Are great dogs made or bred?

I’ve ruined about 4 dogs that were given to me in one way or another. I learned more from those failings than some dogs that just had natural ability and hid my lack of experience. X2 on the opinion that if a dog jacks it in once he WILL do it again and faster next time.

 

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Amazing people on here. It's so smooth and peaceful. Damn, we are getting old
Well, my bad example is too bad to post.
Tell me all the bad things, because I did it to a single dog.
A couple of hours later I was starting to become a dogman.
Even 20 yrs later I'm able to learn something new from this one dog and his short life.
RIP Buddy !

 

First they are bred , genetics which ever way the marbles fall either trough luck or a combination of knowledge and luck
second they are made , and this is not my quote but damn I live by it
care , care , care
daily fresh water , daily cleaning , daily looking at every thing from the smell of their piss to the color of their shit
from worming , shots in time ( trough testing of anti bodies ) feeding etc
when I had dogs I fed twice a day , fresh water once a day , scooping one a day , hosing kennels and chain spots twice a week
quality time one to two per day that can mean just junping around me , a walk or pet and rubbing the back

thats my way of thinking
the man makes the dog the minute u blame the dog u were not paying attention

 

the big mistakes hurt right , they haunt you

 

Can not find where someone started a therapy hour lately. I'm next.
Hi, my name is the stickler. I'm addicted to gamedogs. No, let me start again.
Hi, I WAS addicted to gamedogs, but lost the fever finally.
What can I say to all of you sick freaks ?
Well, I can tell you the good news. There is a life waiting for you without the dogs.
And the bad news is: but it's not making any sense !

 

There are times when I get to the point where I start thinking to myself, especially as I age, why continue to do this and chain myself to my property most every minute of the day that I'm not at work. The constant picking up shit, feeding, exercising etc. Never being able to take a vacation with my kid, other than a day trip that lasts no more than 24 hours. Never having money since after my bills are paid damn near the rest of my check goes to the dogs in some form or another. I haven't dated in over a year in a half because it's just too hard to find a female that accepts the dogs and the time consuming endeavor it is to keep multiple dogs properly. So I've pretty much given up on that. They always view it as some kind of competition for attention. The constant having to look over my shoulder for those who would love nothing more than to throw me in the clink and put the needle to every dog here. It becomes a very stressful lifestyle that I have done my entire adult life since 17. They become such a part of you that it becomes a total obsession. You loose friends, family won't visit because most are scared of the dogs.

However, I honestly don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't have them to keep me busy. Being that this lifestyle is really all I know, it's hard to fathom a life without them. Therefore, the thought comes to mind and quickly leaves again as they are pretty much the only thing in my life that I still have a real passion in other than my kids well being of course.

Some people use drugs or alcohol to escape lifes issues. The dogs have basically become my drug.

Sort of reminds me of Hammonds poem Poison.

I can't even imagine how much more of a miserable prick I would be not having them to keep my focus on things other than the daily stresses and struggles of life.

I'm a lifer in these dogs and I just don't ever see that changing. At least until I can no longer physically handle them.

 

I worry about this often. Something happens to my health I honestly have no idea what I would do. I have no one I would be comfortable with taking care of my dogs other than my Father and he is 67 so while he would do it no questions asked, I wouldn't even bother asking him. My daughter could handle it short term but she is only with me every other day so that would become an issue as well. I probably should try to figure out some options before it becomes necessary.

 

Let us know in here.. I'd cover your back for a month or 2. Doesn't matter the distant, I'd fly over.

 

I appreciate that.

I'm one of those people who finds it extremely difficult to ever ask anyone for help when I need it. Even my own family. Whether it's pride, my stubbornness or just the thought of relying on others, I have never really figured it out why I am that way. Probably more so pride than anything.

I remember having multiple eye surgeries, several passings of kidney stones and my appendix removed at different times through out my 20s and 30s. I still went out myself to rake shit and feed dogs.

It's probably also a little bit that some of my family are total leeches and it totally disgusts me. So much so I'm very reluctant to ever ask for help. I guess we all have our certian quirks. That just happens to be one of mine.

 

Can't blame you for feeling that way, people are leeches by nature.. They are takers more then they're givers... More I get older more I learn good Folks are hard to Find .. Most would rob you clean if giving opportunity. I refuse to be like that.
Just wanted to let u know some of us have ur back if u just asked for it.

 

AGK, at this time I believe you are one of the most respected dogmen not just here.
You for sure could be the next Garner. And I, and probably many more, appreciate that you are not choosing to go that route.
I have never seen so much truth and honesty on a gamedog board in a single thread.
Do not try to leave the dogs. Getting from honest dogs back to people is ... hard !

I always said, when I got asked what I'm doing: I am my own slave !

 

Great posts from all. Yes.
Sure we have all ready one if the above post something like" papers say what a dog can be, but the dog and keeper say what the dog will be. All that is a nut shell. All play a pretty important part in my opinion.
Patience is a must with most dogs at some point..but I agree..bloodlines..breedings.. breeders...all can make a dogs out one different.

Keep the peace y'all. Easier for all to learn with some polish rather than vinegar..

 

I just have to post a video once more.
Afroman just always got the right answer to all questions.
He is my modern hero.
Afroman for president ... and the us will be great again
AGK, take a break ... just 11 minutes.

 

I wasn't expecting so much discussion out of this topic, but I'm very thankful that I was able to spark all of this. I appreciate all of the advice and knowledge that was given to me.
I always knew that it was a little bit of both, but I was just wondering what kind of percentages would someone go by if they were able to make a percentage out of the two qualities.
I agree with Slim in many ways, especially with schooling. I feel like meticulously raising the pup in the correct way can get him/her to become great. Then reinforcing all of that throughout life and with keeps.
Picking a puppy has so many grey areas, all you can do is look at the parents and their accomplishments; and hope for the best.
I also agree that the game is very cutthroat, you can never be sure if youre being real or bootleg because of the underhanded tactics in this game.
There are still people like Tom Garner, Chico Lopez, and Bob Bullyson Hall(oldtimers); who breed dogs to this day. But that still won't guarantee anything.
While there are others who promote dogs on ADBA gazette ads, online classifieds, etc. Who have good peds, but might even be less trustworthy. Their prices are so tempting though.
I'm sure I probably sound like a green horn in someways, but I am not lacking in information. I have read many books and have read these forums extensively. I am truly confident in my abilities to raise, feed, school, exercise, condition and keep a dog.