Thank You Silbersee, Lynx and JettasMom - Page 2

Thanks Hodie and I agree with you, an open and honest policy is the best way to go because all too often secrecy will sneak up from behind you and bite you on the butt. Shutting people out is not the answer. I am actually here with an open mind, trying to understand, I am not the enemy.

Penny

 Tezz,

The best advice I can offer you is to go to several clubs, even if you have to drive. Watch and listen. Pull someone who seems friendly aside and ask some questions, then watch and listen some more. Read, watch film, and yes, when you have questions, go to someplace like some of the boards where people actually DO participate in the sport or other sports. Don't believe everything you are told, and don't believe everything you read, even here. Question everything and form your own opinion. Dogs start in Schutzhund and at an early age should be introduced to the stick in a manner like I have described. Clearly, one would have to be an idiot to take a young pup and strike it with any tool. The goal is to accustom the dog, little by little, so that it can engage a helper in a trial and, at certain points of the trial, accept the hits and not run away. 

I do not believe you are the enemy at all and I will answer any and all questions. Further, I will always strive to tell you how when I was new to the sport I had similar concerns and questions. Some people are threatened by questions. Others want to bury their head and not talk about what is done in the sport. I learned a lot over the years and have much more to learn. And there is a proper way to explain what and why of this sport and if one cannot, then they should not try.

The bottom line is that Schutzhund can be fun and enjoyable for someone and their dog. So can AKC events or other sports. Keep an open mind and you will do fine and find something that really interests you and that you will want to participate in.

Good luck

You are welcome Penny.

Denise

Thanks again Hodie and I appreciate your candor and helpfulness. Just a short time ago I wouldn’t have gone near a SchH club with a 10-foot pole; however that wall is slowly beginning to crumble. I think I will take your advice and if DH is up to it we will go have a look see. I think we have one club on our Island.

Penny

Penny,

Thank you so much for the compliment! It makes me happy that my thread was understood and taken for what it was supposed to be: educational and to dispel some prejudice!

And that goes for you too, Ranchinglady!

Chris

Your very welcome Chris and thank you again for taking the time to write these thought provoking posts.

Penny