We started to talk about this topic while out training this morning. This is my opinion and without condeming anyone which would be easy to do these are my comments.
One concern discussed was the ability to help the newcomer if there was an issue with his/her dog when he came out for the club fun day.
If the issue was not taken care of because of time or whatever the newcomer left feeling as if they had not accomplished much. Maybe they thought their dog was not any good or maybe they felt no better than when they started that morning. To them, they learned nothing. I have experienced those feelings!
True or not newcomers expectations may not be what clubs are expecting of them.
Maybe if one person were designated at the fun match, helped correct the problem (by simplifying or?) and told them one thing to work on, maybe it could be better experience for them. They could leave taking ownership or leave feeling better about the experience.
I vividly can remember back seven or 8 years ago how difficult, it was to fit in.
I believe the statement one fellow made you have to have a good dog. Might even be a good black dog!
So often, people show up, totally uninformed, think their dog is going out there to do what all those other dogs are doing. They do not realize the work involved.
I know I did not know what was expected! I can tell you owning HR Blackie I sometimes wonder why I am still marching along. We went down the wrong garden path repeatedly. It was costly both money wise, on the dog and myself. It was also bad for the dog.
I can also tell you I have seen much that did not impress me. I have had many comments made to me that were enough to put you off. I am persistence, do love my dogs and the sport and here I am.
Then you get somebody who does want to help but really with too much information overloading you. When you go home, you are thinking what was that he said.
As a newcomer, you have to be prepared to sift through what info you have received.
Move on each time with the information even if it is baby steps but be persistent.
Get your questions answered-if you do not; keep asking.
Do not be afraid to make a mistake that is how you learn. Take constructive criticism!
You have to be prepared to work long hours, poor weather and help wherever you can.
Work with your dog because it takes many hours; maybe a couple dogs for you to be comfortable with the process, terminology and actual running of your dog.
Best experience was this summer training those days with Al Arthur. Just sat and watched all day. Asked questions, assisted and ran my dog- so valuable. Gained understanding that I might not have gotten otherwise. Got opportunities that might not have come along. I recommend to newcomers to go for the day training with an experienced pro or person. Watch and learn!
You have to be persistent!
Those DVDs out now are a great help to explain but there is nothing like doing!! And that is if you really want to. Your attitude is number one and that is with anything in life.
I agree with many of your points which is why I stress educating new members. I too remember showing up at a Club training session and having absolutely no clue about what we were about to experience (what do I need to bring, how long will it take, how do I throw a bumper or operate a winger). I haven't been playing these games very long (5 years), so when I became Secretary of BCRC and began serving on committees, the New hadn't wore off. I made a very conscious effort to provide potential and New members with as much information as possible (training programs, supply vendors, what to to expect at a Club training session). The folks who were committed to putting a working title on their dog outlasted Joe Hunter every time especially when New folks were told the Club training session could be 6 or more hours of their weekend. That is another reason why I encourage New folks to utilize the membership list and connect with folks in their area, but as many of us find out, those smaller cliques already have enough folks in their groups. However, I still believe the Club training sessions to be valuable and inspirational if you have a mix of beginner and advanced and a competent/compassionate leader for the group.
One point that I find Newbs getting hung up on or resistant too is being advised to follow a dedicated retriever training program. It seems some feel their $30 membership fee includes the training of their dog. This isn't the case of course and why pro's are in business. The Retriever Club can however aid in making connections with folks who can assist you in learning the mechanics of running a dog and the training process. I was very fortunate when I started, I had a good dog and folks close by willing to help me learn for the cost of a few nights per week throwing birds.
The time commitment is tremendous if you want to train a competitive dog, and I see the most commitment from those with competitive spirits and those who just love doing activities with their dogs. Retriever Fever seems to be one of things you are all in or not. I did some agility with my dogs but it didn't hook me like HT's and Trials.
Again on the education theme, seminars; handling, judging, e-collar conditioning, etc. These are a draw and encourage retention. Who steps up to Chair these events? Probably one of the 10%'s who already has a full plate.
Mentoring: I'm one of those sappy folks who believes in paying it forward and giving back. The most frustrating thing I've encountered in mentoring is folks who don't do their homework. If you can't or won't, that's what Pro's are for.
First time working an EVENT: Being understaffed at a HT or FT seems to be the norm, unfortunately for the Newbie, they don't know that, and whom ever is in charge of the workforce needs to convey that to the individual, as well as praising and thanking the heck to them. I wish all Clubs had the ability to rotate and spell the workforce, unfortunately it's not the norm and it's a blessing when someone in the gallery steps up to help.
Promoting via Social Media: Three years ago BCRC went almost an entire year with no Web Master to manage the site. I stepped up to at least do a Facebook page. The venue has worked well and makes us easy to find and refer folks to. It's easy to say, "do a search on Facebook for Black Creek Retriever Club". Facebook has been great for hosting our Club event pictures, training articles, meetings etc. As well as providing a direct link to our website with contact information.
What do Folks Want?: I believe that is a valid question for a Membership application. As is, How may we help you succeed? And, How will you Help US succeed in our Mission statement? Accepting a $25-35 membership fee helps pay the bills for sure, but who can you rely on for those one or two AKC events per year?
We really are a small community in the grand scheme of life, and if we desire to maintain support groups for our addiction, we will find a way. The flip side of that is if we don't and Retriever Clubs die, that opens the door to privatization.