The Pedigree Database: German Shepherd dog

OK with all the silly BS on the board these days (it has really gone downhill now)

I have come up with an idea to help newbies get an idea of who knows what. Give them an idea of who they should be getting advice from and who they should talk with a grain of salt.

A way to weed out the "wannabees" separate the men from the boys so to speak.

I am calling everyone out. Time to put up or shut up. Exactly what have you accomplished in your dog career?

Not who train(ed) with, who you purchased your dog from, what seminar you attended. Not I'm the TD or helper for this unknown mystery club....

What have you accomplished with a leash in your hand?

I would like to see working titles first, any other sport venue (flyball agility, etc) then OB titles.  Be willing to give dates and locations for varification.

I will start.

Titled in three different venues (PSA, FR, NAPD)

National level in NAPD 2X top three national placement

Regional level PSA 2nd place 2002

Mulitple club level/invitational trials

OK guys and gals.....................

PUT UP OR SHUT UP!!!!!!!!

Great posting, and i will be the first to admit to doing absolutely nothing in the way of work! However..............................hes the best dog in the world!  I may not work my dog, or show him any more, but i have made sure that when i do poke my nose in here, i know exactly what im talking about, and dont make outrageous or false claims about my dog.

Titles- JGHV (German Hunt Breed Certs) &  UKC- HRC Titles (Retreiving Hunt Tests).    

Working on a PSA title..Member Ohio Club

Competed in AKC and UKC agility and obedience, titling two dogs (AKC and UKC CDX, Agility 2, TD, TDX, CGC, working therapy dogs) before starting in Schutzhund in 1992.  First GSD (Ayla v Haus Cruser) was AKC/UKC CDX,TD,TDX, working therapy dog, also Schh3 and FH multiple times, qualified for Nationals.

Xinerobella v Tiekerhook Schh3,FH,IPO1,AD,KKl-2 - brought her in with IPO1, re-started all training and put Schh3 multiple times, FH and qualified for National level.  This was the foundation female for my breeding program - mother of Arrow, Cynnor and Eagle.

Arrow v Zuckerburg Schh3,FH,IPO1,AD,KKl-1, working therapy dog - bred, raised, trained, titled her, multiple Schh3,competed National level and FH Championship. 

Cynnor v Eichenluft Schh3,FH,AD,KKl-1,working therapy dog - bred, raised, trained, titled her, multiple Schh3, competed Regional level and qualified for National level.  Two legs toward her AKC CD at age 10.

V-Eagle v Eichenluft Schh3,FH2,AD,KKl-1 - 25X Schh3, 19X National Championships, many times Regional Championships.  2004 FCI World Team.  2007 AWDF FH Champion.  - bred, raised, trained, titled him to all titles and accomplishments.  Retired in 2007 at 9 years old, still sound and healthy and ready to work.

Kobra v Eichenluft BH - certified Narcotics Detection K9, working Narcotics K9 - bred, raised, trained, certified her.  I am certified as "Master Trainer" and will be training other narc detection dogs in the future.

Youngsters Brix and Nova on their way to titles now (bred, raised, trained, titled by moi)

I hold the bronze, silver, gold and Masters Gold Sports Medals from USCA.

I have been breeding for 12 years and have many dogs with my kennel name working titled and working untitled.   Overall record of good health, hips and temperament is excellent.

I also train "pet obedience" and have experience with many different breeds and temperaments.  

molly

Eichenluft Working German Shepherds

http://workinggermanshepherd.com

I forgot to mention Eagle is also trained (by me) cadaver detection.  I have also worked dogs (mine and others) for wilderness and disaster SAR as well as police K9 and have some experience with this avenue of working dogs.

molly

Absolutely nothing professional about my dogs. I trained them all myself. I'm not a breeder. My son takes the dogs to 1/2 time shows @ Rodeo's but it's all for fun and prizes. My dogs do work a large farm 24/7 365 and all know backyard personal protection. My Malinois will be the first dog we handle in any real sports trial for titles.

U-CH Clea von Earnhardt CGC, TDI, RN CD

(U-Points) EK's Ichabod vom Argohof CGC, TDI, CD

(U-Points) EK's Clarice vom Ramhausen CGC, TDI, RN

U-CH EK'Hanibal vom Ramhausen CGC, TDI, RN

(U-Points) EK's Z-Tanna von Earnhardt CGC, TDI (trained her for Narcotic before selling to PD)

Not as much as some but more then others and still training :)

I just can't put my mark down next to most of you posting here-- just yet.  I don't think I ever claimed to be an expert, quite the contrary.  Just obtained a BH on my BHOT dog last summer.  I am working towards the SchH1 title now on her and the BH and SchH1 on another BHOT dog.  I helped my father train dogs in his amateur guard dog business when I was a kid....all defense drive/agitation type stuff.  I did sloppy pet-style obedience with those amateur trained guard dogs, not knowing any better.  But they'd stay for 30 minutes at a time and were obedient. 

I built a jump out of PVC yesterday, having learned a example of the design from our club training director.  Does that one qualify me for any further "qualifications"? LOL. 

When I get my SchH3, then I'll start offering training advice--- sparringly.  I still won't have a Nationals winning dog, or any SAR certifications.  There will always be someone better than me, for sure.  I started real dog training late.

Veronica

Absolutley nothing - I've only owned dogs for a grand total of 2 years.  I am working my dogs in SchH in Roanoke with Jess W. as our helper, and I have started Herding with Susan R.  My goals are to title both my dogs...Leo (6mo) moreso in SchH, and Ruby (1yr) moreso in Herding, though mixing a little for both.  I also do Conf. with my dogs.  I'll be the first to let you all know when our goals start becoming reality :p

Both of mine are Whites - Ruby comes from split Show/Working BBS lines and from a small breeder in Holland; Leo came from a wGSD breeder who had some good drives in her lines.

I have utterly no experience, but self preservation has taught me to gain as much knowledge as possible...it's why I know so much about Genetics, and particularily, color genetics.  I found out today that I might be able to get ahold of some Genetics Lab time at the Vet School - so I might actually get some real experience with it in the future :)

I have no problems saying that my knowldege is absoulty research based, with some experience I have ganed through friends, mentors and my breed club...some of my weird ideas come with my work with horses (I study them in School, Warmbloods mainly) and the Commercial Cattle Industry.  Oh - and I also train pet obedience classes in Roanoke :).  I have an ambitious goal in mind with my dogs - I desperatley want to build a Working Line within my breed - and it will take me years and years and more years to attain this.  I'd rather learn all the information now than get caught in a D'oh that could potentially harm my goals.

~Cate

Oh - lol - I should also mention that I am a 22 year old kid-at-heart who's barely had the time to experience a whole lot other than school, the Guard and ROTC O.o  And if I sound like I have common sense - it's either my Daddy Quotes, military training, or pure coincidence, because, as my boyfriend will tell you, I am generally lacking in that department 

How's that for a Newbie Intro :p

~Cate

I got my first dog 5 1/2 years ago.  I started Schutzhund training 4 years ago with her.  Since I got her I learned about allergies and staph infections, spondylosis and now cancer.   She got her CGC at about a year and We got a BH 3 years ago and then she started having trouble jumping so no more trialing for her.  I kept working her and still do.  We just got done doing a little OB to see how her mind is working.  Her spirit is ever so willing.  She would love to do some bitework...  Her temperament is flawless and her health just sucks.

