is it to late for my dogs and me? - Page 1

I got some questions. by now everyone knows i have three backyard bred German Shepherds.  Im going to have them for life regardless. Right now I have no room for any more GSD's. I have a really high interest in gsd's and i want to learn more about them and be involved with the gsd club of oklahoma. I was wondering is it completely stupid, to join with my dogs that I have now. I dont expect anything out of it, except to learn and improve my dogs that i have. I would like to see, if they could get their canine citizenship certificate. And just see how far they can go. I would also like to learn to handle dogs in show and so would my kids. What do you think? Am i going to look like a complete idiot, when i take my dogs up their? I would love to show dogs one day? But i know these dogs wont make it. I dont want them to go to new homes, they are my babys, Im fine waiting 10-12 years, before i own my first show dog. but im still so eager to get started now, if its possible. is there any one else like me in the clubs.

jlb82,

Go for it!  If you have decided to keep these dogs,(and nothing wrong with that) then do all you can do with them.  I have a basic philosophy with dog training.  Get the best out of the dog I can.  Take the dog to the highest level I can or provide something for this dog to learn that sets him apart from the pack.  I do not look at a dog in comparison to another, but look at the dog as compared to where he is at today.  In other words, I want him to become all the dog he can be.  I have learned far more about dogs working with dogs that did not have it.  They were weak, not a dog that one would say"gee I wish I owned that dog".   But after working with them, I learned more than they.  They in turn, turned out to be pretty good dogs.  The goal of this life IMO is not to get the perfect dog, cause that will never happen if your expectations are high, but appreciate the dog you have, love him, teach him, train him, and bond to him and talk to them throughout the day.  You will be suprised at how much improvement you will see not only in them, but in yourself.  Make the most of what you have today!!! 

You will probably find that your dogs will outshine many, and your time spent on them will pay many dividends.  The only way I think a person can be truly grateful of their dogs is by striving to bring them to their highest point of usefulness in life.  I have a neighbor that has a son that is limited in his abilities.  His son graduated from high school and he was as proud as any parent could be if their son had just graduated from Yale or Harvard.  I do not say this to say your dogs are limited, just pointing out the attitude thing.  Trust me, they have many abilities that you have not tapped into.  Let your mind run wild with what you want for them, what will make them happy dogs that can go any where with you because they are well behaved.