Sounds like just giving it up might be the best option for you...;)
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Sounds like just giving it up might be the best option for you...;)
IMO The biggest problem with adding a cash prize is our sport is "JUDGED" therefore it is subjective and not always a clear winner. In horse races everybody can tell who won. The dog games have plenty of issues without adding cash prizes.
That being said there have been a few events run for cash and prizes over the years.
To my knowledge the S.R.S. is the only sanctioned circuit that plays for cash.
I also might add; before you kid yourself into thinking you can enter a "play for pay" event and "get some of your expenses back", consider how many trials you have won thus far. ;-) If you're not already a consistent winner, what makes you think you can win an event with big bucks on the line??
JS
[QUOTE=BonMallari;1025946]
The dog games are one of the few competitions where a broke guy can run his dog against a millionaire's dog and may the best dog win..
:D And man it sure does feel good when your the broke guy that wins!
When I say win I mean earn a $3 ribbon of any color.
Though I've never trained an FC much less an NFC, I've heard rumors of people making pretty good money on stud fees with a NFC. Particularly with a chocolate lab, or other breeds that haven't seen or rarely see NFC's or NAFC's. So, if your the best, it may be somewhat indirect, but I would still argue that you could make some money back on your "investments".
I can remember the first e-mail I sent out to all my friends when my first dog got her Junior title...it went like this
10 month lab puppy $850.00
Locating and hiring local trainer to train dog & me for 4 months $2,200
Training equipment for home (electronic collar, bumpers, dokkens, etc) $500.00
Gas, hotel expenses, food, etc. traveling during first hunt test season $1,000.00
Hunt Test entry fees $450.00
Winning that Junior Title in Cheraw, SC was PRICELESS...
And as we progressed through Senior and Master, I never considered costs or winning ribbons...it has been a "priceless" journey for Me and Mercy...and I'm starting all over again with a 2 year old! And then I could only begin to tell you all the great people I've met and the special friendships I've made. I've only been in the sport for 4 years, but it's been some of the best times of my life!
Rick and my girls....
If you think it's lame to put HT titles on your dogs or compete for a blue ribbon - then you don't love the game.
If you want to be financially incented for your performance or that of your dogs- I'd suggest getting a sales job and would "second" Bon's suggestion of running the SRS.