I got my second dog almost 2 years ago....  My goal was for him to be my new sport dog, but we will see where we end up!  We train every day wherever we happen to be.  I do SchH OB and tracking....  I enjoy the realtionship that training builds with my dogs and will always try to accomodate what I can do with what the dog is built/wired to do. 

My newest goal is to not learn about any more freaking health problems for awhile.

Oh and they are both working line  GSDs.

So, I rank somwhere behind Veronica in experience.

Darcy

Training a one year old in SAR in Arizona.

there is a lot of bs on the board lately. and its not even funny, just tedious. i think that's the real sin, lol. well, i am not any kind of expert. angus has his cgc and i'm getting him into advanced obedience (just for us). i want to get him into therapy work, but he is still a clumsy oaf. i hope many others tell what they've done with their dogs, whether breeding, sar, obedience, shutzhund, herding or therapy. or anything else i've missed. some of us who are pet owners and either do not have a dog with the "hard drive" or temperment or do not have these attributes themselves, do like to learn about the gsd in different worlds than ours.

angus von thinschmidt II, cgc  (hey, some of us have little accomplishments)

there are some really experienced people on this board and i hope they "put up" cuz i enjoy reading about them or their dogs when they compete or respond to an emergency call.

One dog to Sch3 3XHGH KKl1 and AKC herding titles HSCs HICs HXCs, working towards his Championship.  Pondering an FH, AKC Rally and Obedience with him. 

Another dog to 2XHGH and working towards her Schutzhund and AKC herding titles, 2 legs towards started so far. 

And my intro into dog sports with my mixed breed in agility who had several Agility titles in NADAC. 

Still very much a novice at all of this, but listening and learning all the time!

My first competition dog was born in '92, Cruz vom KiaHaus..... titled him thru Utility (UD) in AKC obedience, had 1 leg towards his UDX when he retired at 9. Started doing agility with him when he was about 6, played there til he was about 8 1/2.. spondylosis slowed that parade down.. he was a couple legs short of his Masters Excellent titles in both Standard and jumpers..that was before MACH's and FAST's and all the other venues. He was Herding Instinct Certified by Hubert Bailey big time working bc person..... became a different dog when the woolies came out. He was also a certified therapy dog and brought lots of smiles to people, he was my "bubble dog"... had nothing for food drive, little for toy until I found bubbles and spitting water was the best thing ever to him.. after that, was able to work in other toys and food too! He was an awesome dog, I now realize how resilient and had I known then what I know now....

Mik-Mar's Gold Rush v KiaHaus was my dabble in conformation dog, she won a couple classes in spite of the fact her pedigree was 1/2 American show lines. Put a BH on her and was getting her ready for her ScH1 when a dispute with the breeder/co-owner/used to be friend ended it all... they took her back (long story, was easier than fighting).. she was sold to a Schutzhund person, he turned around and sold her to someone else.... nobody knew any of her medical issues which was the reason for the dispute with the breeder/ex-friends.. saw her for sale here several years ago, tried to buy her back.... seller changed her mind.... very disappointed.

Kaela v KlausHaus SchH3, AD.. put the 1, 2 and 3 on her .. bought her from a local person to do agility and decided to see how we could do in the sport.. she had had some trouble on the trial field, but a break and little different approach got us to our SchH3.. we also did an AD in prep for breed survey but never got to the BS part. Just lost her about 4 months ago at 9 1/2......she was just that dog, she was no killer but she had a temperament to die for and was the most loving animal I have ever had in my life. Another, wish I knew then what i know now dog.. would have retrained her with my current coach ...

Current dog is Aska vom Betenhaus BH, AD. aka "Superstar".... we have trialed a couple of times and have yet it put it all together in 1 trial.... our last 93 in O, 98 in P and failed the track...... Tracking will always be a work in progress with us, if I could get it together.. an injury sidelined her before that trial and then I bred her, came back not 3 sessions and off to the sports vet... microtear in the sartorius and a healed microtear of the ACL on the other side.. have been rehabbing and now it is just normal life for us, we swim, we treadmill, we train.... we massage and stretch and try to keep it together

Have trained dogs for a number of years in pet obedience and how to be a good house dog. Have been breeding for more years than I will ever admit, currently under the kennel name Aus dem Traumblick.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it....

If you think I'm going to re-write all I've done here you're out of your mind. LOL. Ha ha ha. Hell, I can't even remember it all. Here's a pix of some of the trophies from the more memorable events. I donated the less important (high Tracking in trial, that sort of thing) back to my club when I left CA for re-use. I got tired of dusting them to be honest. (Notice the dust)  For more, go to my website:

http://www.frauengarten.net/AboutShelley.html

http://www.frauengarten.net/Training.html

Oh yeah. I ave had the USA Sports Medal in Gold since 1991. I keep losing them, and the thin gold wears off them in about a year on my hat, but half the time nobody that sees it knows what it is anyway.... I probably have enough points for the gold with the Diamonds, but can't be bothered to pull out all those scorebooks to tally up.

Maybe someday, when I break my leg or something, I'll get to that too.

SS

Viggo vom Adel Haus - purchased at 6 months old, he is now 4.  He has his CGC, AD, BH, TR1 and we are working towards his SchH1,  hopefully in a few months.  He is HOT.  I showed him in Conformation until he was neutered at 2 1/2 years old.

Enni (Elsa) van Klipgaarden - imported from Belgium at 8 weeks old, and is now 2.  She has her CGC, AD, BH, TR1 and she is almost ready for her SchH1, then breed survey.  She is HOT.  I have shown and will continue to show her in Conformation.

Odessa vom Haus Pe-Ja - imported from Germany at 8 weeks old and is now 1.  She is currently in training and has been shown in Conformation.  She will be HOT.

Nicholas zur Bindenburg - purchased at 13 weeks old and now 5 months old.  He is in training, as well as being a puppy.  He will be shown in Conformation, along with being Schutzhund titled as HOT.

I've handled for the BH-5 times, TR1-3 times and my daughter has done the AD's for me.  I've always learned something whether we pass or fail.  I do all the training with my dogs, with advice from other experienced handlers and with help from various helpers for the protection work.  I have attended and participated in a Helper Seminar.   I have attended two training seminar's, one with SV Press Secretary and Trial Judge Heiko Grube and his club helper Joachim Neimeyer, and most recently with Bernhard Flinks. 

I've been involved with the breed and sport for 4 years.  In that time I have learned a lot, and will continue to learn for the rest of my life.  I train my own dogs, and I know how they work, what they are capable of and they are a part of my family.  I will not breed my dogs until they are titled.  I have been involved with dogs almost all of my life. 

Marsha Seck

U-CH Complete Chaos Von Steppenwolf

CGC passed twice on same dog.  Got it at 6 months, and then re-evaluated at 17 months old.   TDI twice finally past the final time!

