How to I find a new puppy for Schutzhund - Page 1

Im new to the sport of Schutzhund. Am now looking for a new puppy.  How can I post a "puppy wanted" ad on Pedigree DB?

Thank you.

k

Is there any IPO club in your area? Without club/connections no Schutzhund.
Within the clubs you´ll find breeders and dogs. It´s always better to see the parents ( or at least the dam, maybe older siblings ) than to "shop online".
Good luck!

@Vonsila - Where are you located? Have you found a club in your area or spoken with any Schutzhund trainers where you are? Since you are new to the sport, i would highly recommend talking with those who are currently actively training AND competing about breeders and what litters are on the ground or what breeding are planned. Schutzhund is not a sport that you want to first get a puppy then get into the sport. Allot of people have come in that way :) but those who first learn about the sport, the training, the time commitment then go on the hunt for a new dog/puppy usually have an 'easier' go at it. just my opinion

I agree, go find a club or group that trains schutzhund. Talk to those there and see who is successful. Anyone can sell you a puppy but not eveyrone can sell you an actual schutzhund prospect. Ask for titles, OFA/PennHip reprorts. And other health test. See if anyone else has pups from this same lines? Prior breedings or related to the dogs you like. You also didn't state what breed you are interested in? German shepherd? Mal, boxer, or other breed?

Good luck and have fun.

Fry

Why schutzhund?  Why not mondio, french ring, tracking, herding, etc?  There are a lot of other sports to choose from and something other than schutzhund may be better supported in the area where you live in.  Also there is also the possibility that the other dog sports may be more accepting of your training goals.  Many schutzhund club leaders and local club members, that post here on PDB, have stated publically that they are not in the business of building up newbies, nor are they responsible for helping part-timers become familair with the sport. 

As susie said, no club, no schutzhund.

Many schuthund clubs and members of PDB, have stated publically that they are not in the business of building up newbies nor are they responsible for helping part-timers become familair with the sport.

The above has not been my experience in the sport. I know that 'part-timers' may not be accepted as "Full Members" into clubs that i am familiar with and that is because there are too many 'full timers' who want to be a part of the club and the training. The Ring clubs i am familiar with are the same way, if someone is looking to be part time in their sport, they will move onto the next person who is as serious as they are in training and competing.

It's really not a big deal, most clubs (regardless of the sport) are very open and welcoming to visitors who want to come out, meet the people and find out about their sport and their club. You will find that you will get out of your visit what you put into it, just like being a member of a club or training group.  

I know that 'part-timers' may not be accepted as "Full Members" into clubs that i am familiar with and that is because there are too many 'full timers' who want to be a part of the club and the training. The Ring clubs i am familiar with are the same way, if someone is looking to be part time in their sport, they will move onto the next person who is as serious as they are in training and competing.

How is this answer any different from what I said? 

I didn't say the clubs were going to be rude or mean to someone who wants to just visit a few times to see what everything is all about.  But since the OP asked about "buying a schutzhund dog" and doesn't seem to have an experienced person or club guiding them, I think its the responsibility of those familiar with the "community" to let newbies know that there is a high likelihood that local clubs will not hold their hands because they are too busy working with persons "who are as serious as they are".  Also, as you said, there are too many people that are interested in the first place.  So, it begs the question, why is there a shortage of places for these people to go?  I have my opinion, but its likely in conflict with yours.

My point is why waste the time and money buying a dog "suitable for schutzhund" when there is a high chance this newbies goals may not be "acceptable" at their local club.  I think back-up training plans, involving other dog sports, is good idea for folks new to schutzhund, that have no friends or family connections already participating in the sport to guide them.

One day you guys will get it.  That kind of club culture works great in Europe and when someone like susie gives personal examples from Europe, I fully agree that it works there and creates larger pools of competent participants.  But at the same time, I think that kind of club culture is really a bad fit for the United States. 

Only time will tell though, millennials are on their way up in age, so we'll see if they enter the sport or not in sustainable numbers in the next decade.  I'll bet my house the OP is under 35 and doesn't know anyone personally in the schutzhund community that can help them, which is why I posted.

Thank you everyone that took the time to reply to me.

I did search for a club in Schutzhund and they range anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours away.. one way..which I dont mind driving.  But after your comments...I also searched French Ring and Tracking and they have clubs right here in my area.  I have reached out to see if I could attend a training session.  Waiting to hear.  As for what kind of dog, leaning towards shepherd, but keeping an open mind.  Will do my research on what type from listening to member comments.  I do know to make sure the pup pedigree is OFA/PennHip, cardio, etc. 

Great feedback form all of you. Im really excited and hope I will be able to participate in either group. 

Best.

k

vonsila; A wise person learns from everyone. A fool learns from no one.; Get involved with a training group before you get the pup. Go see a couple of groups on several occasions. I have witnessed many times when a newbie thinks they want a certain breed or sport experience but learns too late it is not for them. Since all of the sports mentioned involve protection training I hope that a group will ''vet'' you or in some manner make certain you are the right person or personality to have such an animal. 

@gsdstudent No, not all sports mentioned in this thread "involve protection training".  Modio has an obedience only track, AKC & SV tracking has no protection training and FCI & AKC herding has no protection training.  There is also Rettungshunde, that is offered by some USCA affiliated clubs, that has no protection training.

As for "newbies thinking they want a certain breed or sport experience but learns too late it is not for them", well I'd say its most important for newbies to find a good "club fit" first.  As they gain experience, dealing with the dog training community at large, they may then better be able to handle "harsh clubs" later, despite not fitting in completely, yet still be able to meet thier training goals.

To the OP find NICE PEOPLE FIRST, you can always change clubs or venues later if you outgrow them.