I am digging around trying to find a couple SV style shows to get the kids entered in this year. So far I think I found 2 or 3. Now the predicament. I am not yet a member of USA or WDA. Angela (co-own) is member of WDA. I guess I am hoping things will sort themselves out between the two organizations before the pups are ready for trials. I am in a dead zone as far as training or trialing so I am kind of taking a wait and see attitude as far as membership goes.

Can I have dogs shown/trialed in USA venues if one of two owners is a WDA member? Or can they only show/trial under WDA? What if the handler is a USA member but one owner isn't?

There are a couple USA clubs "near by" but only 1 WDA club and it is further than 3 USA clubs.

I don't think things will get sorted out by the two.

If you belong to WDA, you cannot do any USA trials. If you belong to both, but haven't re-upped USA membership(dues not due yet), you can still participate if you are a member in good standing with USA. Once you re-up, you have to sign the affidavit that you belong to no other GSD organizations, then USA only for trials. The co-own is complicated, but I think it still flies, only USA membership to participate in USA events.

It is really sad the way this has all played out. There is a yahoogroup GrassrootsUSA@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=GrassrootsUSA&submit=Search
for discussion. Maybe join that for any feedback.

I do not think things will get sorted out either. But USA are the only clubs really around here. I am trying to figure out the best way to to go. I would hate to join USA and find out that I can only show/trial under WDA.

I joined USA after having been a member of WDA.
The club I am a member of is USA, I'd rather not give them my $ but I had to be a member of USA to be a member of my club.

If you plan on doing conformation, then WDA would be the one to stay with, even if you have to travel farther for the trials.

The only issue with WDA is there is literally ONE club within ohhhh 500 or so miles of me. Last I heard they are not even sure they are having a trial this year. I think the next closest club is in Western Michigan or Maryland/VA/DC. There might be one in Ohio. I can't remember. PA stinks because I have to check on three different regions. I did fing the only thing the WDA/USA has in common, both have my area of PA in the bermuuda triangle of dogdom.

As far as SchH trials go, you can solve the issue by being a member of DVG. As DVG is an AWDF member club, DVG members can trial in USA trials, just like members of any other AWDF member clubs. So you could join WDA and DVG, and trial at most any trial, including USA without having to be a USA member.

From a conformation showing standpoint, it gets much trickier. You have to be a USA member to show at USA shows, and WDA member to show at WDA shows, and USA won't let you be a member of both.

Thank you for the DVG reminder. I know the last time I posted about this there was away around the USA membership for trials but I wasn't sure about shows.

The part I am not sure anyone knows the answer to is the co-owner question. Since I am not yet a member anywhere but Angela is a WDA member can *I* join DVG and show at USA shows?

I really would like to show these two to help get the "ugly' workin' dawgs out there.

Ironically there is a USA show near me the same weekend the of the WDA/NASS show in VA. I put in vacation time so I just need to figure out which way to plan. LOL

<Ruq starts humming "Why can't we be friends"> It is really sad that there is this much of a mess with how few and far between clubs are anyway regardless of affiliation.

First paragraph - this is how I plan to resolve this issue. If I ever need to trial or show USA (which at this point is no longer likely), I'll join DVG or AWDF.

Second paragraph - I think you no longer have to be a WDA member to enter WDA shows. I believe the same is now true for USA except for their Sieger Show? Also, if your dog is 12+ months, it (the dog) must also be USA registered for shows. I'm pretty sure the WDA relaxed a lot of rules, obviously trying to usher in disgruntled USA members. I will contact Joy or Carole and get a definite answer...

To be honest I'm not sure USA would do anything at this point to people like us. Look at someone like Julie Martinez who enters dozens of dogs at the USA Sieger Show. I've seen her at WDA shows all year too. If they aren't penalizing someone who monopolizes show entries, I don't anticipate anyone would blink if I entered Nikon in their Sieger Show next month and the WDA Topline show next week.

I would use your vacation for NASS, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a WDA member. If the USA show the same weekend is just a club or even regional show, it will absolutely not compare. Even their Sieger Show next month looks to be hurting for entries. Of the Sieger Shows for USA vs. NASS, NASS has more entries and from personal experience, better venue, better vendors...it's just a bigger, better event. The VA venue is perfect and will draw huge numbers from Globalhaus, Wilhendorf, Haus Juris, some of the kennels in the south, we will come from Michigan, I'm sure the kennels from Chicagoland will be there, Drachefeld and Schneiden Fels from KY/TN...it's just super convenient for so many people plus all those who are jumping ship from USA. Also Rudiger is judging and I really liked how he judged when I saw him (I like far less extreme show lines, and working lines). I thought he was very personable, fair, and honest.

Thank you for your input Lies, I was hoping you would stop by because I kind of thought you were in the same boat to an extent.

The only issue with NASS is it would be a lot more complicated (travel, finding someone to watch the Huskies, etc.). I know NASS would by far be the larger venue but this year I am only looking for some ring experience for the youngsters. Keyzah would be 13 months and Jet 21 months.

Can you enter USA shows with DVG/AWDF membership?

GAH I hate politics.

I've asked Gayle to find out about the co-ownership thing, since we are in the same boat... She is a WDA member, and I am WDA and USA until Sept or Oct when my USA expires. Either way I'm still not sure I want to support USA, but with the limited opportunities it's hard. We've been tossing around having a show and trial here (WDA), but just not sure it will happen.

Honestly, the show in OH(USA) with Dieter Oeser would be a good one to take your working dogs too, Hexe got a great critique under him last year.

But, yes, you should really come to NASS!! And you should come down and do ring training with us!! It really makes a difference when your dog is ring trained, especially for working dogs.

Welllllll is our handler going to Ohio? That one I will def bring Keyzah too. When do you guys have ring training?

From Joy...

"At this time WDA membership is not required to enter club or Regional trials and shows. You must be to enter National events. All American-born dogs must have tattoo or microchip certified 4-gen pedigree by one year of age. We accept USA's certification."