Beginner OB, Intermediate OB, Advanced OB, Agility on all of my dogs.

1 Leg in Obedience on 2 dogs.  Don't do it much any more.  Much to busy with Chaos trying to get his Grand.

WAS thinking about Schutzhund, but decided against it as I don't want it to turn me into most of the people on this forum!

Definitly thinking about SAR if I can find a group near us to start training with.  Haven't totally decided on that yet though.

Proud Owner / Handler / Trainer of

U-CH Complete Chaos Von Steppenwolf

Diversified GSD Forum

http://lcgsd.proboards98.com

I'm not sure everyone here feels comfortable bragging about their accomplishments, GARD. I for one would not think of listing any AKC titles, etc here and I noticed you aren't interested in them anyway

1st dog, bh

2nd dog, SchH 3,

john

Nice response Blitzen!!

The funny thing is it is not the person holding the leash that gets the full credit of getting the dog to what ever level it is the decoy that makes or breaks the dog!!

Hello there, real dog!

I think I've accomplished alot with my dogs,

after having to work 40 hours a week

and also raise 8 kids,  (to be fairly normal)...........

 5 kids have moved out, and the other kids have helped alot with training.....

I am no longer working and having some me time,

And quess what!, My daughter's college math teacher called today to tell me she got an A on her math test,

Anyway, I do what I can, when I can, which , for someone like myself, getting a Companion Dog title or for
that matter a CGC on a dog, is just fine with me,

I am aiming high this year, I would like to get a BH on someone, NO, I didn't say BS.... I said BH......Really!
I think I'm ready for the big time, also, wish me luck on my GED test!

and I also breed GSD's and have for many years, cause I need to be surrounded by healthy happy mutts with large teeth!!!!

    www.vonryansgermanshepherds.com

                          Paula

I've lurked off and on, mostly off, on these forums for a while. Been reading more lately. I trained and competed with my GSDs for about 10 years and burned out hard about 3 years ago. Starting to get back into the training and titling. I've done a bit of herding and agility training, a bit of AKC obedience, too.

Dogs I've trained/titled:

Blackthorn's Bright Heart, SchH3, CDX, OFA (AKC lines)

Frostbite v Pantara, Sch1, CD

Blackthorn's Ashen, Sch3, KK2, 2000 USA H.O.T Sch1 and 2001 Sch3 HOT Champion

Ike v Del U Haus (Nike), SchH2, KK2

Next up for titling: Blackthorn's Coal and Blackthorn's Hunter.

Christine Kemper

www.blackthornkennel.com

I'll shut up. :)

I trained BiJou aka DaKota for her CGC at age 2 yrs. We have tried herding, but failed when she sat on an electric fence.

She is just my heart dog at age 9 yrs.

Maybe a next GSD will go a bit further as I research & learn alot more. :)

Kodiac of My BodyGuard SchH1 KKL1 CD and trained as a dual purpose K9

Addeline of My BodyGuard trained for SchH1-3 however I did not handle her in the trials

Watz zum Jurgenshof SchH1

Also trained the dual purpose k9's for the following departments: Gurnee IL, North Chicago IL, Naperville IL, Aurora IL, Elgin IL, Norridge IL, Lake CO Sherrif IL, Waukegan IL, Wheeling IL, Sparta WI, Vernon Hills IL and several other departments whose names escape me right now

Blitzen,

I am not trying to make this about bragging rights. Some people need no introduction.

If you re-read my original post you will see I did ask for people to include Ob titles or anything else. I asked for working or sport titles first. I hope people are not bashful, but proud of whatever they have accomplished. I hope others chime in.

 Many people come here wanting to ask questions and learn. Some people are here to give advice, engage in discussion, and try to learn something new. Some just watch and are to intimidated to ask. What I have found is the people who are intimidating, engaging in stupid drama, or like to come off as "experts"  don't know shit from shinola.

 Those who know what they are doing can tell who else is experienced or just plain level headed (Ceph comes to mind on that one) and who is completly full of shit. Inexperienced people may not.

You will never see me give advice on tracking or herding. I don't know the first thing about either and do not presume to be so gifted as to offer advice in an area I know nothing about. Rezkat5 has titled several dogs in different herding venues. Molly has won a national FH championship and has Sch titles out the wazoo. If I am looking for advice or see them post on a thread regarding these topics, i will be all ears. I know that people like Hodie are very knowlegable about health related issues.

So if people participate in this, and I hope they do, (if you have worked hard and achieved it why not "brag" a little) then we will all have a better idea of who is qualified to give advice on a particular subject and who is talking out their asses.

So my intentions on this thread is three fold.

1) Encourage people to ask questions and share their experience.

2) Give new people a "reference list" of who has what experience in what venue.

3) Hopefully get the shit talkers to take a look in the mirror, talk less, listen more, and get this forum back to what it should be...............

a place for people to talk about dogs, share experience, and learn from each other.

ts342003,

You are absolutley correct about decoys. However, training decoys have no way of varifiying what they have done. Decoys can get certified as a "trial decoy" but there is a huge difference between a trial decoy and a training decoy. Good ecoys know exactly who knows what they are talking about and who does not.

 I can tell you I have been the main training decoy for dozens of titled dogs and certified K9's but have not received "credit" for it.

I don't really need it; I know what role I played in the training. That is just the life of a decoy

Fair enough, GARD.

Here goes:

PAM - Montana - CGC,CD,PT,AX,AXJ,NJP,NAP,OAC,RS-O,NGC,GS-N,OJC,JS-N,JB,PD1,Therapy Dog (LH Pet, never bred, from BYB) This was my first dog at 21 years of age and she taught me everything.

Jarrett - CGC,CD (never bred, retired due to injury)

SG- Echo - CGC,CD,RA,NA,NAJ,NAC,RS-N,OJC,JS-O,OGC,GS-O (bred twice)

Dale -  CGC,NA,NAJ,NAC,OJC,OGC,RS-N,GS-O,JS-O,PPD (bred twice)

Xyra - CGC,CD,RA, Therapy Dog (was purchased with a BH) (I bred once)

Up & Coming & never bred:

Chevy - CGC,RN (has legs in Novice Agility & Advanced Rally)

Gracie - CGC,RA (just turned two)

Peewee -  (18 months with 2 legs towards Rally Novice)

I have also rescued (fostered many, many GSD's over the years whom I had to retrain and deal with MANY behavior issues we had to modify).

I have rescued, retrained, started and rehomed over 20 dogs GSD's & Labs for Police Work.

Dog from my breeding are mostly in pet homes of which I am proud, 3 are SAR dogs, 2 Patrol Dogs, and 2 Assistance Dogs. I have only had 5 litters over the years as breeding is not my main goal in life.

I think newbies should know that they should never measure any "trainer" souly by their dogs titles but rather their experiences. I would also tell them to use common sense when asking advise on the internet. Also, they should seek people who are training or have trained in the field they are interested in. Some people (like me) are completely not interested in Schutzhund so I would never try to give advise about the sport. However, we do bitework , tracking, and obedience, when preparing the dogs for Police Work (though I am still not what I would consider a source for anyone for bitework questions). I guess that's not why I am a trainer by profession!  :o)

Tina

oops, bad mommy.............

