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As with most things it will soon pass to only be a memory or go bankrupt.................or both...............!

JTS.... WOW, not knowing you....lets say your are a business owner and you freakin love your business, just LOVE IT!!! You got into it because it was great and the passion you have for it just makes you smile on a day to day basis. You talk about it all the time so much you probably make people sick about it. You don't try to compete with other like business owners because you just want the business as a whole to continue to grow.

Then one day you read a post like this and you just wonder what in the world is that about, why so damn cruel? Really .....why would you say something like that about something I put my everything into.

Well I hope it goes on forever because i love this sport, I love field trials, I love hunt tests and I really love watching dogs hunt in a real live hunting environment....I just love watching the dogs work. For some strange reason I want everyone else to experience that same love....

Thanks for the support!!
Shannon

 

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Two more of those "my game is the only game" guys huh? Real intelligent.

No, not at all............but you seem to take interent opinions a little personal.........good for you..........

SRS is just a game that does not and will not have the stamina to be around for decades..........if not for T.V. (or made for T.V.) or lets' not forget the money.........few would care.

Heck there are winners that still have not been paid.........I say again "or go bankrupt".................and yes it means zero to me personally, I would look right past it if a breeder was trying to sell it as "something" of value on a pedigree.

But the great thing about choices is.........that's my choice, yours can be different...............but it appears you rather fight on the interent, now that is real intelligent.

Have a good night now, ya hear!

Funny.... I am just starting to read this thread.

SO do tell me who has not been paid. Please do tell. It amazes me what I hear and read on a day to day basis and you guys know absolutely nothing of what you speak. Looks to me some have WAY to much time on their hands......

Shannon

 

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Isn't Srs And Bdc Kinda Like Nascar, Sponsor Driven? But Who Cares? It's Huntin' Dogs On Tv! I Would Like To Know If Srs Caved To Public Opinion And Use The Avery Atb And Dokkens Before That Over "real" Birds Or If That Too Is Sponsor Driven? I Only Say That Because If It Isn't Because Of Sponsors, I'm Surprised That The Other Field Trial And Hunt Test Clubs Haven't Been Leaned On By The Animal Rights Yahoos Since The Tv Trials Do.

Waldman,

Yea...I guess you could say the TV portion is sponsor driven, but understand the SRS events themselves are driven by the competitors. It is all separate. They pay to play and 100% of the $$ go right back to the competitors.
Shannon

 

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I wasn't aware that SRS gave a rat's arse about what you AKC Prima Donnas thought about their game. As far as I know SRS has never had anything bad to say about AKC. I guess you think UKC sucks as well. Why can't you just accept that it is another venue? Not necessarily a better game just a different game. Dogs that can compete at a high level in any of these events should be proud.

Lighten up regards,

M&K......I love you!!! I would never say anything bad about AKC or UKC, I might as well shoot myself in the foot if I would do something like that. WHY Would anyone ever want to knock down any dog sport. Isn't that why we are all in it??? I don't come here much and I am sure I am going to be drug in the mud for even trying to help RTF folks understand the SRS, but I do like to try. I love it all and get my feeling hurt when I read things that are just not true about SRS. She doesn't ever try to hurt anyone else and no matter what never will. Just not the SRS way.

 

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Nothing like a good SRS thread to wake up the crowd.

Ken.... I love you too!!! Really I do....

of course I am only on page 2, so we shall see....LOL!

Shann

 

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Question was asked where SRS ranked compared to FC,AFC,ECT and I answered and you got all bunched up

Might need to reread the original post to figure that one out buddy. SRS is a venue created for certain Hunt Test Pros to showcase their talents on TV and make money for the "Promoter", and get a "Cult" like following in order to keep the $$$$$$$$ rolling in. Don't be ashamed, everybody needs to be somebody, even on the internet.;-)

SRS Created for a Certain Hunt Test Pros to showcase????? WRONG..... The SRS was created because ESPN wanted a qualifier for the Great Outdoor Games. You see, Retrievers was one of the highest rated (watched) events in the Great Outdoor Games, so much that ESPN did not want invitation only Dog/Handler teams. So Super Retriever Series was created. Est 2002. When ESPN decided to not do GOG anymore in 2005, SRS was still running on her own and continues to do the same.

