@ Cody...oh ok, and this is a great place to just vent! It is a hot topic and an immensely frustrating issue I think for all of us -- but especially so for passionate and ethical breeders/owners that are still solidifying/stabilising their breeds. Also, I do agree Corsi are in danger of becoming the next demonised/ 'bad ass' breed. On another forum we are having an intense discussion on how to proactively protect English Mastiffs from BSL.
As for mentors, I think that they are an awesome tool, tool not crutch. If one is planning on being a breeder IMO they should have a plan going through generations from the get go. A vision for what it is they are ultimately trying to "create",not just replicating what it is their mentor is doing. If that is the case, then I do not see the point of breeding.
I completely agree. And in my experience, these ( developing your own vision of the future state, goals, plans) are exactly the kinds of things a
good mentor will assist you in thinking through for yourself, not influencing you to follow in their footsteps.
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Since I seem to be into lists, here are what I would consider to be Roles and Qualities of a Good Mentor: Let us assume it is a showing/breeding mentor
· Genuinely motivated to help someone in getting started, not looking for a ‘camp follower’.
· Has demonstrated knowledge, expertise and success (that you assess and confirm for yourself, you don’t just take their word for it).
[FONT="]o [/FONT]Is well respected in the profession, and has an excellent reputation
[FONT="]o [/FONT]Has made many champions
· Does not ‘sell’ you or try to convince you to use them as a mentor. In the best relationships I have observed or been involved in, the mentee selects the mentor and initiates the contact.
· (As a breeder) has a clear vision of the future state they want to achieve, can explain how this improves/benefits the breed and can demonstrate progress towards the vision
[FONT="]o [/FONT]Can show you and explain how their breeding programs support attainment of the vision – down to the genetics of particular matings
· Has a consistent theoretical/conceptual foundation they operate from that they can explain to you and with which you feel comfortable. But will encourage you to go out and talk with other breeders/showing people and read and research for yourself. Provides lists of resources and reference material
· Wants to understand, and assists you in further developing your short and long term showing goals. Encourages you to show extensively and gain experience, see hundreds of other dogs / kennels before even thinking about breeding.
[FONT="]o [/FONT]Shares knowledge and expertise – teaches you how to assess conformation, showing techniques, bloodlines, and whatever else you are keen to learn. But does not present how they do things as the ‘best/only’ way.
· Is available to support and coach – but will give objective and realistic feedback
· Is a good role model in terms of care of their dogs
Breeding:
If and when you feel certain you want to pursue breeding, a good mentor will:
Ø Try to discourage you
Ø Help you think through and define what you hope to uniquely contribute to the breed that is not already being done (vision)
Ø Provide a realistic big picture as to what breeding entails and what it demands – in terms of finances, personal time and commitment, risks, rewards
Ø If the above doesn’t deter you, the mentor will help you develop feasible short and longer term goals – with plans -- to achieve YOUR vision (not to clone theirs)
[FONT="]o [/FONT]They will help you find foundation stock as a first step – which may not be the mentor’s dogs.
Ø Give lots of practical advice on health testing, the breeding process, care and nutrition of pregnant bitches, whelping, care of puppies, and necessary grimble such as registration, contracts, health guarantees, how to screen buyers and so on.