I also raised 3 GSD's for Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and have rescued, trained and placed 2 Bloodhounds with PD's for trailing.

Tina (how could I have fogotten my drooly, droopy, Pound Hounds??)

I haven't been very active in training for sometime, but occasionally do still go for socializing. But in the past these are the titles I have put on my dogs.   Nothing great, but it was fun.

Tell - BH, SchH1, CGC, B/HOT

Anke - BH, CD, TT,  B/HOT

Anja - CD, TT, B/HOT

Baron - AD

Storm - TT

Ivan - CGC (my latest big accomplishment  )

I also did some SAR but my first girl was hit in my driveway and didn't make it before certifying, my second girl washed out.

GARD-

Perfectly said Thank you

I decoy for many dogs PPD and Police K9 nothing trial. I take bite training very personal. Building the dog correctly for real life work is completely different than the field. I am lucky to have a great team to be with. That is why I jump right into threads when it comes to PPD dogs. I know (just as I am sure you do) that PPD world is very crooked ( well the dog world in gerneral is). I work many dogs that have been sold as PPD and I am spitting nails by the end of the session to see the person was scammed.

Duke vom Lichwalt, CD (taken from me way too young)

V Uzi von der Mausespitz, SchH1, KKl1a, CD, CGC, TDI, and 1 leg away from a RN.  (Working toward a RAE and maybe a TD)

(VP1 as a pup) Aila von Fritz, UD, CGC, TDI, also 1 leg away from a RN, and she's also PP trained. (Working toward a VCD)

But this stuff is a drop in the bucket compared to the training I do every day.  Basic through advanced obedience, behavioral problems, etc., I'm blessed enough to be a trainer for these fine folks for about 8 years now, they taught me everything I know. www.tops-k9.com. HOWEVER, my opinion does not necessarily reflect thiers. The website currently only shows the K9 program, but I believe they are expanding it soon to all the programs and will include bios of the trainers, myself included.

I'm not going back that many years to site sources, pull out an old issue of SchH USA or check the AKC records if you think I'm a liar.

I forgot to mention...

the other day I went to our obedience club awards banquet, and brought my 16 yr.old daughter,
I had got 4 canine good citizens last year, and yes, they acknowledge CGC'S.
Some of the other members got so many titles, the abbreviations took up a couple of lines!

My daughter trains our yellow lab Claire, that's sort of her dog, her & Claire have really bonded,
Claire gets so excited around my daughter, she just wants to please her.

Anyway, my daughter mentioned to  me on the way home,

 Claire doesn't need titles for me to love her!
 

         WELL DUH! 

I have been the proud owner of 3 AKC GSD's and 3 black and tan mixes; I am equally proud that none of my companions needed to be trained, but were intelligent enough to be perfect companions simply from learning by example. Oddly enough, the GSD/Border Collie and GSD/Malamute mix both turned out to be far more intelligent than the rest (but they were all legends in their own time). My only accomplishment was providing a structured environment for my black and tans to flourish in, and encouraging them to realize their potential. Well, one disclaimer; working dogs with a "mask" are natural born thieves, and it cost me a fortune in hamburgers at our family ski lodge....

Newbie and always trying to learn.

Quanto has his BH.......I am going for his Schutzhund in April.  Was going to try the 1, but tracking problems make me think an A for now, and try for his 1 in the near future.

Esko is going for his BH in april.

I doubt teaching a dog how to hitchhike, or playing war dog in the woods as a kid, count.......

How bout raising, training, and running a small sleddog team?

Becky

If this was a contest (kinda looks like one), I would vote for Shelly.

Everyone have a good night. ...So. Cal. OUT!

Don D.

Hasso of lololand SCH3 CD                                     G Gunner vom haus Vianden BH CD CGC

SG Era vom papst Sch 1 BH                                                   SG Olly vom Blauen Stein Sch 1 Bh CD AD

Alex vom Steintor Sch1 Bh CD AD                                             Kristle (cocker) CD ,   Amber  (cocker) CD

SG Cora vom haus Vianden Sch1 AD

SG Tessa vom haus Vianden Sch1 CD

SG Enno vom haus Vianden Sch1 BH CD AD

SG Yarissa vom haus Vianden Sch2 BH CD

Mera  vom haus Vianden Sch1 BH

Sadie (chessie) Sch A BH CD

SG Isis vom haus vianden BH CD CGC

SG Decker vom haus Vianden BH CD AD

G Jeaga vom haus Giea BH CD CGC

G Ondo vom haus Vianden BH

Rikky vom haus Vianden BH CD CGC

And more in training for titles and show ratings.

GARD I'll be honest.....So far I have accomplished nothing as far as titles go . I am 23 and somewhat new to the working dog world.  My first working line dog(male) just turned two. When I bought him I knew that I wanted to get into some sort of work/sport with him I just did not know what yet.  Since then I'll be the first to admit that I have been through many crackpot trainers/methods and ect. with him before finding the proper information and help that I needed(lucky that his nerves allow him to bounce back).  In the meantime I found the sport that I love and want to pursue.  The male is not the type for it anyways.  Fast forward to now I have found good help and am currently trainining a female pup with a clean slate that should be ready to go for her brevet pretty much as soon as she can at tweleve months. So with leash in hand I have started learning what to and not to do. I guess everyone has to start somewhere, and where are any of the sports going if no young new people get involved?  So since 20 I have been learning every possible little thing that I can about the GSD, and different venues and I guess you can say that I have been bitten by the bug. Not too bad considering most people my age spend their nights and weekends at some bar when I have spent that time training, watching training, going to watch dogs at random trials not knowing anybody, and just plain learning.  I have also started to learn the suit so I'll see where everything takes me.  I also usually only respond to threads with what I have actual knowledge on with past experiences.

With that being said best regards Vishal

There's nothing wrong with being new and still learning, old and still learning, experienced and still learning.  AKC titles are still working titles, lots of work, time, money and travel go into any and all titles and anyone working toward titles of any kind should be very proud of what they have accomplished or are working on accomplishing.  I have been training dogs for quite a number of years, and still I have a lot to learn, I learn something new everytime I work with another trainer and see another dog being worked.  There is never a peak on learning something new that may help you with your dog, or learning what not to do with your dog (it's still learning and growing as a trainer/dog handler).  Kudos to everyone who works their dogs, titles or not - and those who are still willing to learn despite years of experience.

molly

Eichenluft Working German Shepherds

http://workinggermanshepherd.com

I've had GSDs for nearly 30 years (bought my first pup in 1979) and all I have to show for it is a lifetime of enjoyment and a "Top Dog" award from Petsmart after Trigger's last grooming

When I first read this thread I wasn't too clear on GARD's reasoning for starting it. Looked to me like an excuse to brag and not much else. Now that I've read it, I see that  I was wrong and he's only looking to try to qualify those who come here giving advice and sharing information with others.  In that respect, it's been a learning experience for me. Some have done some very impressive things with their dogs that I'd not have known had this thread not been generated. It's also nice to read posts from those just getting their start in the breed and training especially the younger people like SharpDawg. The interest in dog sports seems to be dwindling and hearing that a guy his age is into training dogs is a good thing.

