SchH Training - Page 1

Does anybody know about SchH training in Germany or Italy and a good trainer? The experiences we have is that all dogs me and 2 friends have sent in Germany (in 2 different trainers) have returned with a very low moral and it took almost a year to bring them back to normal. Rumor has it that Germans are rather harsh in their training methods...or our dogs are not raised so that they can make it through this training intact... Any suggestion are welcome. Thank you all in advance for your precious feedback.

Fritz Flugge in Germany is very good, my female got her SchH ttile and breed survey with him and she came back to us as joyful as always and I have another female at this moment with him for training and breed survey and am totally satisfied.

Petros, I can't help with any specific trainers. I can add that I would certainly reseach the SchH world in your area. I fell SchH is fun and should be a sport that one shares WITH their dog, it creates an amazing bond that I can't describe. That being said research! I would NEVER send my dog away for training. People are people no matter what part of the world....some good some bad. To say Germans are all too hard on dogs, I think is a blanket statement and have seen training in the states that has broken my heart. Look to the people in your area that have major accomplishments....repetedly, some people compete a bit have success and call themselves trainers. You cannot argue with success. That is what you want someone who has had much success, you at least know they are doing something right. Also visit SchH clubs and make sure you feel COMFORTABLE with the training techniques. JMO! Good luck and have fun!

Hi, I've been lurking for quite some time and have really learned a lot from all of you. Thank you. But, when I read this post I had to say something. I have a beautiful GSD bitch out of the Ursus line. She is such a honey and the most stable animal I have ever met. From the time she was 6 months old I have tried to find a SchH club or trainer to work with. I have been ridiculed. My dog has been ridiculed. I've had people tell me she was stupid, weak, aggressive and a waste of my money-all this from 2 trainers over the phone who had not seen or asked anything about her first. When I took her to two different clubs I was told there was nothing dumber than a showline shepherd and that she had aggression issues. I was bowled over by this last because my vet, my working line GSD breeder friends, and every person who has ever met her has said how sweet and loving she is. Maybe this is why people want to send their dogs overseas instead of keep them here for training. Don't mean to come off as harsh, but it seems they could train the dog in obedience, and tracking and then decide on the bite work when they actually TRY her on the bitework. Or is there something I'm missing? Dawg

Dawg, you are missing nothing, although the "experts" with that you have spoken are missing lot of things on purpose. Never underestimate the awesome power of ego, prejudice, and sometimes ignorance that all of us humans have to some degree. Compared to us, our dogs are the fortunate ones in regards to this, as ego seems to be their only "flaw". Keep looking and try to find yourself an HONEST trainer who will take the time to examine your dog first, and then tell you what he/she thinks they can do with the dog, good and bad. It may take more than one (1) evaluation. And this trainer should be one who will tell you what he/she can and cannot do with her. And advise you on THEIR limitations, not just your dog's limitations. Mission impossible? I am sure that it seems that way. Some of us are fortunate to live in a paradise called "Schutzhund Country" with a lot of working clubs but most of us are not. I realize that can make it very tough. Past that, there are good training materials out there for your own study, but if you are Schutzhund minded, then you know that you must eventually seek a training partner and/or club. Keep trying until you finally find someone who really wants to help both you and your dog succeed as far as each one of you can. Bob-O

Thanks for the encouragement and advice. I understand that she is not a working line and may not have the intensity of that line. I just have gotten so frustrated with the whole thing. I don't expect to have a hard working line dog. All I asked them was to train the dog I had, not the dog I didn't have. So can anyone recommend a trainer in southern AZ? Thanks, Dawg

Petros, Dawg, contact me for your training needs. References are available of course.

The training will give her confidence and will be very good for her. She does not need to be police dog level to benefit from good motivational training. Just watch your dog and as long as she has good nerves, not shy or fearful and/or does not tuck her tail under stress etc she should be fine to do bitework. Every dog is different and learns at their own rate and method so take your time and have fun once you find a good trainer. Meanwhile be sure to read training books from different trainers to get ideals,

We belong to a DVG club. There are a variety of breeds represented including some very nice show line dogs. Maybe it's just our club, but they seem very open to all breeds as DVG is intended. Good luck. And yes, it is very very difficult to find a good place and/or club to train with.

if you need a trainer in germany i would contact.D.H.