters are better. While the options Chronicle, August 2003, pg. 104-
to the future are still open, 108.
a massive educational Holt, James, Key note address
program begs to be ignited. entitled "Puppy Protection Act"
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