Training Advice - Page 1

I would like to hear people's opinion on training methods for a complete novice. I am considering joining a club, but am wondering whether private training would be better since I am such a novice. Advice much appreciated. Mike

Hi Mike! First you need to tell us what kind of training you are interested in. Then tell us about your dog. How old, GSD?, personality, drives etc. Then I'm sure alot of folks would love to help you get started. Deb

Thanks Deb...yes, I should have given more detail. I am interested in training my dog for Schutzhund. I want to do it myself (not send him away). He is a 9 month old showline dog...as far as I can tell he has very high prey, play drives and high food drive. He is my forth GSD, but the other three were American GSDs...his food, play and prey drives are CONSIDERABLY higher than they were -- so his drives are "high" to me at least. I've been to a couple of trials and breed surveys and have attended a couple of training sessions for a local club. I guess my real question or concern is, whether or not the local club is the best place for me to learn, or are private training sessions with a trainer better.

A "good" club is a great place to start. Interview each club within your area and see what they have to offer. Here are a few things to look for in a club: Results- some walk the walk, talk the talk, but have very few accomplishments to show for themselves. Attitude- What is their opinion on conformation dogs? Helper- This person will be entrusted with you and your puppy's success. The helper should be expierienced and accomplished. There should be a mix within the club. Old members, new members, members working on puppy tug and some on SchH 3. Good luck!

A good club is essential. You will probably also find someone willing to do private lessons there, if they think they are needed. Dog1 is right about checking them out first though. There is a lot of prejudice against show lines out there and you sure don't need that right off the bat. In the mean time make sure you are letting him "win" all the time. By that I mean, NEVER take anything away from him! Only trade for something else. Play lots of ball, but have many balls. So that his reward for dropping a ball is to get the other one. Same with tugging, always let him win the tug and run off with it. The best thing at this age is to make everything fun for him. Life's a big game...don't ya know....lol Good Luck! Deb

You might be interested in another discussion that has taken place, regarding training METHOD, in other words, what type of techniques do you want to use to TEACH your puppy. When you are comfortable with that method, then you need to be certain that your club supports you in your efforts. See the discussion PURELY POSITIVE vs. COMPULSION vs. THE MIDDLE. If you wish to use motivation, you may want to read up on Ivan Balabanov's and Joanne Plumb's techniques. Skills are learned without conflict between you and your dog. Have fun with your puppy!

I think I will put my two cents worth in on this topic. Kerry is correct in that maybe Ivan and his training through drive would help keep any conflicts from forming. I do have a show female but all my other dogs are working blood. The reason I share that is not to look like I dislike the show dogs. I would say if your dog has good ball, food and tug drives, get the Ivan video's. After you watch them 15 times and start to understand them it might help you in picking a club. I know of many clubs here local and afar that you would not do well at due to bloodline preferences within the club. That sounds stupid but it is the bottom-line. I would not even bring your dog with you when going and watching the clubs train. (Randy)>Attitude- What is their opinion on conformation dogs? Helper- This person will be entrusted with you and your puppy's success. The helper should be experienced and accomplished.<:: He is 100% correct, the helper needs to know how to work and develop a show dog for Schutzhund OR he will ruin your dog hands down!!!!!JMHO TRUST ME ON THIS ONE!!!!!

Thank you everyone for your help. Will do. I am reading Balabanov's book, just finished Dildei's book on obedience. I’ve watched Dildei's obedience, tracking and protection videos multiple times. Just purchased Balabanov's video and am working on that. I am fairly fortunate as I have a couple of clubs locally (Live in Chester County PA) that I need to visit. I will keep you posted on my progress and again thanks for the help. Mike

Thanks Micharr