Just sign me old and still learning .................

Yes, I agree...... SharpDawg, i just love hearing about "kids" your age getting involved in dogs..... although I got my first GSD when I was 12, I just puttered around..parents weren't interested and didn't have the funds or time, so I never got into really training dogs and competing until I was (ahem!) older..... trying to make up for lost time and I look up to a lady in our area who is 68 and still training dogs and doing Schutzhund, I want to be her!!!  I do have a ways to go!!

It is refreshing to see younger folks involved, we have some very young club members and it is hard to keep them focused sometimes cuz they do want to play without their dogs!!

Years ago, I was at an agility trial with Cruz and there was this little girl couldn't be more than 8 running the cutest little Papillon and I couldn't help but go up to her and her parents and cheer them on..... also told her how fortunate she was to be able to participate at her age!! Very nice girl.. nowadays, there are lots of young people in agility.. its something we need to encourage in all our dog sports!

Well said. The longer I am in the sport, and the more dogs I train, the more I realize I DON'T know! Kudos to all the above and below who have taken the time, effort, and funding to train dogs for anything. In the end, its all a labor of love for the dogs.

SS

it is the decoy that makes or breaks the dog!!

GOOD POINT!

Thank you Molly

Putting an AKC or UKC or ASCA title (Obedience, Agility, Rally.......)on a dog means lots of training time, money  and heartbreak. But most of all joy!!!  Even with a NQ.

Will I ever get to an OTCH level? Probably not!

Do I love my dogs? More then life itself.

I have been in Schutzhund for a few years. Finding the right training director/helper was most important. We would be no where with out our club support and training director.

Lasher (AB) BST (breed suitabilty test), ID3 (iron dog 3), SchH1--- Hoping to get the ellusive 3 this summer.

Skinner (AB) BH (retired and now my husbands frisbee dog & #1 companion).

Havok (GSD puppy) Hopefully will get his BH this fall. Maybe a TR1.

I agree that the decoy is paramount, but I also think that you are a team and it is very important to take an active roll discussing your goals for each session.

Julie

I think this is a great thread!  I am really pleased that it pertains to dogs as well.  Ok, here goes: I got my first GSD in 1984 and began to get into obedience training and agility with that dog. I tried to learn everything I could as dog behavior and canine psychology fascinates me.  In 1994 I got my second dog, "Herman;" V Zeus vom Mimisonweg SchH 3 AD Kkl1a, as a puppy and started SchH training with him.  He was handler owner trained from a puppy to a SchH 3 as all of my dogs are.  He was a very hard dog and taught me many valuable lessons about training.  He suffered a spinal injury at around 5 years old and I retired him from competing.  In 1999, I got Annabelle von Einschuh SchH 3, IPO 2 as a puppy.  I took the lessons learned from Herman and decided I wouldn't make the same mistakes with Annabelle.  Annabelle is 9 years old now, motivationally trained to a SchH 3 and semi-retired, although she doesn't know it.   I am planning on doing an FH with her this spring as she is an exceptional tracking dog.  Here is a link to her pedigree: http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/395405.html  I still do obedience with her regulary and tracking, but not as much bite work.  She is super high drive in obedience and lots of fun to work.  In 2006, I got my current dog "Boomer" (Liam v Sitz von der Hose) as a puppy.  Here is a link to Boomer's pedigree:  http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/469183.html  Boomer has just turned 2 years old and is an outstanding dog.  He will be going for his BH in April or May, SchH 1 in May, SchH 2 in June, and the 3 in the fall.  He is a very high drive dog that is excelling in all areas of his training.  I wish I could take more of the credit for this but I think it's his genetics.  His mother, Anita auto Dam has produced several great dogs, I think 2 were in this years nationals.  I am also currently training Boomer as a police K-9.  He is doing scent discrimantion tracking, building and area searches, suit and muzzle work.  I am currently a narcotics detective and am hoping to be transferred to K-9 in June.(first opening in K-9 in over 3 years.)  In my ideal world, Boomer will be my K-9 partner.

I have been doing decoy work since '95.  I am currently certified by both the GSDCA-WDA and USA.  I also work our departments K-9's on a regular basis.  I love doing helper work.  For me it is really a very interesting way to look into a dog's mind.  It has helped me become a better handler by having the perspective form both sides of the dog.  I am in USA's SchH 3 club and have been a member since '94. 

I truly enjoy working with my dogs and decoying for other peoples dogs.  I also have tremondous respect for anyone who participates in any sport or activity with their dog, whether it is Schutzhund, AKC obedience, agility, tracking, SAR, etc.   Just go out and have fun with your dog. 

Jim

Awesome dogs, Jim, with impressive pedigrees.

Gotta love "sitz von der hose" (seat of the pants) for a kennel name! LOL

SS

I have not trained dogs for anyone else (except my neighbor and son) for many many years.  I have never titled a dog in AKC titles nor Schutzhund titles.  Here is what I have done.

I was in the infantry in the Marines, and I re-enlisted for a change of MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) being given to me as a reenlistment incentive.  I chose being a dog trainer/handler.  I was trained by the military at an Air Force base in Texas.  After training, I was transferred to a Marine base in North Carolina, where I was assigned to a MP (military police) unjit as a dog handler/trainer.  Most of our assignments and training, was geared towards drug detection.  At the time ( late70's ), that was the big thing.  Mostly marijuana.  Of course we also had bomb, guard, riot control and other duties, but mostly drug detection.  When bus loads of marines would come into the base gates, we would bring them out and have the dogs check them and then check the empty bus, for illegal drugs.  We would periodically check barracks and vehicles on base when the Marines were off doing whatever.  During training excersizes, after I had graduated the training of myself, I was usually the helper.  The person that wore the sleeve and took the bite.  My superiors said that I had the ability to "exude fear", but at the same time show the ability to keep a clear head and do the correct thing at the correct time.  We many times used hidden sleeves, to make it more realistic.  I participated in the training of too many dogs to mention.  I could tell you names but it would not make a difference as the names were just "Sarge", Duke" or similar things.

After my North Carolina duties were done, I was transferred to I&I Staff in Cleveland, Ohio, where I no longer had dog training duties, but trained members of the local Marine Reserve Unit in general Marine stuff.  There were thirteen of us active duty Marines training approximately 250 reservists.  My duties at that time were more infantry oriented.  In 1979, I was getting out in a few months and my replacement had already arrived, so I was just showing him the job,but basically not needed.  My Commander said that the Navy had asked if I would like to teach for them JEST (Jungle Environment Survival Training) for my last few months.  I said okay and received an interservice transfer to the Navy.  I never really felt like a Sailor though.  Have always considered myself as a Marine first and formost.  Anyway, after I was completely discharge from the military, I needed a job and went to work for American K9 in the Cleveland area, and trained dogs for clients.  PPD, Guard dogs, and just general obedience training.  Sometimes we had to fix problem dogs, such as barkers and destroyers.  There are a lot of them out there and I would rather train obedience or PPD than those "problem" dogs.  They are a pain because you are not there with the dog very much.  You have to teach the owners what to do to stop the "problem".

