Schutzhund in the real world - Page 1

I know there is often talk about Schutzhund having no place in the real world, usually in terms of the 'protection' phase but I just feel the need to share my recent experience with my girl.

We've been down on the Outer Banks since my mother passed.  It has always been a family vacation spot and in fact my mother wished to have her ashes buried at sea.

Anyway, today I took my girl down to the beach completely off leash.  I had to walk 3 blocks along not exceptionally busy roads but still roads with cross roads and the like.  While we walked I put both the 'stay', 'fuss' and 'platz at distance commands to use.  I would let her jog along, checking out the other houses and as we came up on the stop signs for the cross streets, I'd call out 'Stay' and she'd lock up in place and wait for me to come up.  Then we'd 'heel' across the road to the next street.

One time she was up ahead of me and a car snuck up on us, I called 'Platz!' and she dropped like a rock in the yard she was investigating, watched the car drive past and waited for me to come 'pick' her up.

Down at the beach itself, her recall was beyond reproach, no matter what the temptation.  Other dogs, sandpipers, joggers, people she came back at a call.  I had her on heel through a 'group' of other walkers numerous times and never once did she break away or try to investigate other people and I had to make some pretty creative figure 8s around kids, fishermen, other beach strollers.

At one point we found a bit of drift wood and played 'retrieve' on the flat and eventually we wandered back home. 

Almost every aspect of the foundation BH was put to use today and I couldn't have been more proud of her.

RLHAR,
It's nice having a well trained dog.  It is very satisfying to see the hard work you put into your dog paying off in "real life" and not just the training field.  I hope you are both relaxing and getting a well deserved break.   

We'll be training on Sunday at the same field where we had the Debbie Zappia seminar.  Your are more than welcome to come and train, if you are still in the OBX.  I am probably going down to the OBX tomorrow, for lunch and just to relax.

Hope all is well,

Jim

Great job on your dog! I do have to point out, however, that there are plenty of dogs who do very well on a schutzhund field who are NOT good citizens out in the real world, just as there are many dogs with model behavior who do not do schutzhund at all. Your dog's behavior is a result of YOUR hard work and dedication, not necessarily the sport itself.

Sounds like you not only have a nice dog but you are also good owner with a healthy attitude. The ultimate German shepherd dog is one who is without reproach when put into a situation in keeping with his temperament, drives, structure, and trainability in mind. When you find that ideal match, it is truly breathtaking. 

We have to guard against either overfocusing on one quality or romantisizing too much. It is not enough to breed the perfect dog - the dog realizes pefection when it achieves its untimate purpose, then such physical, mental, and training capacities are truly realized. There is nothing as sad as a great dog going into an inappropriate home. But to see a dog that was not expected to have a future of realizing goals unthought of is also moving, and a little bittersweet.

Jim,

I will be down here for another whole week and might just take you up on the offer of training Sunday if I can figure out how far a drive it would be. :)

Where in the OBX are you coming down tomorrow to relax?  We're up in Corolla.

Rlhar,
I'd like to go to Corolla, I want to see the wild horses.  I just bought a new camera and want to get some pics.  I'm probably 45 mins to an hour from there depending on traffic, maybe a little longer.  Have you seen any horses on the beach?

Jim

A good OB dog is the most beautiful thing to watch. all of the hours you put into your dog are so worth it. An off leash Platz has saved many a dog!

great job!

I'm still working on ours.

Congratulations! But I have to agree with KCzaja - it is your hard work and the hours you have put in which are paying off. I have been involved in both SchH and AKC obedience, and have had equally good results with both. No matter which way you go, a well trained dog is a delight!

RLHAR & JIM
You've got about an hour and a half drive from the state line to around to Corolla Village at the lighthouse.

If ya'll see some vagabond wandering about down here wave at me. I'll shoo the game warden away for you.

Jim anytime you want a tour let me know. I know the horses favorite hidey holes. And thanks for the invite, it's much appreciated. I'll try and make it up next seminar.

RLHAR congrats on a fantastic job training and a good dog. You should be very proud. Definitely earns bragging rights.