Is there such a thing as too old? - Page 1

Hi All, I  was wondering if there is such a thing as too old when it comes to training especially if you have schutzhund in mind.  I have an almost 4 yr old female that I would like to start working with.  Most people I have talked to say you should start very young, there have been a small minority  who have told me that it is better to let the dog develop naturally and mature, then start formal training.  Is a 2-4 yr old considered too old to start schutzhund?

It's up to you, it is good idea to start imprinting at early age, but it is never too late it will just require more time. Good luck.

BTW I seen recently a female starting out at 2 years and within few months she was better at it than some other dogs after a year of workin, so it will depend on a dog as well, and what you did with him at early age.

I started a GSD in Schutzhund at age 6 - he was ready for a SchH 1 at age 8. I retired him shortly thereafter because he was starting to exhibit the early signs of arthritis in his lower back. He continued to track, however, until about six months before he died at the age of 13. I don't recommend waiting this long to begin, but we didn't adopt him until he was 3, and it took me another 3 years to find a club I was comfortable with, and which would work with him at what was considered to be an advanced age. He did very well , and learned quickly for the most part - in many ways his maturity made him easier to train than a puppy.  So if a dog is healthy and enjoys the work I don't think you should be put off by age.........

The only dog I titled to Sch 1 was not started in bite work until he turned 2 and OFA'd excellent. Well he had a few puppy bites but really was not that interested. He also had tracked some, he loved to track. He had his BH a few months after starting him in Obed. and his Sch1 shortly after his third birthday. So I don't think it is to late to start your dog...

I titled a 7 yr. old to SchH 1 once. She'd had 5 litters. Many dogs in this country aren't titled till 3-4 years old. As long as the dog is in good condition, not overweight, good muscle tone, has the basic drive for the work, you should have no trouble. Just be aware that the cut off for the AD and the Korung is age 6.

SS

A good dog is a good dog at any age. I decided I want to go for a VCD on my 6 year old and just started tracking her this summer, and she is awesome.

You can teach an old dog new trick's,  of that I'm sure.

Can you make an older dog forget what it's learned if it learned the wrong thing's?   

How important can it be to raise the dog with Schutzhund in mind?

Just curious.

You can Koer a dog after 6, they just don't need the AD after they hit 6 years old.

REALLY? Wow. Learn something every day.

Thanks! SS