I have since changed my mind about bite training, as most of you know, and although it does have its place in the dog world, I would never train a PPD again.  The dogs can make a mistake but the human owners most likely WILL make a mistake.

Lest I be lambasted for including so much that did not have to do with dogs, I was just illustrating that there have been gaps in my dog training stints, due to military and other commitments.  I have not even mentioned my sporatic interaction with the Police Departments K9 unit, while I worked hand in hand with them during narcotics investigations..

Additionally, I left out that when I was hired by American K9, I had to attend and complete their training program at the American K9 Training Center in Nashville, Tennessee, which I did.  I am a certified Professional Dog Trainer through them, whatever that is worth.

I would be the first to say that my methods are old school and not in line with most current outlooks on dog training.  Reward is the most prevalent method used today.  We used that, but also used the choke collar corrections most of all, and that is frowned upon nowadays.

I have read many books and methods on dog training, everthing from the Kohler method to the Monks of New Skeet methods.  As with anyone who trains dogs, I would use something that appeals to me, from several different methods, to train a dog, and not just what one person states is the "correct" way.

I would be interested to know from someone who is currently a helper, whether the pinching on the flank or the ear is still used to "bring a dog up", in the early stages of attack training?

Okay, "talking to much now".

From time to time depending on the dog and training. (flanking)  never heard about the ear - that is new to me

Ebonezer vom haus Darengo - BH, SchH1, SchH2 HOT

Apollo von Nimbus - training for BH and SchH1

Flicka von Nimbus - training for BH and SchH1

Castlebrooks Ace vom Eikelberg - training for BH and SchH1

as well as many others in training.

Just for interest's sake, I am in this alone while working 50+ hours a week at an outside job.  I do everything myself. Unfortunately I had to go 4 years without a trainer and am now back into it gung ho with an excellent private trainer.  There have been many comments on this board about people like me as well as me who have untitled dogs. But this should not be confused with the desire and time TO title dogs. Those who have never titled a dog may scoff at that, but anyone who has TITLED THEIR OWN DOG knows the extreme amount of time and effort it takes. So different from those who just send their dogs away for titling! Even if I had the money to send my dog away for titling, I would not  EVER do it. The quality time and bonding with your dog as well as learning yourself , in addition to knowing what your dog has and does not have are much more valuable than a quick slapping on of titles by someone else. The dog is better trained HOT as well as the handler is better trained. HOT training is totally worth it in the end and MUCH more valuable. I sure wish I could do the dogs fulltime!!!!!

Debby

ebinezer052899@yahoo.com

Wow, this could really be a walk down memory lane for the last 20+ years...too many dogs to remember exactly without getting out copies of scorebooks, etc.

In Schutzhund,

BH-multiple

SchH1-multiple

SchH2-several

SchH3-numerous

FH-two

Showed dogs at all levels:

Local/Regional/National competitor in DVG and USA working dog events

Placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in Regional Events

Showed Local/Regional/National level in USA conformation events

Kkl1-two     Kkl2-three

Police Dogs

Patrol-four

Narcotics detection only-three

Evidence search-two

AKC/SKC

CD-two     CGC-one

Finished Show Champions-2

Best of Breed (Brace)-2

I should have the Sport's Medal in Gold for USA and the equivalent in DVG but I never submitted the documentation...<sigh>

I haven't done as much as I had hoped to.  I put a BH and a CGC on my female 3 years ago.  I did train in PPD - it was more of a local thing and not nationally recognized like PSA or SchH.  I would have loved to have continued with SchH but I failed miserably training her in tracking.  Now, she has a myrid of health problems and her training days are behind us.  She's 6 years old now and is from West German working lines/show lines.

I did put a CGC on my male but that's it.  He has elbow dysplasia so I never really pursued anything else with him.  He's from Czech and West German working lines.

Does anyone notice the people posting to this thread are not the "everyday" posters?

Don't be bashful people, if you worked hard to achieve it, let it be known

Thanks, Shelley!  I checked out your site and it is very nice and very impressive.

Jim

2 females(from 8 weeks of age) to Sch1 of which 1 showed at the Regional Level and will continue to be titled and hopefully getting a qualifying score for Nationals. 1 Female to Breed Survey and Confirmation ( V KKL1).

9+ years Protection/Obedience

7+ years in or around Schutzhund

Breeder of GSD's

Bout all I can come up with.

I did notice that

thought maybe they were too busy training/titling to post?

Any hoot I am enjoying see all the hard work that everyone has done even if it is a CGC it took time to train

Hi Crazee, health issues (and temperament issues like Blitz's) really can put a damper on your dreams of training in most venues. Same thing happened to me with my first GSD, too sick too often for much of anything except staying alive and Blitz is, well, Blitz and not a good candidate for much of anything .

GARD I honestly don't feel as if my time in theAKC world would be of any interest to most here, the AKC show ring  gets little respect from those with imports and rightfully so. It really isn't anywhere nearly as difficult to breed and finish AKC champions. I normally don't reply to questions other than those about health issues and rarely an AKC OB concern. I feel qualified to respond to things like that, but certainly not Sch training or the like.  My time as a vet tech has given me a lot of knowledge about many things doggie and I used to teach OB and AKC handling classes. Otherwise, I've had a fairly mundane 38 years since I bought my first pure bred dog. Also, none of my expereience is with this breed, so I think I should just shut up now.

Actually Blitzen you are one of the one's I hope chime in when I have a health related question. My whole point to this thread....

Everyone has something to offer.

This thread hopefully will give everyone a base on who has knowlege and experience in a particular area and who has trained their dog and titled it on the "world wide web" to a PDB3 (Pedigree Database 3)

Blitz - you have more common sense than most on this board - that makes you invaluable.

ps - I finally heard the Ron White thing about 'you can't fix stupid'...I'm not gonna lie...I thought the 'Stupid is Fo-eva' was an even greater hoot :p

~Cate

On my first dog, a rescue who was found wandering the streets, GSD x chow.  He may be either fear aggressive or just a weak nerved butthead, he definitely wants to line his intestines with the neighborhood cats, he really doesn't care for other dogs (and I mean that in every sense of the phrase), he'll only tolerate you if he's seen you a bazillion times or you've become his personal hot dog vendor (and if he likes you, he'll show it by shoving a slobbery, disgusting Kong at all your body parts), and he's a source of endless problems BUT he's very smart.  He can jump over things and on things on command, he can sitz and platz at quite a distance even with hand signals, he'll do a great platz in motion, he's catching on quick to the scent pad (and actually is FANTASTIC at air-scenting with "find it"), he's awesome with target training (after only two nights working on it), he's excelling with clicker training, his fuß into position (working on position first, not really heeling) is ridiculously enthusiastic (he basically throws himself, butt-first, to my side) and he's pretty fun to train.  I hope to do agility with him, a CGC, BH, schutzhund obedience (like hell he'll ever be an all-phase dog), tracking, maybe weight pull or carting just for kicks, I don't know if we'll ever trial because of his issues (weak nerves, no socialization, found loose with a busted tie-out so you can guess how he grew up and we got him somewhere between 10-18 months of age), but hey, we're working him and he's doing swell considering this guy's my first and we've only had him since September.  I guess I should be farther along but I'm feeling pretty good.  Lots of people in the neighborhood ask how I train him and comment that he's so well behaved... I just tell them it's a sham.   All this so far without any professional help but we're going into private classes soon, then group, and hopefully start some agility and traffic test work.  We're also making amazing progress on his control around other people and animals.  Okay, *I* am making excellent progress with my dog; my dear, sweet fiance is another story- I think they're more on a littermate level than an owner-dog level.   Boys!