To make money for the promoter??? WRONG Again. I could say I am the one of the major promoters and if you read back you will see that I Just love it..... The money is being made for the competitors. ( I love being able to help clarify, at least this month )

 

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Shannon... i'm pretty sure the "money for the promoter" bit was a jab at JT.

For some reason, quite a few members of the retriever community feel it's ok to get paid when you get up and go to work everyday, unless your job is related to something they view as a hobby. Yet, guides and trainers don't catch any flack. I've never understood it.

SRS is a great game and has done more to increase public awareness of what we do with our dogs in the last 5 years than has been done by all other venues combined in the history of the sport.

Does winning an SRS event impress me as much as winning a weekend All-Age stake? No. Is it a lot of fun and challenging? Yep.

The only thing that i disagree with pertaining to SRS is the lack of recognition to the owner of the dogs. I accept the whole "needing a handler/dog team to root for on TV" as legit reasoning. But if that was my dog winning the Crown on TV, you better say my name just as much as you say Steinman's. The check better be made out to me as well.

I know the SRS crew and i know their hearts belong to the dogs, just like the rest of us. If you want to hate on someone... hate on the show folk or democrats.

SM

Hey Bud.... How are you?? I just emailed Jerry Day yesterday for your phone number? I need you to call me or email me.

PS. I know.....I am working on the owner Name with the dogs and will more so next year as well. I did do this towards the end, during the Crown shows and we do in the programs too.

 

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I was really surprised recently when my civic group was checking into holding an SRS event that
1. They were willing to let a bunch of guys with ZERO retriever experience hold one of their events and
2. Charge that club $10,000 (before expenses) to hold one.
Number 2 really surprised me and from what I was told through PM it's even more expensive if you want to hold a televised event.

I was really surprised recently when my civic group was checking into holding an SRS event that
1. They were willing to let a bunch of guys with ZERO retriever experience hold one of their events and
2. Charge that club $10,000 (before expenses) to hold one.
Number 2 really surprised me and from what I was told through PM it's even more expensive if you want to hold a televised event.

Achiro,

Funny....We are holding an event in Enid, OK....its scheduled....A classic event, Untelevised. I guess if the bunch of guys that I have been using for the last 5 or so years are not experienced then YES I would be honored to have them run my event. I have to say we have the best Crew in the business, bar none...
10k is what is cost to come in town and to pay the inexperienced crew of mine. AND yes if you add 5 more Cameras and TV crew it is more $$ It's what it is costs.

Now on the other end if your a smart business man, you will realize what bringing an event to your town does for your town. Not just SRS, but any event. You got hotel rooms, food, gas, etc etc that everyone coming in is spending. It can do wonders for the community. What TV does that non TV events do is to it has the ability to promote the town or city or whatever the City, Chamber, Or Club deems fit for TV...
Lets take Huntsville, AL for instance. We are going there for the 4th time. They see the big picture there, they take unbelievable care of the not only the crew but the competitors. They have added a sanctioned Duck Calling competition and this year a Wildlife Art fair around the Super Dock (pool). Oh in case you didn't realize SRS has a pool event. 3 of them, Super Fly, Super V and the Junior Flyers for 14 and under. We like to include the families and kiddos too. I promote through TV what the Huntsville Sports Commision wants me to, the NASA Space center, The HSC, what ever. They are happy, we are happy... It has become a wonderful event. So we are kinda like a mini dog fair and yes it cost us to come to town.

Hope you will come introduce yourself when we are there. I would love to meet you and talk further.

