whats the difference in the 'clubs'? - Page 1

some of the names are pretty obivious...but im wondering exactly what kind of club i should be looking for to start off in....

what exactly does a kennel club do? ive found 'kennel clubs', but some just say dog boarding or you can hire a personal trainer....but then others seem like an actual 'training club' where you train and show with a group.....i found this one very near me>>> Northlake Kennel Club of Greater Covington, LA  about 30 mins from me......will someone have a look at their site and tell me what you think?...should i start boss off here since i can't find a schutzhund club or is this type of clubs only for 'showline' type dogs?

do you join a obedience club first before you join a schutzhund club?..or do they work on everything at a schutzhund club?

i keep looking and looking for something...anything....that i can do with boss...but the more i look, the more confused i get.....

also, in the town right next to me....ive seen signs for dog herding trials....its a major horse/cattle ranch town...folsom La....ive tried looking info up for that but all i can find is info on the trials themself...dates/time/place.....but no clubs/ training places?...where do these people train?....not sure herding is for me, but it does tell me that there are some DOG people around here...i just cant find who,what,when,where...HOW?

If you have date/time/place why don't you plan on attending?  Just go to meet people and ask lots of questions.  Herding may interest you more than you think but if you're still not into it at least you can see for youself.  You can ask around about where everyone else goes to train and if there's possibly a group near you, not even necessarily herding but training in general.  Get yourself out there, what can it hurt?

AKC obedience is completely different that Schutzhund obedience but if that's all there is you could sign up and taylor the OB to your and Boss' specific needs.  They are typically looking to title dogs in OB but at least you're doing something constructive.  If his drives are different from most other dogs in the class, which they probably are, you could use a tug as reward as opposed to food.  Do whatever works for you and him.

I know you're busy with a young family and perhaps you wouldn't have the time to devote to Schutzhund so a CD title in AKC to start would be something you're doing to build a good relationship with the dog.  Doing that is better than doing nothing and you never know, you might just like it.  You could also earn a tracking title through AKC, there are different things you can do but you need to be talking to the locals to see what's available in your area.

Now that you have the bug...where there's a will, there's a way.  Good luck!

germanshepherddog.com/clubs/index.htm

I would look for a Schutzhund club if you want to title in SchH. Training groups can be a great place to learn and make great long lasting friendships.

Shop around if there are more than one club in your area. Don't say too much, just express interest and listen a lot. Make sure the club is supportive with and welcoming of novices. Many aren't. Where are you located? Maybe I can direct you to a good one.

SS

iluvmyGSD, I was not trying to steer you away from Schutzhund, just trying to let you know there are differences.  I also know this is not the first time you've asked about clubs or training in your area and obviously you have not gotten much in the way of assistance.  I am just trying to let you know there are options and you should research them all and decide what is best for you and Boss.  Schutzhund is a lot more time consuming because of the trianing and (usually) travel involved in getting to the club and it's a major commitment.  People with time constraints and/or family obligations need to know what they're getting into.  It never hurts to do the research and make sure you have the proper resources to follow through with your plan.  I am merely pointing out that there are other options available and doing anything with your dog is better than doing nothing.  AKC clubs are more plentiful and so more accessible.

There is a club near (over an hour away from) us but they were not accepting new members last year.  My husband has recently heard from them and there's a possibility that the membership has openings now.  In the interim, we have been introduced to and have been going to a private trainer.  We plan to pursue Schutzhund but our kids are grown and on their own and we have no responsibilities other than our dogs,  There is a lot of time and money involved and if you are not able to devote both to your dog you may be better suited to another avenue.  In other words don't start something you can't finish but if you find you can, by all means to for it!

Good luck to you.

sparrow>>>If you have date/time/place why don't you plan on attending?  Just go to meet people and ask lots of questions.  Herding may interest you more than you think but if you're still not into it at least you can see for youself.  You can ask around about where everyone else goes to train and if there's possibly a group near you, not even necessarily herding but training in general.  Get yourself out there, what can it hurt?<<<<<

i  have that info on trials....i thought only people that are club members, or knew /family/friends of club members could go? i was looking for something that said 'open to the public' but i never could find any...

>>>AKC clubs are more plentiful and so more accessible.<<<< i don't think there are any of these around here either...but yes i would love to find one...it would definitly be better than nothing...

and>>>there are different things you can do but you need to be talking to the locals to see what's available in your area.>>>. yes, i agree!...lol...but i cant find any locals that are involved with dogs to ask...

shelly>> i am ln franklinton, louisiana....washington parish...

thanks for trying to help