Who likes to include it in the contract?
If not, do you still let the dog scratch?
Who likes to include it in the contract?
If not, do you still let the dog scratch?
Its no big deal either way. But if its not specified in the contract it still should be done if the handling began as a result of an out of holds count. The question i would like to ad to this thread is this. If the handling begins as a result of an out of holds count and the bottom hod stands the other must scratch to win, if that hog refuses to cross what is the out come? Is it a draw? A no contest? Or do both get called losers?
its a draw i guess. I would consider it a loss tho.
I think scratch to win should be mandatory. As a handler/owner, id like to see mine courtesy. Jmo
I am not a fan of making it a stipulation upfront. It is a fine line between the sportsman aspect and the gambling aspect. If the other dog has stopped or been stopped and does not make his scratch I feel no obligation to show mine will. Mostly because if the other side has doubts about my dog after their dog has lost they have to pay to see him again. My concept at the show is not to prove my dog is game, or even find out if your dog is game, that should have been done long ago (will do a first time out on the cheap as a game check, but that is a different topic) at the show it is about winning. For me, it is a two man team. I can't ask him to do all that I ask of him, everything it takes to win, then when he wins, I ask him to do one more thing for nothing more than a display. The fruits of our labor must have a reward. EWO
If both dogs stand from an OOH count, it's a draw. I, personally, would never agree to a scratch to win contest.
Well said. If both dogs stand on OOH count it is a draw. If one stands on his scratch I see no need to scratch mine just to show he will. When the opposite guy stands, tries but can't or any combination of the two, if he does not come on his scratch, well, it is over. (it is a team sport) In that very split second my dog is declared the winner my most important contribution to the team is to see after his best interests, in lots of situations, those seconds that turn into minutes are precious to saving the dog. That is somewhat dramatic but as soon as the after care starts the better the chances of saving the dog/the dog coming back again.
I have seen shows where there is, let's say, 'hostility in the air'. some trash talking of sorts, and a guy scratches his winning dog to 'show' the crowd he will. I have seen the ones where there was no stipulation upfront and the losing team starts screaming 'you gotta scratch to win' in a last ditch effort to save their money. Personally, I don't give in to either. It is a scratching contest. The starting point to the contest is "Release your dogs" and end point is 8, 9 , 10...this dog the winner" anything after that has no benefit to the dog. At that point I want my dog's best interests to come first. Get'em up and get'em doctored. EWO
well said ewo