Think Globally, Act Locally - Promoting Open Dialogue and Collective Actions

Table of Contents

Call to Action

IPFD has published an article entitled:  Reframing Current Challenges Around Pedigree Dogs: A Call for Respectful Dialogue, Collaboration and Collective Actions which "reviews factors impacting current issues for pedigree dogs and is a call for open, respectful discussions, within and across stakeholder groups (e.g. dog show enthusiasts, kennel and breed clubs, legislators, dog owners, veterinarians, welfare advocates), countries and regions; a call for each one of us to examine how our personal biases, attachments, and beliefs impact these discussions; and a call to work collectively for what is truly in the best interest of dogs and the people who care for them."

As described, there are increasing legislative actions, especially in Europe, that, although prompted by issues of health and welfare in some brachycephalic breeds, will impact all pedigree dogs, and all dogs.  And that means a significant impact on people.  As much as there is a groundswell of negative attitudes about pedigree dogs, research has shown that the human-dog bond is heavily influenced by breed and appearance, and the diversity of breeds enriches human society on many levels.  There is a need for open, respectful dialogue and collective actions in the best interest of both dogs and people.

One challenge in ongoing discussions is that the loudest voices, even some official communications from dog organizations, may not truly reflect the majority opinion.  Of course, there may be many within and outside the pedigree world who do not understand the complexity of the issues, the potential outcome and unintended consequences of legislative solutions, and the broader impact and fallout.  While understanding the differences in attitudes and realities in different regions and across stakeholder groups, and being respectful of them, there is much common ground in terms of challenges and response to them.  That is why everyone who has any interest in dogs, pedigree dogs, and the world of dogs and people has a responsibility to engaged.  How do we get those across the spectrum of stakeholders to stand up, speak up, and get engaged?

ENGAGING CONSTRUCTIVELY in discussions of dog health and welfare

What does that mean?

• Understanding the issues - i.e. complexity, differences across sectors or countries.
• Understanding clearly what you bring to the table in terms of your own background and how you can best promote positive developments.
  • There is no one right answer, and issues are impacted by attitudes and beliefs.  We may have to 'agree to disagree' on some issues, but we need everyone to be open and transparent.
  • The global achievement of dog health and welfare will require human behaviour change.  Not everyone thinks change is needed, or is willing to engage in change.  But wider forces are at play, and it is time for each of us to be clear where we are starting from... and where we want to go.  Check out our blog and attached video on human behaviour change.
• IPFD will soon provide a 'Roadmap' that outlines suggestions on how each person and group can engage.
• Reflect, LISTEN, then engage.  Encourage others to do the same.
• Act responsibly and respectfully on social media; do not tolerate rudeness or personal attacks.

Some tools we have or are working on:

Below are many resources on DogWellNet that detail the challenges, or link to examples of responsible breeding, responsible ownership, potential for the future.  We have a lot of information on challenges in brachycephalic breeds that are at the heart of the current situation.  Evidence, and research cannot be ignored.

However, we also want to Accentuate the Positive!

There are purpose bred dogs with good health and welfare, let's make sure to look at those, as well.

Feel Good Videos!

• Want to feel good about working for dogs... check out these two IPFD Videos:
  • For the Love of Dogs
  • Everything is Connected

Share your experiences and resources

• Breed clubs and kennel clubs:
  • Please share any guidelines, tools you have found helpful to:
    • ensure good social media etiquette
    • promote respectful discussions
    • help breed clubs determine their position on health and welfare in their breeds
    • tools for creating breed health strategies 
      • See for example:  our Health Strategies Guide
• Contact us:  info@ipfdogs.com

• We invite members of DogWellNet.com to share their experiences in a forum entitled:
  'How I exert my responsibility for health and welfare of pedigree dogs'.
  • Members, remember to sign in.  New members sign up here.
  • Then share personal approaches.
• Watch for other tools coming soon.

Resources

• IPFD CEO Dr. Brenda Bonnett presented to the (virtual) Swedish Veterinary Congress on Reframing discussions on Dog Health and Welfare Responsible Breeding and Sourcing of Dogs - you can see the video or download a PDF or the PowerPoint presentation here. The PowerPoint show and video include a voiceover by Brenda.
• In her blog, Brenda reports on an online event, 'Reframing Discussions - What is needed for progress?', hosted by the All-party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) on December 1st. In case you missed it, videos of Brenda's presentation and the full webinar are in the article.
• Extremes of Conformation | Brachycephalics  including links to evolving situations in the Netherlands and Finland.
• IPFD Get a GRIHP! series... our evolving initiative and articles of specific breeds.
• Blogs, eg.:  Breed Health... What is your vision?
• more... check around DogWellNet.com