Thanks
Shannon

 

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Gentlemen and Ladies,

The Super Retriever Series is a hybrid event. It is not comparable to a Field Trial a Hunt Test or a Bird Dog Challenge. It is not similar to AKC or UKC. It is an event like no other. It is testing a total retriever/handler/trainer. It is not just testing field trial dogs or hunt test dogs but a total dog. Can you take a fire breathing field trial dog and throw him into a swamp swinging a shotgun over his head and shooting close birds? You sure can! Will that dog perform well? Well he might or he might not or it might be just to much for him to handle. On the flip side you could take a hunt test dog and throw him into a very complex field trial setup with long thought out marks. Will he perform? Well he might or he might not. The SRS is looking for an animal that can handle ducks in your face shooting a gun hooting and hollering and everything associated with a hunt.....layout blinds, pits, boats, decoys and EXCITEMENT! They are also looking for the dog that has the advance training that will go out and pickup that long retired gun and has the advance training to do handle that kind of marks. We as a retriever community I would think would want to support and promote any dog related venue. Its good for the sport, the breeds and communities all of our venues will compete in.

As a very new person in the dog world I get so sick and tired (frustrated) of everyone bashing AKC, UKC, NARHA, BDC, SRS, super dock or even the show ring. Just play the game and promote all venues. All these games and competitions will make us better dog trainers and handlers.

Thank you,
Jon-Michael Rull

OMG.......DING DING DING DING.......I'm i love 3> 3> who are you?

Well all I can say is this....I am glad you exist!!! There needs to be more of you in the world!!!!!

 

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It does amaze me how many people come on here and bash the SRS when they have never ran one but have seen it on tv and now can form an opinion.

I personally ran 5 SRS events last yr, I cashed 3 checks, have the elusive SRS title on my dog and I ran in the crown Championship.

I also ran 13 open and Amateurs in the last year. I have 2 placements and 7 jams to show for it, so you can tell I really don't have that much dog. I will tell you this, getting a check in an SRS event is much harder than any Open or Amateur that I have ever run.

I have seen several FC and AFC crash and burn on the SRS level, I have also seen several good SRS dogs crash and burn on the All Age level. It is a very unique event. I encourage all NFC, NAFC, FC, AFC dogs to sign up for the Huntsville Classic in Nov and we can all talk about how you did on Monday morning. I predict there will be well over 120 starters, just like there was over 120 starters in all 3 classics last yr.

Now to educate some of you........

The tv show only shows 2 series, one is usually a shoot em up series and if they are pressed for daylight the other series could also be a hunt test. Everything is about producing a show that has just recieved the highest ratings ever.

I have seen more dogs break on rubber duckies than I have seen on real live fliers, so for all the people who think their dog is too good for a rubber duckie, well the dog doesn't really care.

My love life has increased dramatically since I was on tv for 5 weeks straight, every morning there are female groupies at the end of my drive way wanting my autograph and wanting to get their picture with my dog. Most of them are pretty darn hot!!!!

Go run a SRS event, when you get there tell them you have a high powered field trial dog and they will probably cut you a check right then and there, I mean its that easy..

Carry on........................

Not sure who you are either ( I'm guessing though) but I love you too!!!
You know it is all funny to me. I have my seven year old dog sitting on the couch right now wishing I would get off my tush and get her HRC finished title and I have alittle Pup pup in boot camp getting ready for started. I love this game. I am a little scared of the AKC game only because I don't fully understand all the rules, but I will learn.

It takes HRC-UKC and AKC to build all levels of dogs. SRS is just another game to play both so to speak and was developed for TV to be able to make the folks that know nothing about our games be able to understand. Hey it is a hard game to follow. It takes years for us to even learn it, you know??

I remember working with the Producer at ESPN, Bill Fitts.... this guy was the very first Super Bowl producer, he is one of the reasons we watch all sports the way we do today. A legend in Sports Programming. Anyway, he said that Retrievers was one of the hardest things he ever produced. Its tough. Funny thing too... he was in his 70's when he produced Retrievers in Great Outdoor Games. He is fully retired from TV now and runs 2 dogs in Agility games.

