How old is too old? - Page 1

My 6 1/2 year old dog just earned her CGC today. I'm very excited about it, but at the same time I know she is capable of more-- I've just been lazy and haven't done much beyond basic obedience. After we were done with her CGC test, I drove over to our local Schutzhund club to watch for the first time. They were friendly folks and they had very nice, very young dogs. I've always fantasized about getting a Schutzhund title on  my dog, but I know she doesn't have the heart to do protection (she's also too old and sore to be getting swung around or beat on by a decoy). Should I try to get a BH on her? I was going to enroll her in some AKC competition obedience class, but this is a shelter rescue dog with no pedigree, and she's almost a senior citizen. Is it worth spending hundreds of dollars to give it a shot? Or should I wait until I get a puppy to give it a try? She loves to do anything that involves being outside with me, but she's easily distracted by other animals and I've noticed that she's quite stiff and sore after 3 hour hikes that used to be no problem.

congrats on the cgc!

the dog will tell you how much is too much.  if you look at the age of most top competition dogs they are around the 4-7 year age range.  some go on much later. 

as far as  a bh is, there is no jumping or such so i dont see why it would be a problem.   if she is showing signs of getting tired from hiking, you may want to try swimming, less stress on the joints and very good exercise.

i would say (pedigree or not ) give it a try,,, even if she cant do it,  the knowledge you learn now will be an asset in the future.

good luck with whatever endeavors you chose to pursue.

john

Agree with John!

Just go for it, enjoy all you can do!

And more power to you for doing what you're doing!!

If you think your dog is probably a purebred GSD, you can get an ILP number from AKC which would let you enter obedience, rally, herding, or tracking competitions.  You don't need a pedigree, but the dog needs to be neutered.  You can check it out and get the application at www.akc.org. 

Otherwise, training for the BH or the tracking portions of schutzhund would give you good experience for your next dog.  The more things you are exposed to, the better trainer you will be.  I'm sure your dog would love to learn something new!  

Have fun!

There are many older dogs that love to work and a BH is just obedience. They still need the "JOB" and love the bonding time. 

As for the protection work - I just got a 6 year old female and  after three weeks of bonding I took her to the field for the first time. She picked up quickly  that the decoyer was a bad guy. SO, I think I will see in the next few sessions how everything goes. As far as ScHH I think not Personal protection a good chance. But again we will go at her pace not mine.

I just retired my 25X Schh3 dog at 9 years old, he's always been sound and loving the work.  I have a 6 year old female who is a working narcotics detection K9, who I have always "worked" in Schutzhund but only for fun - started training with a new trainer who thinks she is outstanding and wanted me to work on titles.  So, now that's what we're doing - she's getting her BH in a month and Schh1, maybe 2 and 3 soon after.  It's all fun and if it isn't fun for you and the dog then you shouldn't do it - no matter the age if they like the work and are sound and able to do it, then do it.

molly

You never know until you've tried...and try things with your dog...and you both might just find that you enjoy doing these things...The whole idea is to spend time with your dog...bond...and have a great time doing it...Schutzhund is a dog sport that explores more within you and your dog then a lot of other dog sports....The main thing is to enjoy yourself...and your dog will enjoy it with you...Good Luck...!!!

~Bob~

As Dash2 said - you can easily get an ILP number via AKC with a small fee and a picture.  The application is on line.  A friend just did this for her rescue Rottie and you can get the # fairly quickly.

Also congratulations on accomplishing your CGC and for adopting a wonderful gsd. 

I started completing 2 years ago with my then 4 year old GSD.  AKC Rally is a great way to jump into the competition arena with your dog.  There are 3 seperate Rally Titles you can compete toward and the exercises vary so they are fun things in it to teach your dog.  I only had 1 leg toward Libby's CD and was running into major trouble with her heeling and not paying attention at the shows.  I switched to Rally for a while and it rejuvenated her because you can have much more interaction with your dog - clapping your hands, talking to them throughout the exercises etc.  After we completed her Rally Advanced title I went back and got her CD with no problems.  If you go into AKC website you can see requirements and rally signs along with descriptions on each exercise. 

You could also do dock diving, herding and as Naya's mom just did - Therapy titles and then Therapy work.

So I guess what I am saying is - go for it.  Go for the Bh and whatever else you and your dog want to try!  The journey you and your dog take is the best part.  The titles are just the gravy.  I gotta tell you I  had tears in my eye when Libby obtained her first leg of her cd and took second place.  I was just so proud of her and all this training and competition has just brought us that much closer together.  So goodluck and enjoy the ride.

Cheryl

Ok, what is a BH?  I see all of these abreviations all the time, but never look them up or pay attention.  Well too much attention anyway, lol.

The BH is a test (not a title) which you must pass before you can compete for title in schutzhund.  For first time handlers, there is also a written portion.  Here is an overview:

http://www.finographics.com/schutzhund/bh.html