There are plenty of breeders of purpose bred crosses that DO hip and elbow score and eye test, just as there are plenty of breeders of pure bred dogs that do not.
Although all my dogs have been examplars for younger dogs as I compete with them, I want to more focus from them than post pet owners dow. So I still like to take them out separately. Also I like to give my dogs quality 1:1 time, just as I would if I had more than one child.
There may be certain situations where copying an older dog is a good idea, but for most of the sports I do that is not the case eg obedience, showing, working trials, schutzhund and gundog work.
Not interrested in sheep or herding thank goodness.
If you live alone it is not possible of course for someone else to share the exercising or training in any case.
So as in all things you must do what suits you, your dogs and your own circumstances best and there is no ONE best way, only the one that works for you. 😉
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