If I can get even ONE title/cert on this guy that involves him being around people and dogs, when I get a nice working line pup I think I can go far.  So far, so good.  I spend way too much time reading about dogs and schutzhund and I am hopelessly in love with the working dog of ANY breed!

So there you go, I'm a newb lurker fool, but hopefully not for much longer. 

Hi GARD: 

CD & CDX (a friends Golden when I was a teenager); couple of ribbons in the breed ring (friends Great Dane when I was a teen)

NOVICE &  OPEN agility titles on one of my GSDs

FLYBALL  (was a member of a Flyball team with a friends Border Collie

HERDING:  Took a lot of lessons but my GSD was no good at it.  At the time I didn't know there were different types of herding.  I would have liked to try the kind of herding that GSDs excel at.

Trained 1 GSD to a schH1 level and another to almost a schH III level but never competed due to problems I mentioned to you in an email a long time ago) a BH (not a title)

With my current young dog, hopefully  I will get the BH out of the way soon and a schH1 before the year is out.

Sch1 KKL1  CD and CGC on my HOT workingline female (who is now retired from schutzhund due to a HD but we are working on our CDX. Have been in Sch for 5 yrs, AKC obedience for 9 yrs.. Looking soooooooooo forward to starting over   with a new pup this spring.

Denise

I love Ron White

"Diamonds, that will shut her up,,,,,,for a minute"  ron white

john

Started training my 2nd gsd 3 years ago in akc obedience and began training Molly in Schtzhund in September.

Libby - CGC, TDI, CD, RA (one leg to go for her RE, which hopefully we can get next Saturday).  She is 7 now and absolutely refuses to have anything to do with the dumbell, so we have not been able to try for the cdx, although she can do everything but the retrieves.  I had her Herding Instinct tested and she performed exceptionally well, so if I can find a place to train I would like to do so.

Molly (Felice vom Amulree) CGC, TDI, CD, RN (put on by me)  and Bh put on by GSDFAN.  I  hadn't starting training schtzhund yet, so Melanine handled her for me at her club trial.  Now that I have been working these past months toward her SchI, I would like to take her thru the BH again for myself to gain more experience in handling her in this venue.  Hopefully by the end of 2008, I can have a brag of putting a SchI on her myself.  It all will depend on how much I have learned by then, lol.  We are also working toward gaining her cdx this summer  (having trouble with the broad jump) and have high hopes that we can work toward a UDX title someday.  Next Saturday we are going for her first leg of Rally Advanced.

Both Libby and Molly have HD, so our days of competing could be cut short suddenly, but until my dogs no longer wish to train and compete and or it becomes painful for them to do so, I will continue to strive toward the next level of something!  It has been an incredible journey since I first started training and competing with Libby.  It takes me a little longer than most to pick things up, but with persistance, patience and alot of help from trainers and friends, I have somehow managed to progress.  Not to mention all the great people I have met along this journey and good friends that I have made.  It definately gets into your blood and like a poster said above, the incredible bond you develop with your dogs is the icing on the cake.

Cheryl

Humm, I think of myself as a newbie in most ways.  Don't have many titles but I've had a lot (too much) of experience with aggression issues.  I've only been involved with dogs for about 10 yrs last one I owned before that was when I was a teen a little over 20 years prior to that time.  I do a lot of research and really enjoy the "learning" aspects of training my dogs and other folks dogs.  I do lots of mentoring and help folks get on the right track with their dogs and breeds of choice.   I handle most of the basic obedience classes for my local all breed club (about 5 a year).  I'm, also, very interested in pet nutrition.  Taken a ton of classes and seminars etc.  and want to keep learning.  I have learned that I do NOT want to breed.  I just can't see myself ever knowing enough to try it.

Titles are limited to RN, Therapy Dog, and CGC stuff.  I've shown in AKC conformation but I can honestly say I enjoy it but my dog doesn't and it shows.  My older GSD is a rescued dog and he got me started.  I do work with a lot of different rescues but only short term and mostly for evaluations before adoption.  My newest dog is from working lines and I'm hoping to show him in OB (AKC for now), agility and hopefully train him to work with our local SAR unit.  His early evaluations for SAR work are good so now we're just trying to get our training schedule set up.

Melissa

hate to steel anyones thunder here,but the idea that you only know what you are talking about if you have any working titles on your dog is as old as dog training itself.never sits well with me because by the same token i can also say that if you have not been to the world compition and came in the first five or at least in the top ten that you are not the best and if you are not the best then you are the rest.my motto always have been,if you want to learn or gain knowledge,learn it from the best and thefre are only few who are the best. i will name some people who i learn from the best are,Gottfried Dildi,Bernard Flinks,Thomas Lapp,Debbie Zappia.these are the people you want to learn from and gain knowlege, i do not belive in titles but i can tell you that 98%of the people and dogs i have seen out there getting titles are terrible,do not belive in titles but do belive in learning how to truly train a dog in the best possible way and with motivation and by being creative in my approch. in this day and age there is very easy access to some really best trainers and there are other ways to gain knowledge and experince in training dogs. this board is for people to share thier openions and weather they are educated openions or not last time i checked this was a free country.if you have titled dogs and have lot of experience then you should be able to tell who is making sense and who is not.take the best from everything you see,read and hear and leave the rest but people should be able to speak thier mind.people here take every thing too seriously it is just dob training not the end of the world so enjoy and have fun with your dogs and don't mistreat them because you want to put titles on them and stress them too much through shity and bad training.have a nice day.thankx.

 while I don't think that putting titles on dogs is EVERYTHING in accomplishments (I may be blasted for saying this) I will say what I've done and you guys can judge the rest. 

Newer in schutzhund I started in 2000. 

Zeppe van't Steyneveld (HOT of course) sch3 Ipo3 TR1

Ilio von haus doose BH (sold as security dog)

Ciro zo Severnej Hranice ("Cyrano") BH SchA CGC- is just over 2 years old getting ready for Sch1, 

Kaos von haus doose BH WH CGC - about 2.5 years old, getting ready for sch1 and working on SDA titles

I have also currently am starting a puppy out of Zeppe in Schutzhund. 

