Getting started in SchH.... - Page 1

OK, I know I'm going to get soooo blasted for this, but please try to be gentle! :-) I'm seeking information on how to get started in the SchH ring. (clubs to join, requirements, etc.) I've been checking out the United Schutzhund Club of America web site. I have not been able to find a decent club in my area that is willing to "help guide" a newbie. Everyone seems to be more "self involved" to give any good assistance. Besides having the right dog, what is the first step I should be looking at? any good site to research the requirements for starting? Thanks in advance for all assistance.

I'd say find a club first. Don't be persuaded to buy a dog first. When you found a decent club keep your eyes open. If the members are any good they will help you. I'd then buy a titled dog as it's easier to learn handling when the dog knows what's expected of it. I would avoid anyone who suggests you buy one of their young prospects. Just my opinion Chris

There are others organizations also, DVG America, and WDA. Look at those and maybe there's a club close enough. Don't rush into the first one you find. We looked for over a year to find the right club as the other we saw was too harsh in their methods so we quit that one.

I'm not sure it's easier to start with a titled dog. You would have to correct someone else’s mistakes that they made while training that dog! Much harder to retrain than to train on your own. And even if the dog is trained very well, you have no chance to learn HOW that was achieved. I would suggest getting this book: Schutzhund Theory and Training Methods. While you can't really learn how to train YOUR dog from a book, as all dogs are individual, this book will give you a very good idea of what is involved in SchH training. I found it very useful when I was starting. Also, there are some excellent DVDs available. Then I would get a nice puppy (ask someone experienced to help you choose!) and have fun! No matter how many books you read and how much you observe in clubs, you will make mistakes with your first dog, and possibly even ruin it. So be prepared to open your home to another dog a couple of years down the road, so that you could start over taking into account what you’ve learned training your first dog.

I'd find a locl club or trainng group (a training group you'll most likely pay per session, but it may be worth it). a lot of clubs arent too big on new people because 95% dont continue to train. So, they see them as a waste of time. Other clubs welcome new people right away. if you cant find a club that you like look for trainer in your area. he/she will charge monthly or per session but you will get thier undivided attention (be careful because there are folks out there that dont know what they are doing). as for a dog, id suggest a puppy. i see where Gooner is coming from in suggesting titled dog. but ive found that if you start w/ a puppy you can train it your self. Ive seen some folks start w/ a dog that is already trained, and when they get a young dog or puppy they dont know how to train it too heel, bite etc...

Lady Wolf, I am with all of the posters on this one-especially the Gooner. Go and find a club, perhaps more than one (1). Go hang out and socialize; meet the people and their dogs, observe their (the people) character and demeanor, and ask yourself if your (and eventually your dog's) life will be richer through your association with and through them. If you need to drive one (1) hour to find a quality association, then that is not too much to do. Become aware of the prejudices of the club members and the club itself (yes, we ALL have them!) and see how you, and eventually your dog will "fit in". You very well may find the dog that you want through the member(s) of a certain club. Essentially, go and "hang out" for a while, and get to know the people. Never underestimate the strength and value of strong personal relationships. Good luck in your quest. Bob-O

I'd also like to add that you need to have plenty of money if the Schutzhund bug bites b/c it can get costly. I started with my old reliable GSD that was just an American bred dog without a clue. 2 years later bought a 5 year old German import female for about $1,300-which I was told was a steal b/c her bro was the BSP winner in 2005 (I found that out later after I bought her through much research)Anyhoo, I bred her and am now training one of her daughters that I kept from the litter- which I lost my ass on. Not that I was looking to make money, just cover some of the costs. Training these 3 dogs -WHICH I COMPLETELY LOVE TO DO!!!!- has really added up. Get the book, find a club that will welcome you and see if you like what you see. It can be completely addictive. Go to some trials also-they can show you what some of the good dogs are doing and can be great way to network. Lots of Luck, Cole

Where are you? Maybe someone can offer assistance or point you in the direction of a good club in your area. Titled dog vs. puppy? Puppy is the blind leading the blind. You get to start with your fuzzy buddy, make your own set of mistakes, and in the end there's a good chance you have an untitled pet you have the satisfaction of knowing you messed up. Hopefully you are one of the few that succeed the first time out. Be prepared in case you don't. Starting with a titled dog. The dog probably will not do much for you as it doesn't know you and you're not a handler yet. It will take time to bond and learn how to communicate your intentions well. They all have shortcomings in their training. Be prepared to continue to work on their shortcomings and hone your skills as a handler. In the end if you mess it up, you still have a titled dog that you can breed and show. When looking for a club. Check results first. If the club hasn't titled a dog in three years. Chances are you will not be the next one they do. The helper is the key to any training situation. If the helper doesn't have a history of getting dogs titled, yours probably won't be the first either.

Finding the right club is paramount. I joined my first club and was in it for 6 months without a dog. Through listening and research I found a decent pup. It wasn't the greatest, but had the "right stuff." I found the first club was just an ego trip for the training director. After that I worked with a mediocre helper for a few months before I realized his limitations. The club if ound after that is the one I'm still with. I have to drive abobut 60 miles round trip, but it's worth it. Try not to limit yourself with restrictions like distance or organization. Right away try to determine the success and experience of the club. In my case there were five folks who competed nationally. (You won't find many clubs like that.) Read everything you can and go to trials. Talk to folks and listen. People get turned off by the 'instant expert'. Finally, it is true that most clubs are slow to warm up to you. (If they're instantly warm to you clutch your wallet.) Most people train for a short time and realize what a monumental commitment this is. One day they just don't show up any more. Also, find out if helpers charge you every session. A large amount of people don't do this for love of the dog any more and some of these people that charge know no more than the man in the moon. TAKE IT SLOW, BE PATIENT AND LISTEN.

I agree with Spooky. You mention no decent clubs in your area...is that through word of mouth? Unfortunately, clubs can be so competitive they are antagonistic. You have to attend in person several times to see what they are like. A good club has members who help each other train. You'll see people helping others with groups for learning the BH heeling routine, holding the line on a strong dog in protection work for someone who needs that help, spotting for other members while they work through a problem area with their dog, and you can even see experienced club members walking a less experienced member through a trialing routine on the field without their dog. A bad club sits around while just a few train, and when you ask questions or ask for help on how to train, they tell you "Go read a book...or watch a DVD, " instead of hands on help. They don't want you to learn...they want you to pay them money so they can train their dogs with your money-- and shut up. Don't go by what people say of each other...go observe for yourself. It will save you months or even years of wasted time and money. Veronica