I learned something real cool today - Page 1

If anybody remembers, a few months ago I was looking for a Schutzhund club. Found one, went and hated how rough they were with the dogs. Now, I realize these were much harder dogs than mine. For all I know, they had tried much less force and had to escalate. And I don't know if that is the norm.  (According to DH it is not.) I'm not judging. I'm just saying I can't do it. My girl is so handler um...helpful..if that makes sense.  If you want her to do something she just seems willing to help out with whatever that is. Just a real sweet girl.

Anyway, I wanted to try a competitive obedience class and we went today.  I didn't understand how to get her attention to stay on me in so much chaos (four different classes in areas of the field) without popping the leash.  I guess it's a no no.  I was amazed at how well she did with these new routines once I got the idea.  completely on a loose lead and in the heel position.  I just thought it was real cool.  I'm not saying I could do it with a harder dog but it was a "dance" I've had with horses but never got it with a dog.

I understand most people here do Sch. and I might eventually, too. I just don't know. But, I'm glad I'm doing this now.

 

Becoming a team with your dog is the first step to anything you do. Don't give up on schutzhund, it took us well over a year to find the right club. Keep looking and building on your new routine. Good luck, Tina

Just because one club is like that doesnt mean all of them are. Ive been to one where it was completely positive reinforcement. I only saw one lady smack her dog out of maybe 10 people. Everyone else didnt even use leash corrections or anything. Everything was done in drive with a rope ball. Ive also been to a club where choking and screaming at your dog looked to be the cool thing to do. Just keep looking if your really interested and when you find the right one youll know. Try reading Sheila Booth's "Purely Positive Training".

Although earning a top score or attaining a title is a real thrill and confirms a job well done by handler and dog, the greatest benefit of the sport of Schutzhund is in the ownership of the dog, when that person knows the dog. After two years of training and working with a dog, the handler knows a whole lot more about dogs, and their own dog in particular. Theres a good rapport between the handler and the dog. Whether your competing at the international level or youre working with a familly per, what you've got is a nice, social animal and a well-trained dog. Most of us are very competitive but u dont have to be, just take from the club the teaching and become a team with your dog. Its the ability to teach the dog and to flow with the dog as a team....When you become a team with uour dog, there's an energy thats hard to explain....

pet nor per

I have had the same experiences. Be patient most of all! I also came across some really good self help material put out by a guy named Ivan Balabanov, a five time national champion trainer who teaches the Pavlonov method. His material has personally helped me break through with one of my females who sounds similar in character to yours. Check it out at: http://www.k9trainers.com/findatrainer.html Happy training!