Public Image

by Mike Murray

It seems breeders are coming under increasing pressure from everywhere.  Animal rights groups, local governments, and even their neighbors.  Instead of crying about it and complaining on chat lists only other breeders see, why not identify where the pressures are coming from and collectively and individually come up with solutions?

Let me give you one example of one group that turned things around.  Not that long ago, a bunch of motorcyclists riding together evoked feelings of fear and hatred.  No matter who they were or what kind of motorcycle they rode they were identified as bikers and outlaw gangs.  Small towns were trying to pass laws, cops harassed them constantly, and businesses barred their doors.  Then collectively, they started to turn their image around. Of course it helped that many of the 'bikers' were doctors, lawyers, and other professionals.  But they also did things like Toys for Tots and charity rides.  Now cities like Daytona Beach actively court 'bikers'.  Businesses have signs up front saying "Bikers Welcome".

Now an example of a group that's doing nothing to help their image.  Jet ski sales keep growing every year, and so do laws limiting their use.  They are getting banned from national parks, local governments are limiting their use and waterfront owners are constantly fighting to totally ban them from 'their' waterways.  And yet the Jet ski industry and users do little to counter their image when there is much they could do.  Manufacturers could make them quieter and dealers could offer courses for new buyers.  Individuals could show restraint and common sense when riding close to shores and other boats.  If they don't work to change their image they could soon be legislated out of enjoyable use.

Breeders aren't yet viewed in the same light as the bikers were, but you can see it heading that way.  The collective solutions I would leave to others with more knowledge than I.  But there are many things that individuals can do.  Charity goes a long way to warming people's hearts.  A simple act of donating a puppy to child who has lost her parents in an accident, or someone undergoing chemotherapy, would work wonders for all involved.  Take a couple of your favorite dogs to a senior center for an afternoon.  They will thrive on the attention and the seniors will enjoy the pure and unbridled love these dogs are happy to share.

You can do things to help your kennel fit into your community.  If you live in a rural area it's not such a large issue, but if you live a more populous area there are things you can do.  Your neighbors would appreciate a sight/sound barrier.  A hedge row along the property or around the kennel works wonders.  It looks great, adds to the property values, and insulates your neighbors.  If you have a barker, think about why he barks and find a solution.

I was reminded of a news story I saw last week where a bunch of people were complaining about a small local breeder.  I didn't see the whole story, just caught the last of it.  But right off the bat I wondered why it had become a big enough battle to make the evening news.  Both sides think they are in the right, and the problem is they are both in the right.  The breeder has the right to follow his chosen hobby/profession, and the homeowners have a right to the quiet neighborhood they had bought into.  And I thought there was so much the breeder could do to fit in instead of fighting battle he will ultimately lose.

I'm not a crusader, and this only indirectly effects me.  Just that sometimes I see problems with obvious solutions that people can't seem to see or else ignore.  Reminds of a saying I once saw.  "I can't control the way the wind blows but I can adjust my sails".  So instead of kennel owners fighting laws and complaining to each other, they should expend just a part of that energy to changing public perception.  Do things that show your hobby or profession in a good light.  For instance, you know that your hard work keeps a Collie a Collie.  You know how hard you work to breed out inherited faults and diseases.  But does the general public know that?

I constantly see PETA and ALF in the news.  I am inundated with reports of dogs attacking small children and elderly women.  I see homeowners suing kennel owners.  I never, ever, see a report showing a breeder in a good light, or doing something for the community, or doing anything to improve the public's perception.  So whose laws do you think will pass?  How much are your few thousand votes going to count against the votes of the general public whose perception is fed only PETA?

What really makes me crazy is how much of a non-issue this should be.  The people looking to restrict your rights as pet owners or kennel owners are actually just a small minority of the population.  Their numbers are vastly overwhelmed by the number of homes with dogs.  Yet they regularly get laws passed that slowly erode your rights.  How?  Because they work hard to push their agenda while breeders would rather complain.  They march on state capitols.  They 'educate' the public on their views.  They make sure that the publics image of a breeder is a puppy mill or the crazy lady with 40 dogs cramped in tight cages.  In the meantime responsible breeders do little to combat this image, ignoring the huge pool of people that are already pre-disposed to understand their viewpoint.

So the next time you are tempted to go on a chat list and complain about some new law being passed, look around your kennel and your community and see what you can do to improve the image of the sport you enjoy.

Just my 2 cents worth.

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