schutzhund for beginners. - Page 2

I have to agree with GSDfan.  It wasn't that long ago I found myself in a similar situation.  It is very intimidating to visit a club especially if you do not know anyone and you are totally new to everything.  Looking back on it now it all looked rather "simple" when you watch....NOT EXACTLY! lol  There was so much to learn, so much to ask, so much to observe and trying to grasp it all at once was like being in a total fog.  I realized on my own that I needed one on one training to teach me even the basics in handling so I could catch on without taking time away from others.  I was totally lost in a club environement and I even had an experienced dog.  Which was part of the problem...dog was way more advanced than I was.

I've been training one on one with someone ever since and I think I got much more out of it than if I were in a club atmosphere.  He was patient with me, taking small steps to make sure before we moved on to something else I perfected each step not just 1/2 assed learned it.  At times it was repetitive and frustrating to me because I wanted to move on but now I understand why we were taking things slow.  He taught me not just how to do things but explained what I would do wrong, why it had to be done a particular way and the importance of not skipping steps even though the dog already knew what those steps were.  I had to start from square one. 

I think if I wanted to enter the club atmosphere today I think I'd feel a little more comfortable than the first time.  But over all I think I'm satisfied with what's been working for me.  My advice would be what you are comfortable with and what works for you.  Building the confidence in a newbie is key IMO in order to keep them interested in sticking with it. 

I do agree that the socialization of a club atmosphere is better especially if you are training a pup or young green dog but there's other alternatives in socializing with your dog if a club is not an option for you and you decide to do the one on one training.  But IMO if you have no experience at all in the sport and your handler skills are rusty it may be best to work with someone individually to get that one on one attention, then when you're more confident move into the club atmosphere if you are looking to get into competition. 

whether you go private trainer or looking at clubs,  leave your pup at home.  stand back and observe the style of training being used.  ask yourself if you are comfortable with there training methods.

i have seen many new people show up with their dog, not hear exactly what they want to and leave.  you have to be able to take some criticism.  while everone has the perfect dog, the truth of the matter is not all dogs can do it.   some dogs take longer to mature, and come around.  waiting is not always a bad thing.

john

My way would be to join a Club, then let your Pup socalise with other people and Young Pups, Deprnding on its age Talk to the person who is trainer there, No need for any work at all at this stage perhaps play around witha piece of sacking witgh the pup on the field after the Older Dogs have finished

Socilising is the main thing for puppies not work you can do all this in your own garden but take your time and do not expect too much to sonn A Pup will lose concentration very quick and once it does finish

Take things slowly is my tip

Steve

Sorry for the bad spelling above, i should have checked it

Steve

at my club there isnt a training director.   there was dictator type situation yrs ago, so they went to mentor system.  when someone new joins they ar assigned a mentor base on what they want to accomplish. 

IMO a new person is better of w/ a private trainer.  you'll learn more and get more attention.  Unfortunatly and just my opinion, a lot of beginners dont stay around very long, and it gets a bit frustrating. 

Also can some one explain to me how a training directo works?  why would the td over see all the training if he isnt getting paid?

it seems like pretty large commit, ot hold everyones hand and not get paid.

First How old is your Pup thats dictates what can be done

Over here we do not have training directors,

Just experinced people who have trained German Shepherds  for decades,

I am spoilt for choice i can get to about seven clubs within one hours drive from my place but i go to two  clubs three times a week,  two evenings and sundays

The Person who helps me is the Belgian Scutzhund Team Captain, so i am lucky ,Plus he is a qualified Schutzhund Judge and only just come back from the USA doing a Trial and helping some to train for the Nationals He will be back over there again next month

Until you say how old the :Pup is i cannot see how anyone can give you advise to help

Steve

wscott all of the clubs I have belonged to had training directors.  You are right that its a job that you kinda have to scratch your head why anyone would want.   but all these people have been pretty dedicated'all have been involved in the sport since the 80's. The clubs that I am in now basically the training director just basically overrsees things.  We are all pretty good about helping one another. The training director basically will help formulate a plan and also sometimes have to interveine in training if someone is doing something improperly.  Some have been more like dictators other have been more like facilitators.    Very rarely they had the unpleasant duty of letting someone know not to come back more often they have had to tell someone not to to something that is affecting others training... Usually the more experienced are lest alone to do their thing.  I don't think its too radically different from what you're doing..With different people differnt things work.

For the original poster I have to agree with Johns post above first time come out and watch.  Ask questions.

Ask if the club has any training rules for new members. Remember you are new and to learn you will have to listen.  Wheter using a trainer or club see what program they would like you follow.  There are several ways to train a dog and if you use them all you will get nowhere.  A good trainer or club can get you started and give you info on what to practice at home.

When you do bring out your dog make sure its crated. Seems like common sense but many people don't realize that when a dog goes into drive then can destroy your car.  It can get very hot inside the car.  It is much easier to control your dog coming out of a crate then a large door of a SUV or van.  Just really makes things safer.

Have a good quality leash and collar..  ask the club if there any training supplies you need to purchase.

When coming out wear proper attire. tennis shoes or turf shoes. boots for tracking. You will probably get dirty so come out in stuff you can move around in.

Be respectful of others.  We had one guy come out and just open up his car let the dog out (off leash) and started throwing a tennis ball with his dog.  He did 'nt think we used that weedy looking open field.  I had laid an FH and sch 2 track in it and two other club members had laid tracks as well.  We wanted to strangle him.  ( the training director actually handled that one and was alot more diplomatic than the 3 of us were about to be)  So until you know whats going on ask people.(do this before you do anything)

No matter what route you go,  enjoy yourself and your dog and good luck  

Jeff

Jeff:    Well done!  I think it's good to join a club too because you will see dogs at various places in their training from pups to schHIII dogs, and you will be able to learn a lot just from watching various handlers.  Also you will have many people to help you get started tracking.