Training Guide - Page 1

Disclaimer:  I am as GREEN as they come to Schutzhund. :o)  So bear with me.

I have a 16 month old female GSD.  She has been started in USAR as an air scent dog where she has received training in agility, rubble piles, CGC and some obedience, etc.  I posted this question on another thread and Brent suggested I start a new one to obtain some help.  Thank you for your suggestion Brent and let me clarify, Audi does have some obedience.  I have just started training in Schutzhund to obtain her BH.  I attended training with her breeder and the 2008 Nationals in Clearmont, Florida where her breeder competed and placed 5th with one of her dogs.  I was VERY impressed with the obedience, etc. and decided to train Audi to this standard.  

I have read one book written by Gottfried Dilde on Schutzhund training and attended training with him twice and trained with another trainer 2 times to get a feel for everything.  They have totally different ideas about what to do, etc. I imagine that is normal with trainers, since it is normal with Search and Rescue people. :o)  My question is at what age do you start training a pup in Schutzhund and do you start them all 3 disciplines at once or seperately.  If so is there a better order to begin the 3 disciplines of Schutzhund?    

Audi wants to please, she is a very quick learner, high drive and energy.  So far she has been a natural in spite of being attached to her mom who knows nothing!!!!!!  I have never tried to wear her out at training because I know you want to leave them wanting more, but I have NEVER seen her tired or uninterested in anything I have asked her to do.  She raises pure Hell when I take one of the other dogs out of the van to train!  She wants to work and wants all my attention.  I like to ask for different opinions and then try what sounds best to me.  Of course there will be limitations depending on trainer and their idea's and how much input they allow me during their training sessions.  There is more than one way to train any animal and not every method works for every dog.  Audi is a breeze to train and requires very little correction.  I load her down with praise and treats and she loves to work for me in spite of my short comings. :o)   

Does anyone have any suggestions, recomendations, etc.  I would like to test her for a BH in the near future (3 to 6 months) but my expetations may be too high.  Remember my disclaimer and go easy on me. :o)

Teri           

Teri you are starting a little late but nothing that a little extra work will not overcome.

I start my puupies tracking really young. also some casual obedience  there are some bitwork thing that also will go hand in hand playing with a burlap sac etc.

At this point jump on in.  work with a trainer or club that you trust in the area and follow their instructions. 

It's your first dog you will make mistakes, but thats half the fun of learning with your dog

Best of luck    Jeff

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Thank you Jeff.  How many days a week do you train your dogs?  Ex. tracking, obedience and protection.  Do you work on them seperately or all together?

Teri

I track 3-4 times per week, I do obedience probably2-3 times per week and protection 1-2 times per week.  I work kind of a wierd schedule. some days I work just one phase whatever i can get in. Other days I will do all 3 phases.  Dogs are differnt as you get more advanced you will kinda see what works best for your dog.

tracking a couple times a week, it is my least favorite

ob, 5+ times a week.  granted they are short sessions with exercise and play time mixed in with them.  i like my dog to know that play is play, but when i say its time to work, he must work.

protection,  3-4.  depends on the weather and how often i can get another helper to meet during the week.  min. is 2 on the weekends.

just remember the golden rule of dog training

"the only thing 2 dog trainers can agree on is what the 3rd one is doing wrong"

john

What ages do you begin the different disciplines?  I started my female in Search & Rescue and plan to continue her in that along with Schutzhund.  I just started her in the Schutzhund.  I think she is very level headed and able to handle both.  We trained this past Wed. with SAR and I wasn't sure if she would remember the live find since it has been a few months since we worked that.  As soon as she saw her tug toy, she started barking.  The target ran off with her toy and when she was sent on command to find the target, she took off like a bat out of hell, found the target, barked (her alert when she has found someone) and then played tug with the target.  I was very happy because I wasn't sure if she would show aggression, looking for a sleeve to bite, etc.. or if she would become confused with the two games. 

The targets for USAR are suppose to be hidden or down on the ground and not standing.  One of the targets was new and stood behind a tree.  Audi only barked and then played tug.  I am not sure if it is the tug toy, command or the combination but she appeared to know/recognise the difference.  I was very pleased.  She loves to work and would work every day if you let her.  I have only been working her 2 to 3 days per week.  Any thoughts about over working a dog and burning them out or killing their drive?

Teri

i personally start all my puppies as soon as i get them, in all 3 phase.   ob for food, tracking in puppy boxes for food, rag work with the pup to build drive and start teaching them to grip. 

when we have a litter of pups they are started shortly after whelp.  they learn to eat kibble off the ground,  chase a toy,  etc.

the sooner the better.

john

I start puppies in tracking and rag work from the time I get them at around 8 weeks.  Scent pads and little tracks in the back yard, rag work, ball playing, stuff like that.  As far as burning her out, so long as you always end everything with her wanting more, I wouldn't worry about that. 

As far as a schedule for your dog, I think you need someone experienced who can guage you and your dog.  I usually try to train a few times a day.

My best advise would be for you to find a club, if you have not already.   To find the club that is the best fit for you and your dog, take a look at the clubs in your area listed on the websites  for United Schutzhund Club of America, GSDCA-WDA,  DVG-America, and visit as many as you can.  Most clubs meet 2 - 3 times a week (tues, thurs, sunday for example).  Members then train on their own or with a mentor or buddy the rest of the time.  Usually the training director and other experienced members will help you set up a training schedule for your dog as well as help you set short and long term goals. 

One thing, many clubs have a lot of people who come out once or twice, then drop out either because they are flakes or they didn't realize schutzhund training actually requires a lot of effort and commitment.  I'm saying this so that if in the beginning, people seem a little cold or off putting, it's probably just that they don't want to devote much time to someone until they trust that person is in it for the long haul.  Also a club worth it's salt is protective over it's decoy(s).  The last thing they need is a decoy who gets burned out working dogs owned by club members who only come out when there is nothing good on the boob tube.  Once they see you are another obsessed nutcase just like the rest of us, they will happily help you out and take you under their wing.

On the other end, clubs are made up of dog people - many of whom prefer the company of dogs over people, which can make for a real dysfunctional crowd.  It's important you find a club where you feel comfortable.  Many times clubs can be equally good as one another as far as training, but not a good fit for every personality.   

Personally, with your background, plus what sounds like a really nice dog,  I would imagine you won't have a hard time finding clubs willing to add you to their membership.

CLUB LISTS:

http://germanshepherddog.com/clubs/index.htm

http://www.gsdca-wda.org/clubs.htm

 http://www.dvgamerica.com/