 

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Too bad the best SRS thread of all time is lost in cyberspace.

I still love you!!!! Yes it was a great part of History. Glad I got to experience it.

Shann

 

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I have always loved the concept of the SRS and they do have some very challenging tests. However, it is too bad that those that operate it have done so in a questionable manor. If a SRS title means nothing it is not becasue of the dogs work but because of a lack of respect for the organization that runs it.

P.S. I think the Bankrupt thing is possible. I think they only have three club events this year and one classic. With the loss of some key sponsors they might not have enough money to televise the crown or have any big payouts. No crown would kill the SRS.

Nate,

Please explain the "questionable manner or manor" comment, I don't quite understand. Do you know me?

Lets see know. We have run 3 clubs events to date and one in another 2 weeks at Mr. Ed's and then our first Classic is in Huntsville, AL. Our second Classic will be at the DU Duck Jam in Texas in April and then an untelevised Classic in Enid, OK. I think I have 2 more SRS club events in March and April too, I am waiting for the paper work and the SRS Committee approval of them. Then the Crown Championship in May. We really can't fit any other in. We have down time during the hunting season and SRS makes sure that we do not run an event on top of any major dog events, Example - National AM, National Open, Master National or the HRC Grand.

And one more thing. The entry fees DOES NOT feed into the SRS event. It is totally separate, not sure how many times I have to say that..... It comes into an account and pays out to the competitors. SO even if TV goes away, The event could actually continue to run, if the players want it to.

Kill is a strong word ......

 

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if there were enough opportunities, sure. but 4 events a year that you have to drive 10 to 30 hours for doesnt get the masses very excited.... ;-)

David.....your in luck. How close are you to College Station Texas??? Mark your calendar. April 28-30, 2011. DU Duck Jam and all!!! Come play, I promise you, you will have a blast!!!

Shannon

 

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Is this right?!?!?!?!

Nope, its not!!!

 

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Well This has been enjoyable. I always get a kick out of taking some time to visit RTF forums. Honestly, I don't usually read this stuff, but sometimes I like to put SRS back in perspective. Make sure ya'll don't tear her up to badly. She's my baby and I put alot of blood, sweat and tears into her. Why? Because I love this ole gal sleeping right here next to me and all the others out there too. I really do.....

Hope you all have a great day !!!
Shannon Nardi

 

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Hey there Shannon, Long time no chat! The Huntsville calling contest. Is it Stuttgart Sanctioned? ie...the winner qualifies for the World's? How cool is that!?

Chris

Yes Sir...I believe it is. This is the 3rd year they have done it. They call from our Super Dock. I am usually at the Retriever Venue but it goes on in between Super Fly Dogs all day long on Satruday. Like I said HSC added a Wildlife Artfair this year. It is really a great venue for the outdoors folks in Huntsville and those that want to come also have the NASA Space Center too. It is our favorite Venue, The handlers love it and they are treated like Kings and Queens...

Hope all is finding you well. We need to get you to judge again. Maybe Texas huh?? Ill see if Brett has it full yet. It is in April at the DU Duck Jam....

 

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So I do still have concerns about the fact that SRS was completely willing to let an inexperience group put one of these things on. I also think its a bit strange that it was ok'd without even seeing or approving the grounds. Seems like you'd at least want someone that knew what they were doing to tell you about the grounds. Whether true or not, these things certainly give the impression that as long as you get your $$ that you really don't care.

Achiro,

Enid, Oklahoma contacted me, I did not contact them... So let me try to continue to fill you in not that I need to I just will...

I suggested a SRS Club event which really would make your Club $$ if done correctly. They wanted a televised Classic. I did not have a slot for that but did have a Non TV Classic event slot open. This sort of event brings the trials and the Super Dock, but not televised. The SRS Club event is retriever trials only. They wanted the Pool. I do not have the contact info in front of me but I do believe it was Bill that I spoke to after Kelly G.

