[ Post a Response | The WORKING PITBULL Board ]
Posted by Donovan on 5/15/2008, 5:53 pm, in reply to "Re: What do you guys think about this?"
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Here is the outline from the pit bull skills threads. Please, keep in mind that I purposely kept the language vague and did not include many of the more detailed aspects that will need to be addressed by anyone that takes this to fruition.
Events -
Long Jump, Vertical Climb, Weight Pull, High Jump
- The level of diffuculty can be raised from a basic ability level to a more difficult skill set by adding aspects of traditional agility, obedience, endurance.
Titles -
Stepped Titles
- Based on level of competition
All dogs meeting appropriate requirements should be able to compete. As to what is appropriate, well, this designation should be an evolving and refined process as the organization grows and gains popularity. In the mean time, it should be at the discretion of those putting on the demos and training as to what is "appropriate." Certainly, a level of common sense will do well to minimize the risk to all involved (including the dogs.)
How To Get This Started -
This is most likely to start as a loose group of people training on their own with aspirations of putting on demonstrations, which should lead to public interest and a formal, structured body ; these people will need to promote their budding organization as well as collect info from interested parties.
It may be to the benefit of those pursuing structure and organization to seek out established training clubs, etc. either for support or advice; and mainly because these groups have established relationships to resources (facilities, volunteers, dog owners, sponsors, etc etc etc.) Local, Regional, and National organizations should be considered. It will need to be decided, at some point, if the organizers are wanting to establish their own organization, or fall under the umbrella of an existing program. The decision should fit the situation, and the future of the sport should be given considerable defference.
Misc. Ideas -
Promotions could include:
Spay/Nueter clinics
City/County Licensing
Micro-Chipping
Anything that might entice dog owners to come to the event (free leashes/collars, training clinics, etc etc etc)
*many times latching onto city sponsored dog events can cut down on promotional costs, and will add to exposure, as these types of things are usually catered to all dog owners - not to mention, the facilities might be covered by City insurance (one less worry/potential expense.)
Media/Promotions -
Websites, forums, press releases (in local newspapers, newscasts and community billboards), and damn near anything else that will positively increase awareness.
Potential Alliances/Sponsors -
Training Clubs, Individual Trainers, Rescues, Breeders, Vets, Federations, Business Community, City Government, Pretty much anybody/anything that is willing to fund, promote, and support this sport and it's goals.
Hardware/Hunting stores, t-shirt/sign makers and printing business would make GREAT partners/sponsors.
Volunteers -
Even in the beginning, quite a few people will be needed to organize and run the demos; this need will increase as the organization grows. More so, knowledgable dog people will be helpful in many ways - handling, security/safety concerns, and dealing with the public at the events.
Competent hands to design, fabricate, maintain, and transport equipment will be a must. Tools will also be needed: MigWelder, saws, screw-guns, hammers, shovels, levels, shims, and handy folks.
Educational Opportunities -
This approach will showcase the pit bull's athletic abilites in a positive manner; debunk the many myths about our dogs; venue to provide the general public and other dog owners with info on the pit bull; show that pit bull people come in all shapes and sizes; venue for the many presentations that exist in the pit bull community: BSL, dogfighting, rescues, responsible ownership, breeding practices, etc etc etc..
Registry -
To be honest, I have no clue as to what it would take to start, develop and maintain a registry. I will leave this aspect to those with appropriate knowledge. I will say that I think it is an awesome idea, and one that I would support. More so, I think it would be a natural allie/partneship for the IncrediBull Club. The number of educational oportunities that will arise from combining these two efforts are nearly endless; and I think many will agree that both efforts are needed for pit bulls.
If these two efforts were to co-evolve, and in addtion to everything already stated in this document, Judges, Vets, and other folks competent in breeding and soundness evaluations will be needed. This will require a solid commitment from the old timers and the more expereinced bulldoggers to fully educate the up and coming enthusiast.
Summary -
These are valid, productive and needed aspirations. Without a large windfall of cash, a regional/national organization will likely evolve from several people doing the IncrediBull demos in their communities - and for a few years. It won't be quick, and it won't be easy, but those that see this through will indeed build a platform in which others will copy and reproduce in their communities - and let's remember, competition is good. The manner in which this thing can be funded is pretty open. It could come from a bank loan, line of home equity, whatever. More than likely, I see this being a sponsor driven effort; if and when a registry exists, revenue can come from there, as well. Otherwise, funding is likely to come from donations and paid advertising. This brings us to the idea of For-Profit vs. Non-Profit, certainly both have their incentives. I think there is something to this being for-profit - why not? If/when this thing gets some legs under it, somebody is gonna have a lot of work to do in order to grow and maintain.
But most of all, every aspect of this will require patience, commitment and a nurturing approach. Plus, "development" programs will be helpful. These will be the programs that educate current/future representatives on sound, safe practices for putting on these events; it will nurture judges and knowledgable presenters (education presentations, announcers, etc); establish training practices that build drive and produce competent/competitive dogs; create PR/Media relations and community ties.
Is this document the only way that this effort can come to fruition? Certainly not. There are many ways to get goals accomplished, however, I felt the need to compile (in vague terms) the main ideas of the two threads on this subject. I feel there is little need to debate the minor details on the forum; and until I put my money where our mouths are, I won't bother to "fill in the blanks." Anybody that wants my opinion on how to organize, motivate, and maintain a group of aspirations, please, hit me up, I am chuck full of ideas.
Those that find fault in this approach, please make your concerns/criticisms/experiences known - it can only help anybody that is making a go of this. But, keep the hating for another day.
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