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Originally Posted by laurlitt  This answers a lot for me right here.... Your dog is 15 months old and you plan on getting SchH2 in the next 8 months... It's not impossible, but your dog is still very young physically and mentally... My guess is he's telling you his a bit 'stressed' and needs to slow down some. I would be happy with a BH in the next 8 months and a lot of strong foundation work for the Schutzhund titles in the following year. Goals of SchH2 before age 2 may end up backfiring on any long term plans of success... I would be concerned w/ the lack of true foundation that the dog will really have.... especially a rottweiler that tends to mature a 'bit' slower than a GSD or Mal... Of course each dog is different. |
I'm not going to force anything on him but if he can do it then he can do it. He can do a BH right now and was ready for that two months ago. My obstacle was his age and a nearby trial. He's not ready for the schH1 yet but he should be by July. He does all of the exercises but they need to be tightened up. I've been working with people who have titled dogs to a national level. They all were rottie people at one time so they understand the breed. They think he should be ready by July and Nov.
One serious hole at the moment is his retrieves. If we can't get him to do it via positive motivation then we'll have to do via the forced retrieve and he's not ready for that yet. So if he's not doing the retrieves then his maturity will dictate the schedule. But for now, April, July and Nov is the time line. I need goals otherwise I get flakey and in this case if we don't meet them then there is no loser and I'll just reset the schedule.
I know there have been rotties that have earned their schH1 at 18mo. I believe I have a special little guy and until last saturday he's been showing it.