Getting started in SchH.... - Page 3

In a reply Makosh said " 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 don't really agree with this at all, although differing opinions is what it is about here. The point was well made later on about the "blind leading the blind" (I'll steal that phrase :-) Anyway training your first dog will be hard and you'll likely muck it up after a year or so. Then you'll get another young dog and be in the sport three years before you end up with a decent dog that may go somewhere. My advice again is to buy a trained dog and have fun from day one. If you see the prospective purchase a few times you will know what your getting. Sure it won't be perfect and even if it was it will cut corners with you because of your inexperience and will not be perfect for long. So have fun for a couple of years with your imperfect but workable dog, you will learn a lot and when it's time and the right puppy comes along you can start work. The pup will be ready by the time the first dog has earned the right to lay by the fire as it were. Anyway all the best - Chris

I'm also brand new to this sport and it took me almost a full year to find a good club nearby.. There actually are a few groups and clubs where I live, but they were too far to travel to a few times a week or they were too full to let anyone in at the time. Try to find some seminars and see if you can go to them - some of the people may know some good clubs or groups that you could check out. As for a dog, maybe if you know someone that has a started dog, you could work with it a little bit to see if you want a dog that already knows some of the stuff, or if you want to start fresh and train a puppy. It takes a lot of time, patience, practice and dedication either way, not to mention money too.

Ladywolf: I think I can help you on this since I went down this same path...I had a need for a PP dog so my search began with just that in mind. I had a former k9 officer help my husband and I in selecting the right dog. Titles weren't as important to me AT THE TIME! But nonetheless the dog that was a good fit for us was titled. A puppy wasn't something I was open to since I needed a trained dog now. Once I got him I started doing a little more dabbling and researching where the best place for me to go for continued training would be. Thought about a "private trainer" but where I live they're few and far between. Too many out there quick to take advantage of someone new and I wasn't sure who was trustworthy to work my dog. I began looking towards clubs and most were far away. I finally found a club only 40 minutes from me that mother in law started out at 30 yrs ago. Couldn't believe they were still around. The woman who heads the club also does private training and boarding at her facility so I went for a private lesson that then led to being invited to their SCH Club training day. I found I really enjoyed it, the people made me feel welcomed so I began going out every Sat. to train. I also go for private lessons to learn more one on one and this has become most beneficial. Now deciding wheather to start with a pup or a titled dog....as I said my dog is titled and works very very well. He teaches me basically. The only way to explain it is like a kid getting his drivers permitt and going out to buy a Porsche to learn to drive in. lol Does it make it easier with an already titled dog?? I think if anything it takes away much of the frustration since the dog (if trained properly before you get it) already knows much of what to do. At that point it becomes a matter of catching you up to his speed. I considered getting a pup strictly for sport and I asked people in my club if they felt it'd be easier for me to learn with a pup and in my case given the pro's and con's of starting with a pup I elected not to go that route. First of all with a pup before you even get into all the training there's that "puppy stage" you gotta get past, the potty training, chewing, obedience ect ect. At least with a titled older dog you are past all that and can get right into the training aspect which will make you less crazy and frustrated. Soooooo much to learn reagardless of which way you decide to go. It can get discouraging sometimes because people within a club want to see the effort and commitment from the newbies before they go out of their way to help. Once you've proven you are there to stay and ride out the storm in getting your feet wet you will start to see them take a different approach in welcoming you to the sport. If you can make it through the beginning stages I trust you will continue to keep your interest and focus. It's really a lot of fun. I find I get more out of the one on one lessons and my trainer is very motivating for new people. She gives you that boost of self confidence when you have mastered even the smallest task with your training. I think you need to decide first how determined and serious you are about SCH before you make the investment; then decide on if a pup or an older dog. You also need to address realistically what you are capeable of working with; meaning is a showline dog more suiteable for you or a working line? You don't want a dog that is too serious or hard for you but yet you don't really want one that is "happy go lucky wanna play play play" all the time either. Get someone whom you trust that is experienced in both breeding and training to help you make your decissions and selections because their are too many people out there just trying to make big bucks. Even people in the club I go to have gotten had once or twice. Good Luck!

Where are you located? Maybe I can help direct you to a good group. I don't know everybody in the country, but I know a few who are more than willing to help a novice handler get started. Its sad so many clubs have such an "exclusive" attitude towards new people. Our club exists for just that reason. "Nurture your novices... for THEY are the FUTURE of our sport!" Shelley

Well said Shelley. We had a young girl (older teen I think) come to training today with her father. If she chooses to join us we will be very happy indeed. Novices at any age are welcome at our club. I know, I showed up with my little *give-me* dog and I was in my 50's... lol. Now, 5 yrs later and here we are *smack dab in the middle of it all****with more shepherds and better blood*.. LOL Hang in there ladywolf OR go back to the original club and let them know your life has changed as have your priorities... they may just give you another chance, at least ask for it.. can do no more than say = no. AIN'T IT GREAT???

I already have a few titled dogs in mind. I've watched so many videos and guess I like the dogs that put on a good show. Some dogs just look so bored, yawning and such. Might be an easier dog to handle but not for me. Maybe I'll ask Tim Helser for help. LOL. I'll start checking the dogs out in March. Should be fun as this has been a long time dream of mine. Wish me luck!

Hang in there. Don't beg. You may have to put some serious miles on your vehicle for the first year or so, (most of us do) but if you really want to train for the sport, you'll find a way! Once you get your feet wet you can try to start your own club and help others in the position you are in right now, thereby "giving back" something to the sport you love. Again, I apologise for all the clubs in this country who do not provide a welcoming, supportive environment for newcomers. None of us "old-timers" are getting any younger (i turned 55 last week myself). How do people think we are going to insure there IS A FUTURE for the sport if we turn away all/most of the fresh new owners we breeders and trainers sell our precious Schutzhund prospects to, anyway? I give my puppy customers our club website URL, and encourage them to come out and watch, meet all the "neat" friendly, excited folks in our training group, AND start they're little protege off right, from Day One! If they can't make it on training days, why not invite them to come by outside regular training times and help them one-on-one? Teaching new people helps keep us veteran's on our toes, too. Its hard to have that 3rd cup of coffee, or sit in front of the TV an extra hour, when you know someone is counting on you to get out and show them something cool about training their dog. Its a big win-win in my book. Just some points to ponder... Shelley SS

Ladywolf, There is a lot of good advice given already. I have to travel up to 5 hours on way to train. It's hard to do, and I probably average about 1 trip a month, but it's something that I feel strongly about for my dogs. I've been very fortunate to have the encouragement, assistance and support from two clubs and split my training up between them. I also work on my own with obedience and tracking with other friends here at home, and get instructions and guidance when I can make the trip. Hang in there, you'll find the right club for you and then you'll have a blast. Marsha Seck