Getting started in SchH.... - Page 2

To be perfectly honest, I have only been to a few clubs personally. One, in the Columbus area, I really, really liked, and thought the feeling was mutural. However, do to personal reasons and bad timing ON MY PART, THEY felt I wasn't a good fit for them. (Being honest here...I had recently lost my mother, was having to make trips back and forth to Florida, and was unable to attend alot of meetings!) I am in no way blaming that club. As I stated, it was bad timing on my part. However, I found out later, that the club/people they refered to me, were basically people THEY wouldn't trust or do business with. And after talking to them, I see why! (Shady people) I was upset and hurt that they would do that. (I do not wish to name names.) Thanks for the advice. I'm looking at the Leerburg site now and checking into getting some of their videos/books. :-)

LadyWolf...e-mail me and I will try and help you out... ~Bob~ BleuHaus@msn.com

In the Spring,I am planning to get involved with Schh as well. I found out by accident a few months ago that my 3 year old male was started in training by the previous owner. I was trying to learn the German commands and when the dog heard them he went ballistic. I've never seen him so excited. I tried working with the dog a little but it was like trying to hold back a frieght train. Then I thought about having someone else train him but the abuse stories were too much for me. I wouldn't want my boy to have his head screwed up by someone who doesn't know what he's doing. Anyway, I'm going to start by finding a club, then find a titled dog that I can handle. And I am definitely going to check out the dog in person before I buy it, even if it means traveling halfway across the country.

Great topic! I too am just getting my paws wet in this confusing arena of Schutzhund. I will read everything I can get my hands on believe you me! I have gone to one club in my area that is fairly new and has no titled dogs yet. I liked all of them in general, but felt I really didn't know what to look for other than go with my gut feelings and WATCH carefully the interactions between people, and people and dogs. The only other club in my area is not one that this club I observed recommended due to a handler problem. He was once with club #1, now with club #2. I was told to watch out for him, and that they used a "compulsive" manner of training. What the heck is that all about? Anyway, thanks so much for this thread-I have learned SO much...keep it coming for us newbies PLEASE!

triodegirl-- Why don't you use the dog you have? Sounds like he is perfect for getting started with! He's already started, so he should do great for you. He loves you already :-) Veronica

The reasons for training your own dog are tremendous, but knowledge and the reporte you develop with your dog are invaluable. If you can't train your own and you go to the cheapest guy/gal you can find you may be asking for trouble. If you have someone else train go to someone who has developed a good reputation.

I am pretty confident my 3 year old could handle the obedience. He knows all the basic commands and I play games with him everyday to teach him to stay while I walk around and hide his toys all over the house. (He will actually start drooling in anticipation of finding the stuff.) I was also surprised one day when I let him out the back door and he took off like a shot after an injured bird that was flopping around by the back of the fence. I yelled at him to stop and he did. I then told him to come and he came running back into the house. I was actually shocked that he would mind that well considering the live bird on the ground in front of him. The only thing I am concerned about is the protection. My dog might love me too much as he always lets me win with the tug. It's as if he doesn't want to hurt me. He will drag the female all over the back yard playing with the tug but for me he will let go after about 30 seconds. So I've wondered if he might not be the dog to train for SchH.

triodegirl, all you can do is bring him and give him a try. He might not mind playing the game with a helper.

You may be the alpha, so he won't tug with you. A good helper may bring out the best in him that way. I'm with Trailrider..give the guy a chance to so something he may consider great fun!

i am also fairly new to sch. been reading and working other people's dogs. there is not ANY club within 2 hours of where i live, so i am also in that type of predicament, but, i have found that occationally there are seminars and work shops. i went to one last year 2 hours from where i live. it was 3 days, and very informative. Alex Beyer is awsome. also, sometimes local trainers(obedience) can point you in the right direction, or know enough themselves to at least get you started. oh, and did anyone mention lots of money:)?