Seminar Deceptions...... - Page 2

Steve:  Seminars came about because in the beginning, we in North America needed to bring accomplished trainers over from Europe because we basically didn't know our asses from a hole in the ground regarding schutzhund for a long time.  Then after a while, we had some of our own people who were accomplished  trainers/competitors in the sport , who began also holding seminars and helping others.  So now we have accomplished people from many nations who give seminars in the USA. 

Unfortunately some yahoos who know absolutely nothing about schutzhund but talk a good game are trying to get in on the schutzhund seminar dollars too.  So that is why this is an important thread.  People need to be careful so they a) get bang for their buck; b) don't let some yahoo screw up their dog; or c) don't  waste time /money on some blow hard.

As to cost, it just depends and can fluctuate depending on many factors.  If your own club is hosting the seminar, club members get a break.  Some people hold 3 day seminars at $100. a day (if participating w/dog)  but usually give a break if you attend all 3 days.  The thing is a cut rate seminar held by a nobody who really isn't doing anything more than blowing smoke up participants/auditors asses is the most expensive seminar because you end up paying for nothing or worse, end up with a screwed up dog.

Agreed LAVK-9...I know many "civilians" that train PSD's...and do a very good job at it.... BUT I doubt if they would hold a seminar for "Problem Solving" in Schutzhund - they would first have to know a little about the rules, trialing etc.  I'm also sure they can show me references and dogs that they have trained past basic obedience/temperment test.  SchH is not the end all be all....but if one promotes themselves as a "problem solver" in the sport of Schutzhund - they should be able to back it up other then using "office" titles.  We definitely agree on wanting to see a persons qualifications.

There should be a video up on You Tube of this "problem solver" trialing.....I'll see if I can find it:)

 

Actually, I went to a seminar by a top level bird dog hunting guy and learned a lot of useful information.  I definitely took several good things away from that seminar in regards to clicker training and using Ecollars.  I went to this seminar not because I bird hunt or have hunting dogs, because I don't.  I simply wanted to see what new things I could learn for my sport dogs and my Police K9. 

Although I enjoy SchH and Police K9 training, I admire and respect the people that do high level obedience, agility, and tracking with their dogs as well.  I could definitely learn things form the Agility people and it would be useful in training our K9's.  Good dog training is good training and I'm willing to learn from anyone and take what I feel I can use.  It doesn't have to be SchH to be useful in SchH or my K9 training. 

But, I would want some credentials and accomplishments or I probably wouldn't be interested in going, unless I knew the person firsthand.

People need to remember that problems that were created over the course of months or years often can not be fixed in a weekend seminar.  If I go to a seminar and want advice on fixing a problem, I don't try to solve the problem there.  Rather, I may ask for a long term plan to correct the issue.  Especially, if the person giving the seminar is a world class handler.  I'll also ask how to avoid creating the problem in the future.  But, I never ask to fix the problem that weekend. 

Jim