Have you actually taken a circus around the country. Do you know what that cost??? Just curious.

Now I am not certain which rules you are looking at, but we do not put a limits on Dog/ Handler Teams in the Retriever Trials. We have had up to 150 teams in the past but generally we get 80 to 125 teams. Probably 50 to 60 handlers, maybe a few owners. Just depends.

On the other side of things....maybe you just scanned the rules and saw that we will take only 50 dog/handler teams on the Super Dock in a qualifier at one time. We can run about 50 dogs in an hour. BUT we will hold 4 qualifiers during an event. Everyone usually gets a chance, Pros and Amateur and Kiddos alike.

How many people do I expect to show up?? How many folks do you expect to show up?? I have never been there, do not know how the groups in your city promote or get the word out. I ask the Groups I am usually working with to promote the event. I supply all sorts of material for them to work from. Video, Poster layouts etc etc. But it is up to the group holding the event to make sure the media and public are aware of what is coming.I have suggested that they get with Ralph Stone at Huntsville,AL They have figured it out and have made a wonderful event for Huntsville now in its 4th year. This group gave me the impression they would like to do something like that.

I still do not know what you mean by "inexperienced group", Your group?... My Group??? Look we have been doing this for 10 years. It is like rolling out a State Fair for us. We have done a trial in the middle of a Horse Race track, in the back of a Soccer field and the middle of a Baseball park. We make it work. As long as we can test the dogs, they don't really care where they are. AND YES.....I have a 2 very qualified guys that would be going there and looking at the grounds available prior to us coming with the caravan. I trust the folks that I have talked to in Enid. If I felt that they were uneasy about it I would have not let them schedule it. He said schedule it. I am not looking to screw your community. Never have and never will. My job is to give these competitors a place or places to play, to continue to grow the SRS and make folks aware of the Dogs sports that are out there. Hopefully we get some new faces in this part of the country and some local guys and gals out to jump their dogs and have a great time in the outdoors.

Whether true or not, these things certainly give the impression that as long as you get your $$ that you really don't care.

I have read this more that I needed to... Who are you??? Really???? Your Impression??? How about "My impression".... that you seem to like to beat up someone who spends pretty much her whole being promoting a game that I thought you loved. That is my impression. You want to know more about SRS ?? You are apparently in the group looking to bring the SRS there, call me up and ask me the questions you are curious about or want to know... 501- 416-8097, I will be glad to answer every one of them.

Shannon

 

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So I do still have concerns about the fact that SRS was completely willing to let an inexperience group put one of these things on. I also think its a bit strange that it was ok'd without even seeing or approving the grounds. Seems like you'd at least want someone that knew what they were doing to tell you about the grounds. Whether true or not, these things certainly give the impression that as long as you get your $$ that you really don't care.

Interesting thread. It has traveled far afield from the OP's question about the relative value of SRS wins and titles vs. others, so I will throw this in.
My 2 cents worth (worth half what you paid for it):
In my humble opinion the SRS is a very good thing, if for no other reason than the TV exposure. Having recently escaped from alligator-infested Florida where I was attending college (again) I've attended a few retriever hunt tests and a couple of AKC retriever trials this year merely as a spectator. Great folks at both sorts of events - friendly dog folk at both venues and as a mere duck hunter, a great chance to watch good dogs and bad.
One thing that stood out to me (at age 54) is that there are very few young people ( I define a young person as anyone an hour younger than I) involved in either group. The same age distribution is true for pointing dog events. These sports are expensive and time consuming and require a good amount of dedication to achieve success.
ANYTHING that will promote dog-related sports and/or hunting to a broader and younger audience is a plus. The anti-hunting/anti-gun/animal rights people are well funded and well organized. If we wish for "our" pastimes to continue into the future, the more people that are involved the better off we are. Anything that we can do to promote our way of life and portray it as having a positive effect in society is of considerable value.
Take a kid hunting/trialing/training-give them a good puppy-help them train the one they have-it will all pay dividends in the future, as will postive TV exposure. Anyone care to sponsor a telecast of next year's Master National? I'll watch every minute!!