Pet dogs with some accomplishments

Maestro Maysong di Capella - papillon, CGC, has done some training in agility though I"m not interested in competing or anything, just taken a few classes and had fun with it. He does a bit of studio work, and I work alot of tricks and events with him. Also did a little bit of training for conformation but he got too big :-(  

Tyler - cocker spaniel, registered therapy dog (TDI) and CGC. Knew 150 behaviors when I put him to sleep last year. Had worked a lot of events and was the smartest dog I've ever owned bar none. 

Maverick BH - shepherd type malinois mix 9 years old (no I did not put the BH on him, I trained alot of it but my mom handled him to the title) has done a bit of work in herding (about 9 months) but I never had an interest in competing or titling or anything

My personal accomplishments: have been training pet dogs for 23 years, first as a volunteer, then as an employee, now as a business owner. Have been head trainer for a facility, senior trainer for another facility.  worked with exotic and domestic animals at Six Flags animal show for about 3 years (94-97). Volunteered almost full time and then worked professionally as a studio animal trainer for approximately 2 years (this is where I REALLY learned how to train, we taught all KINDS Of behaviors to look good for commercials, television, print ads etc...funny enough, rarely had to use much force, yet had to do all kinds of weird behaviors...hmmmm I still train my pet dogs many of the needed behaviors, only now I just send them out with someone else, I don't have time for it these days while running my own business) Worked as a continuing education and certification rep for ABTA Corporate office (what was then the largest dog training company in the US) for about a year and a half.CGC Evaluator. Certified dog trainer with IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals, note this is not a "school" but an internationally recognized professional organization). Have completed some university coursework with an emphasis in behavioral psychology/learning theory (I couldn't decide at the time if I TRULY wanted to train dogs for the rest of my life or go into marriage and family counselling and figured the coursework covered the same topics:-)) While I don't have a ton of titles under my belt, I've personally trained or taught others to train at LEAST a couple of thousand pet dogs in my career (I never counted but I know about how many I did last year so you figure in a career there have been at least that many) For the past 10 years or so I've had an interest in working with aggressive dogs, and that is where the majority of my business today comes from. I currently work with private sessions, behavior mod for aggression, group classes, I run a freeplay pack, and do board and train. Again, most of this is pet dog work and some may think that because I don't have a ton of titles I don't know anything, but I only usually post when I know what I"m talking about:-) I had NO interest whatsoever in putting any kind of titles on dogs until schutzhund (I basically hate the pressure and the politics in all the dog sports) I also have a real interest in canine nutrition (though I don't know as much as

 (though I don't know as much as some here) and I love training other animals (beyond dogs). I also am of the mindset that the good trainers know what they can do, what they can't, and they're always interested in learning more in a variety of venues. For instance, I use stuff I learned in studio work, in my schutzhund, vice versa. I LOVE learning anything new from the old timers, the newbies, and everybody in between. Which is why I love this board when it's actually talking intelligently:-) (aka not so full of drama:-)) I also am starting on new ventures into starting a breeding program so will probably have lots of questions in addition to the ones I ask my current mentors:-)

Get a real dog , if I may , nice topic , but reading mollys post  Iwas wondering , how many nationas do you have in the states

we have one per year , so Im curious

Don't understand the question.

If you are asking how many nationals we have in the states, it depends.

We have different sports, and different governing bodies. So we have several "national events" every year.

We have several - USCA Schh3 National Championships, AWDF Nationals, North American Nationals, DVG Nationals, and WDA Nationals.  There is also National Championships per breed organization (USCA Nationals is GSD only) - Dobe, Rott Nationals - Malinois nationals also.  Plus HOT Nationals if you want to count that.

molly

I agree with Heidi that titles don't tell the whole story. My first three GSD's were rescues, and as we didn't have the Canadian equivalent of the ILP here in Canada until fairly recently, I COUDN'T title them.

Nevertheless...

My first GSD, Lili Marlene, rescued at the age of 5 had never walked on a leash before. Within a couple of months of bringing her home, we took part in a Novice level obedience fun match, and scored 175/200 points.

My next GSD rescue, Tasha,  loved to track. We did a beginner's and intermediate level tracking training course together, and she did extremely well at both. I was told I should compete with her, but that would have meant finding a vet in the States willing to sign a form so we could get the ILP, then competing in the States. Sorry, too much bother....

My current  male rescue, Ranger Aragorn,  had never walked on a leash before coming home with me. He'd spent his life on an 8 ft. chain. He is now trained as my Hearing Ear dog, and alerts me to the door, phone, smoke alarm alarm clock and kitchen timer. He also has public access training and does very well in restaurants, grocery stores, noisy streets with lots of traffic and crowds of people. He is NOT certified as Canada does not allow owner-trained dogs to be certified. I wanted to certify him under Assistance Dogs International, but since he has problems with dribbling urine, I decided it's not really worth the effort. Better to work on Star and get HER certified, if possible. We will be starting to work on this soon, as she has finally matured enough that I can trust her out of her crate during the night, except for playing with the papers in my office wastebasket. Yes, my bad. I should remember to remove the temptation. (I tried mousetraps. They didn't work. She chewed them up, afte triggering them!).

My female, Star of Hope,  is my first REGISTERED GSD. It took forever to get her registration sorted out, but I now have her CKC registration, and we are going in our first conformation show in April. I also plan to do agility and obedience, and MAY check out schutzhund, if her structure prevents her from placing in CKC shows. (Being a cross of German and American bloodlines, the judges may fault her for looking too German.)

Why am I not more enthusiastic about Schutzhund? First,  it is my understanding that a service dog must NOT have any sort of bitework training. If Canada ever allows owner-trained dogs to be certified, I'd be in trouble over that.

Secondly, the politics sound like a real turn-off. But I'll probably find the show ring is no different.

Third, there's no way this 54 year old bod could do an AD test with my dog! I'd have to hire someone.... 

Breeding German shepherds scince 1998. Hanna Vom Kuhnhof= CGC,CD, Therapy Dog. Dillan Vom Haus Iris=CGC, Therapy Dog. Jetta Von Derosia=CGC,CD,BH,AD. Aida Von Mausespitz=BH,AD,WH.  Jenta Von Der Gutten Haus. CGC,SAR,Therapy Dog. Josie Von Der Gutten Haus. PPD SAR Josies second litter produced 2 explosive Detection K9s,2 SAR Dogs. Jentas second litter produced, 3 SAR Dogs, 1 CGC,Therapy dog. My Mara produced 3 schutzhund dogs,2SAR dogs and 2 CGC CD dogs. and 1 police k9. Aida produced 5 schutzhund dogs, 4 SAR dogs, 5 Therapy Dogs.

Forgot to mention that my sister has been breeding GSD's, Siberians, Goldens, and (unfortunately) Bluepoint Siamese cats. Oddly enough, her Huskies had the best pedigrees, but most of the litters (and ultimately her bitch) wound up being destroyed by their owners or animal control because of their uncontrollable aggression toward farm animals and other canines. Her retrievers have been her best dogs, but she has stopped breeding them because most Michigan residents can no longe