training question - Page 2

I first found the database about 3 yrs ago this coming spring--I came over here because my boy's parents are on here.  Then I started reading the posts.....the people that were here then made me feel (and I am not bashing anyone) like I knew nothing and I have been in the breed around 25 yrs. now.  The people here were so experienced and knowledgeable.  Now I feel my age with the breed.  The DB has changed so much and honestly I dislike it from what it was.  Too much bashing, too many wannabes and too much foo foo stuff going on.

I am only a mediocre trainer--I have titled a dog to an AKC CD and TD, worked in bitework--WooHoo, I love it.  My boy is going to a trainer in the spring to get fine tuned for his B and then we will be doing some AKC/UKC OB.  I have already admitted I am only a mediocre trainer and because I am that I don't eat and sleep training.  BUT I train because not only does it make my boy and I have a fantastic bond; he needs it.  He has drive and needs an outlet for it.  Oh and by the way I am not getting a few " titles"  and a bitework evaluation just to breed him because that isn't even a thought.  I am doing it for him because he needs more and more work as he matures and also--honestly here-for myself.  This is my " mercedes"  and I want to take him as high as I physically and financially can.

I too would like to see more on training and hear others'  experiences because this is how one learns.  Had I not had help along the way and also an OPEN MIND I would not be where I am or have the dog I do.  Or have known what to do with him when I got him..................Thanks to all you guys who have taught me along the way.................

Ok,  here is one.  I love training obedience with a dog that is in drive.  How many of you come across a pup or young dog witch appears to have very low drive with the standard objects (ball, tug, jute….).  Do you keep patience and stimulate the youth a little each day hoping the enthusiasm kicks in with maturity or try a different object until one is found that lights the fire, or would you accept it as not to be.

Yup, train here too.  :)  

Train Schutzhund Obedience and Protection at least once per week, in most case twice per week.  Try to track twice per week, and train in herding once per week.  Sometimes it'll end up being three phases of Schutzhund in the A.M. and herding in the afternoon.   Drive anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes to Schutzhund and 1 hour 15 minutes to herding.  BTW, I'm working two dogs. 

Oh yeah, then there's that pesky full time job otherwise would be training more.  :)

yep, training here, every day, all weather - still traveling 2.5 hours each way for training with the club/helper, twice/week.  Still training my own dogs from my own breeding, working toward titles and enjoying the trip wherever the dog takes me.  I love the sport and love my dogs.  Don't post much here, out training as often as I can fit it in, every day.

molly

Eichenluft Working German Shepherds

http://workinggermanshepherd.com

I think that if I didn't have an two hour plus drive everyday to work, I might have one more training day in me!  Although I do kick it up a bit during the summer months.  Bottomline line we need to win the lotto so I can retire and train everyday! 

wife and i train here.  both of us have several dogs we are training.  when not training we are playing with them.

as many have said,, all the b.s. keeps people away.  as for me i havent seen that many post worth responding to.

john

yup, there is a lot of B.S. unfortunately!  Really need to wear the hip waders around here!  :)

For Fred's question. 

One of our's is a little princess.  She is now 2 1/2-years old and her drive is now coming up for tugs and balls.  Get this though, she would climb the lilac bush to get to song birds and we still don't trust her with our cats that she grew up with.  We almost rehomed her but she loves me so will stay here forever.  :)  She has pretty solid obedience through food reward.  A few months ago she learned how to "kill" a jolly ball adn still loves to do so.  Then she "found" a tennis ball.  Now a squeaky tug.  The other day she was carrying the 3-handle tug around quite pleased with herself, full solid grips with no chewing.  Her "toy" drive is getting stronger all the time and she's getting into the tug reward.  Since I have my hands full with our higher drive youngster and other female, a lady in our club is starting to work the little princess in obedience and tracking, we'll play it by ear for protection.  It will be fun to watch as she develops.

If you have the time and can let them develop, you never know what may happen.

My two and half year old works better in obedience for a food reward.  Also get better attention with the food.  She's not quite as "up" I would like her to be just yet.  But, I think that'll come with time.  I'd been sitting on her "formal" obedience for way too long and really only started to work her more in it.  She has alot of obedience in general put on her for herding.  She's always loved to track, especially for food.  :)  And the protection seems to be getter better and better a she's maturing more and is realizing more of what we want of her. 

Animules, I can just see that little princess " killing"  toys.  LOL...............And of course she is so beautiful.........

My older dog, who is 8, when she started out she had very little drive either.  She would play ball some, more interested in food.  But then one day at about 12 months old we went to train ing, she saw the sleeve and it was like a light came on...woohoo this is what I was born to do...............

With my boy he has always loved the ball and treats.  I train 5-8-10 times a day depending on what all is going on.  Just very short sessions..............sometimes heeling, sometimes stays, sometimes recalls and switch up the motivation--sometimes food, sometimes the ball and sometimes nothing but praise.  I find it works well for me.   I feel he is learning better that way rather than in a routine.  I learned from my girl that routine is boring...................JMO..............