Found a Sch. Club-25 miles from my house - Page 1

     I just found a club, almost in my back yard. They just got affiliated with the US schutzhund club in August of this year. So far, they only have 5 members. I go for an assessment of Duke Saturday morning. I'm so excited.

    Any suggestions on what to look for,and what to look-out for when I go??I know bad training is worse than NO training. I really can't wait. I owe this to my dog. As you are aware, I think I have the best Shepherd out there, and I want to keep him that way! (Duke is 1 year and 4 months now)

     And you can beleive, I will be armed with my camera, I will post pics,,of the 'others', training. Wild horses can't keep me out of there on Saturday..Tips are welcome (requested actually).  Thanks

You will be fine and are lucky to have a club that close...some of us drive hours and hours to find the nearest club...have fun and dont take any thing serious the best times are had at the small clubs 

Marlene

Good luck with the new club:

                                                                 Remember you need to evaluate them as much as they evaluate you and your dog, Never be afraid to ask questions about the training they do or there long term goals with there dogs and the club, Does it have a long tern goal? Are they freindly and helpful with your concerns and questions, Dog the dogs they work seem happy or do they present signs of pressure going off and going on the field. And if anyone does anything to your dog or askes to do something to your dog that mkaes you feel uncomfortable or your unsure of there intentions ask for a explaination and see how they react, a good helper or training coordinator will take the time to explain to you there idea,s or thoughts as to the training goals, If they seem irritaed or put out at your question run for the hills and don,t look back.

Good advice Bob. Good luck with your dog.

SS

Well Bob and SS, You do need to be careful,but when you go and train with people that are great trainers

a novice person needs to be silent   I dont think you Bob would ask people like Ivan/Wallace/T.Floyd/Dean/

and Much Much Much more. What they are doing, Yes i understand the concern.  Just be careful and dont piss off a good trainer by asking to much questions.   My 10cents

I disagree. Ask as many questions as you want after you have met people and feel comfortable. I ask the trainer questions all the time. Sometimes, I feel that I don't ask enough.

Paul

 The only stupid question is the one not asked. If Ivan/Wallace/Dean/ T.Floyd were afraid to answer a few questions to novice or new handler they would not be good traininers.                                                

I went to the club today,and I really enjoyed it. I can't tell you how happy I am to find a club that close. The trainer is very nice, I did ask alot of questions and no one seemed bothered by it. There were 2 other new people there also. Duke did rather well for being in a new place with strange dogs. It was as if he knew we were there for him. he came out of the truck rearing to go...He thought he was going to take me down by my sweatshirt hood almost as soon as we got out of the truck...He really was excited..I got some tugging exercises to do with him in preperation for next week..

Today was basicly informational..Next week the fun begins...I can't wait. Trying to get pics to download.

Very cool kitkat.  Working with your dog can be very healing......

Do your homework and you will fit in and have fun. Enjoy the journey with your dog. The rewards are the way he looks to you and the wag of his tail. Very healing for the heart and soul as they ask for little back.