German Shepherd dog

I have been trying to research different types of k9 sporting , trying to find something that might be suitable for both Mischa and I. I came across PSA and reading up on it, it seems a very exciting sport. I am having some difficulty finding other types of sporting/work, not knowing what to look for. I know this board is mostly about Schutzhund but does anyone have links or at least names of other types of sports? I have found French Ring and Monduo and so far the PSA interests me more than others I have looked at. This is of course providing Mischa has suitable temperment/drives. Does anyone have more information about PSA and what all it involves? I just found the rule book for PSA so I am going to read that first.

Any suggestions  on what would be a good sport for a beginner?

First of course would be evaluation before going further so that I can find out where her potential lies.

Thanks Dawgs.

Today I was talking with the other groomer at the shop and mentioned I had been feeling stifled, bored. She reminded me how much my life had changed in the last few months, from 2 jobs and always being on the go, Mischa by my side, to 2 months of stay at home 24/7. That turned on a lightbulb. Duh, poor Mischa has to be as bored as I am. We still go for walks but no where near the energy level that we were going before, Walking tracks in the park etc. So I decided we both needed some time away and what better way then to focus on some form of sport training, whatever suits her temperment best.

So thats what I am trying to discover, but do not know what is offered in the sporting world, I think even concentrating on Proper obedience training will do us both a world of good. I need some obedience training myself to refocus lol I have no will power.

Thanks for the ideas John. I am in a very small area and have tried to find others that are interested in things to do with dogs but that is like pulling teeth from a chicken lol Seems no matter what I am interested in will require traveling. If I am going to be traveling a good distance then I want it to be something we can potentially do. With some guidance we can work more on the Ob here at home during the week and use weekends for training :)
Thats my plan anyways.

Sounds good in theory

Shandra,  i wish you the best in whatever it is your are able to find and do.  the number one thing i can say is dont give up. 

your wanting to do something with your dog is more than most people who do nothing.

  Good Luck!

john

I think you are in SE Texas still? You need to contatct Bill abd Sammi. He is the past Pres for PSA and lives not to far from yopu. They train in ALL facets of work. Their site is

http://odinhaus.com

Shandra, Something I have not seen you mention that you might want to explore is sheep herding. Definitely good to get the energy out of a young dog. True "obedience in drive".  Probably several more options in your area . Plus if I remember correctly in the past you have posted some concerns about Michas character and temperament and how it was developing. Bite work might not be the best thing for her right now.  I have seen herding do wonders with dogs that started out with some temperament problems. It gives them confidence. If done right it teaches them important learning and social skills .

I know I will probably start a flame war but here goes. PSA in many people's opinion ( and I'm sure it varies greatly by the group) tends to attact people who do not want to put the time and effort and discipline into  having a schutzhund dog. The focus is only on protection.  Again from what you have posted previously about this puppy I think that is a dangerous route to follow.  First and foremost she needs a solid obedience foundation. If that is boring to you then find a way to make it fun - look at dancing with dogs, agility etc. A number of people take clicker training(behavioral reinforcement) and teach their dogs marvelous things that they then use to promote responsible dog ownership and good pet PR. Check out some of these links

http://mysterymoments.homestead.com/firesafetyskit.html

http://www.theamazingal.com/About/training.html     http://www.theamazingal.com/About/history.html

http://caninehorizons.com/Canine_Actors.html

Also don't forgot non traditonal ( for GSDs) sports like dock diving. I know several GSDs that do very well in that.

Finally and this is just MHO, your posts over the last year have revealed a person who really needs to learn more about our breed and it's abilities. Not saying that's bad. We all started there. But given the problems you have had with dogs over the last year - why not focus on learning the elements of what is the first ( herding) or second breed worthiness test ( schutzhund) developed specifically for our breed. Exciting you do NOT need at this point. You need stability and obedience and a better understanding of character, temperament, drives and development. Doesn't have to be boring. Can be fascinating and fun - a lot if the attitude you approach it with.

and don't knock it if you try it and fail.

Fair enough.

I remember Shandra had a dog that I thought sounded as though had some issues. Don't recall anything about a puppy but I have not been paying as much attention here lately.

However none of us have the ability to evaluate a dog on this board. She asked about different sport venues and I believe she got some good suggestions about non-bite work sports as well.

I, as well as others, would be able to steer her in the direction of knowlegeable people who could do a real life evaluation and give her solid objective suggestions as to which direction she should take. 

While I think your intention is good. I don't think anyone should make negative statements about bite work dog sports (any of them). Especially ones that insinuate a lack of control or dangerous. Just isn't good for any of the sports.

For the record, to succeed in PSA (or any sport for that matter) you do have to have control over your dog.

No harm, no foul.

Take care

"Seems no matter what I am interested in will require traveling. If I am going to be traveling a good distance then I want it to be something we can potentially do. "

I don't know how far you are talking about but here is a herding training list that lists a number of trainers in Texas. http://www.willowacres.com/HerdingTrainers.htm 

This one is about 97 miles from you. Not far for a herding trainer. I used to go much more than that BUT that was in the days before $4 a gallon gas prices.  Still might be worth the trip - he might be able to refer you to someone closer to home.  Russ Ford, Aggieland Stockdogs, P.O. Box 100, Kurten, TX 77862   979-589-3213 or stockdogs@msn.com

See if you could get an in w/ the FFA or 4H folks. I'm sure it would be a novelty (unfortunately) for them to see a GSD do herding ( if she has the talent for it).  Here's another list of trainers http://www.k9station.com/stockdog.htm#T.

Whatever you do I wish you luck and fun. Please keep us posted on your progress.