Thank You Silbersee, Lynx and JettasMom - Page 1

Thank you Silbersee, Lynx and JettasMom

As of late this board has been very enjoyable, enlightening, informative as well as educational. I think I joined the database about 1 year ago or so but unfortunately did not learn much. For some reason the direction and atmosphere of this board has changed immensely and things are finally beginning to sink into my little head.

I really want to thank Silberee for her post, “Toplines”. It was an eye opener to say the least. I was shocked and amazed at the fact that those two photos that you submitted of the German showline were actually pictures of the same dog. Thanks to you Silbersee I see things in a different light and to be honest with you, it’s actually quite a relief. It feels good to not be so critical of everyone’s dogs. I do wish that more breeders would have a page dedicated to their dogs just being dogs. It would be nice to see them playing and having fun or just standing around (unstacked), just so that people like me could see the confirmation of the dogs thereby dispelling all assumptions of crippled breeding stock and progeny – just a thought but I do realize that this would be almost impossible for the large kennels.

Thank you Lynx for this link

http://www.funnyvideo247.com/2007/09/19/eric-vom-sportpark/

And thank you jettasmom for posting this one

http://www.stallbacken.a.se/kwai/res/filmmovie/schh3chtm.wmv

I am now gaining a new perspective as far as SchH is concerned. Thank you for these links guys for it introduced balance. Unfortunately I was one of those people who feared what they did not understand. I have never seen this side of the sport before and had no idea that the dogs could actually be having fun out there on the field, again, very eye opening. Watching the video of the little girl sure has put a new spin on things for me and I feel very foolish for having had such negative opinions of SchH. One question though, “Does the helper actually hit the dog with that stick or does it just look like he/she is”? J

I think the database as a whole is very positive these days and I just want to thank all of those who contribute in such a valuable way – it has made a difference in my life. Thank you.

Penny

Schutzhund in the right environment is fun for both the dog and the helper. If you want to see more videos, let me know and I can send you some of dogs clearly enjoying what they are doing.

Yes, the helper is required to perform two stick hits in a prescribed manner during certain phases of the protection work. When I first started SchH, I was worried about this, but I soon learned that my dog in drive could care less and that the hits are with a type of stick that is not going to really hurt the dog if used correctly and in the right places.

Can it be dangerous for dog or handler? Yes, so getting involved with a safe club who will help you is paramount. 

Unfortunately yes, there are many people who do not understand SchH. It is in part the fault of us who participate because all too often we do not ferret out the bad apples who are abusive to their dogs. And sometimes we do not explain things well. But it is a worthy activity and can be a lot of fun for dogs and people.

yes, there are stick hits.  It is necessary to determine the dog isn't easily driven off, doesn't come off the sleeve.

Sure hodie - send some videos my way. Thanks.

About those stick hits - does that not make doggie very angry? If someone would have hit my Alpha malamute -- well, good luck to them!

Penny

tezz. With alot of the dogs they are so zoned in (focused on the helper) they are not even aware they are being hit with the stick.

Tezz:  Only very experienced dog that havae had yeaers of training are stick hit...dont be concerned......and this is why we practice in private places...and please dont leave this board and go out and tell people we hit our dogs....bad message to send......only older dogs in preparation for schutzhund three and other high titles are dont this way  Ok

Folks, Please be very careful with this information given out to people who do not do this sport   .If they go tell people we hit our dogs it is like the man who came on here a while =back and talking  about    attack dog training.....

we dont hit dogs with sticks....

1doggie2

Is this where the prey drive would kick in?

Penny

YellowRose

I’m not going to go around telling people that J – I’m just trying to gain understanding and now I have gained more knowledge because of your post. I now know that this practice is only used on experienced/older dogs that are ready to advance to the higher levels of training.

Penny

 tezz,

Prey drive, to define it simply, is the desire of a dog, any dog, to chase something. In their genetic code and for hundreds of years dogs chased prey. We can use that "drive", that natural desire, to train dogs. There are other drives too but I won't muddy the waters here.

Don't worry about the stick hit. As I said, it is a prescribed as to when and how and as 1doggie2 already pointed out, in other words, the dog is so focused (or should be) on the fight with the helper that the dog will care less. Dogs are trained from a VERY young age to accept a hand, a leg, a stick being around them, often for example using the stick to rub over the body. Eventually, as the dog matures, the taut leash may be struck with the stick, or the sleeve may be struck, and at some point, when the dog is ready, gradually the stick is introduced to its body. One should NOT wait until the dog has had years of training to begin this sensitization program.

Yes, in the publics eye if one does not know what they are talking about, or how to explain it, it is possible for someone to misunderstand. But burying ones' head in the sand as so many do here is also not the answer. A careful, thoughtful explanation of Schutzhund and especially what is involved in the protection work is always the answer to helping people with no background understand that, at its best, and practiced and trained in a way it was meant to be, the sport is not mean or cruel in any way.

Now when one wants to stick their head in the sand about people who accept dogs for training and then do not take appropriate care of them, or they die while in their care, then that is another matter. And yes, people, even Schutzhund participants should be offended by what they see.

Tezz, I join you in saying thank you for the "Toplines" thread. Yes, what an eye opener and good education. It's exactly the kind of thread I enjoy.