K9 sports? - Page 2

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.

VKFGSD,

I have to defend my sport of choice....

What exactly do you know about PSA?

From my experience the majority of Sch people who talk negatively about the sport are the ones who did not pass when they attempted to trial. Sch dogs who try to cross over often have problems. Not knocking Sch, just what I have seen in the many dogs I have worked and trials I have participated in and/ or observed.

I am starting to see people from the "old sports" (Sch and Ring) getting threatened by the increased popularity of PSA.

Don't knock it til you try it.

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

Gard please note I made a general statement  about what some people think of PSA. I did not id whether or not I held that opinion and I will not because I do not want this thread to get off topic.

While I think it is wonderful that people have many venues to work their dogs and enjoy doing so, the element I truly feel was missing from many of the posts was a pragmatic look at the poster and the dog. Everything is wonderful in the abstract. How appropriate it is to a particular individual and/or dog is quite another.

I believe that in fairness to Shanda that she should not get off the cuff answers that yes the world is beautiful and wonderful. Take the time to look at some of her previous posts which will tell you her story. As I stated above what ii showed to me was a person who really needs to learn more about our breed and it's abilities and a puppy that has some serious issues. Can you truly say given those two things that PSA is the best place for her to start her education?

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

Thanks for the input. First and foremost will be obedience, no matter what is decided for the future. You cannot go into any sport/activity without strict obedience/control. She is doing well in her ob here at home but away from home turf is another story. I plan on going to a club that I know of and at least working on Ob until she has it ingrained no matter where and under what circumstances, then I will decide more on what activity would suit her best.

As far as herding, lol there are lots of  ranchers around here, but they only make their herds availabe to the ffa and 4h students.

"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.

ZVZW, I'm not sure where you got your information but Bill Blondin has never been a PSA Director or President.  Bill and Sammy have sold all of their dogs and are no longer training. 

Darryl Richey is the only President that PSA has had and is the current Mid-west Director.  Not to toot his horn but if in the area, he is the one to train with.  Shandra has been out to our place to train once and knows that she is welcome out any time.  Unfortunately we are about 2 hours from her. :)  FYI, we have dogs at the club training for PSA, French Ring, Mondio and Schutzhund.