With that in mind, once a strong relationship has been established between the mentor and student, approaching the issue of expanding into other lines should be approached sensibly. Discussion of complementary possibilities should take place with an understanding that mentors can often have proprietary feelings of their own.
Such an expansion, rather than harming the relationship, should strengthen it. With new stock in hand the new breeder is now in a position to work autonomouslyputting the lessons they have learned to use in their own breeding program. Assuming that the new dogs chosen are complementary, our new breeder now has something to offer the relationship in the form of, for lack of a better word, capital. For many new breeders, such an expansion marks the beginning of a transition in their typical mentor-student relationship and an equalization in the balance of power.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Finding out what "respect" means to your breeder is one of the most important discoveries you will make.
One last example may help us here.
"Marjorie," a young breeder with one or two dogs acquired through her mentor, "Bill," is ready for another puppy and has approached Bill about a young bitch. Bill had intended to keep the puppy for himself but, after numerous conversations with Marjorie, has decided to let her go on a co-ownership. The two discuss the bitch's strengths and weaknesses and Bill offers a truthful critique of how he feels the bitch will likely develop, as well as recommendations on how she could eventually be bred effectively. When the puppy turns 12 weeks old Bill sends her to Marjorie, who is thrilled with the promise she represents.
Over the coming weeks, however, Marjorie grows skeptical about the puppy's progress. As the days pass she seems to become more gangly and ugly. All of her friends tell her the puppy is a dud. Though she mentions her concerns to Bill, she seems satisfied with his reassurances and doesn't mention her general dissatisfaction again. Within a few weeks, though, with the puppy just turned 4 1/2 months, Bill receives a call from Marjorie telling him she is returning the puppyshe is simply not a quality dog.
Bill is stunned. Not only is Marjorie returning the puppy at the worst possible age for evaluation, she didn't even discuss the situation with him before making the decision! Not only is his pride hurt, but after having invested significant time in mentoring Marjorie, Bill feels his work has been for nothing. How could she label him her mentor and not consult him on such a basic issue? After taking the puppy back, he ends the relationship.Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5