Guess to categorize my own beliefs.
Tools. And nothing more while they are being utilized. Anything more than that I feel starts getting into the pet aspect. And that's where the emotional level kicks in. Never have wanted to fall into that category for fear of being susceptible to favoritism on something more than raw ability and drive VS a more attractive personality. They get petted when they accomplish goals not for laying around and lickin their rears.
I do however believe in the pet aspect being applicable in a working dogs life........When it gets Retired! Its earned everything and achieved all the goals. Wanna lay around with the kids and wife and get petted all day ....no problem ......... Work till the boss says Good Enough and the porch is yours.
Am just like the rest.. dont like losing one....but have several more behind and beside to take its place and continue hunting.
This pretty much sums it up for me also. My hunting dogs are strictly tools. The only time they come out of the kennels is when we hunt, and upon returning home they go right back. My sons take turns feeding, and there are times where I don't even see the dogs for a week or so. I don't pet them, don't play with them...they are for work. Been doing it that way for a very long time and they nor myself have ever seemed to have any complaints.
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