I'm climbing off the soapbox now. Thanks for reading. :

Thank you for posting. My impression of you is wonderful....couldn't say it or feel it any better than that.

 

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Shannon, you've mentioned this a couple of times. It's very clear to me he means the club/group in OK is inexperienced in the dog games, not your group.

These threads are interesting in the same way that makes people slow down to look at a car crash. I have no idea why the negative reactions one way or the other. To each their own. If you and your dog enjoy it, why does it matter what you call it?

Rick,
You know, your right it really doesn't matter. I dont really owe anyone an explanation. I just like to clean up the rumor mill sometimes. Figured its better hearing it from the horses mouth so to speak. Funny I know I would love each and every one of these folks here on the street or at a dog trial... I think SRS is the same as my girl Gia.... When someone talks bad about your dog you get alittle hurt inside. We all do and SRS is my baby... I dont really have to protect her just want everyone to know the truth about her. Nothing more nothing less.

Ill be back some but I do hope I will get the chance to meet ya'll someday...

oh and Ken G... I do love ya, but it's not the picture kinda love... sorry

Shannon

 

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HI Russ,

I always thought it to be terrible form when folks used the Waterdog forum to trash and bash the SRS. If you've not seen it done there on that forum, you've probably not been on it too long.

The Waterdog forum has had issues with some of the same badguys that RTF has. In fact, at one point, we had at least one problem child on RTF who was banned due to misuse, that was still allowed to post on Waterdog. (due to his inability to be civil) He continued to excercise his inabilty on the Waterdog forum for quite some time. I'm not sure if he's still active in the dog world or on Waterdog anymore...but he's just an example of the bad apple element that can exist in any online discussion community.

As a person whose name and reputation both wind up being associated with RTF, I can assure you that it's a challenge. I don't know what the membership size is of Waterdog. I can tell you that when you offer up a resource for discussion, sharing, asking, and yes...debate, things can get tricky. And the larger the group, and the more diverse that group becomes, the more likely it becomes that disagreements will happen.

If you've been at RTF much, I'd hope that you've seen that my goal is to keep folks from personally attacking, defaming, or otherwise negatively impacting the reputation and livlihood of others.

It becomes a tricky thing to walk the balance between accusations of "censorship" on one extreme, and free-for-all battle on the other. I feel like I'm doing the best I can. But I'm sure I'm making mistakes.

If you have criticisms to share, or ideas that I'm missing, please feel free to point them out.

I respect your choice to depart RTF. You're welcome back anytime. RTF is not the Waterdog board and it never will be. If anyone is stupid enough to use the Waterdog board to criticise or defame the SRS, they're just plain missing the boat and painting themselves into a corner of negative reputation. So I'd hope that today, you don't see a whole lot of that.

I admittedly have not been on the Waterdog forum a whole lot since my new chapter with my new black dog (who's now 4 years old!).

The internet and the dog world are both big enough that there certainly should be room for all to find a place with culture and rules such that it meets their general comfort level. That's a good thing.

Have a great, safe hunting season and I wish you the best with your dogs.

Chris Atkinson 217-454-0361 maximusretrievers@yahoo.com

Thanks Chris... It is a challenge isn't it? To over see it all? Well you have a great place here and we have a great place there and you are correct, there is enough room for all and more. I stated this same general thing on the SRS board this week. We may all be on different teams but we have to support each other to grow the sport of Ducks and Dogs. Simple as that. If you can't to that then you will have no one to play with and not many teams will want you. Love ya... Hope to see you soon. I still want to get you on the Judges mound soon...

Shann