Mentors - Page 1

Hello all, Am wondering if those of you with experience in the DSH world will enlighten me: How does one get involved on a serious level with breeding/showing/training these dogs? Do people actually spend time "mentoring" newbies anymore? I would love to find someone willing to share their knowledge with someone who is intelligent,and serious minded.....are there any left??? Sorry if this sounds like a personal ad(ha ha),but I am very interested in finding someone willing to show me the ropes! Thanks!

You've got the order wrong. Start with training (go to a dogschool, preferably GSD), then go on to the showbusiness and participate, and don't start breeding!! unless you have learned the many lessons on the way. This path will lead you towards a lot of intelligent and serious minded, yes dedicated people of which I had the honour of meeting a lot. Remember to take it one step at a time. Good luck.

I agree with Ajay and Jantie, as far as training and showing first to get a full understanding of the breed and your individual dog's assets and shortcomings before graduating to breeding. Often times it takes owning quite a few dogs before you find that one that is worthy of being bred. As far as mentoring, YES!!! Schutzhund clubs are all about, or should be, most are, helping each other train and learn and reaching each person's goal. Also, training alone is boring. Besides club training, those who are serious do a lot of training themselves at home and most would welcome a buddy and share knowledge along the way. Especially tracking, I personally would love someone to track with all the time....extra people around is great for distraction, and helps the time fly by while the track ages... Good luck! Kandi Jacopino www.Rokanhaus.com