How is dog evaluated for SchH?

[BethG]

I took Lblax's advise about SchH being an overlooked resource for training a did a search for SchH clubs in SE Mass. I'm particularly interested in the obediance and tracking for my girl Cleopatra. Much to my surprise, I found a club within 30 miles of my house and emailed the secretary. She invited me down to observe and perhaps have Cleo evaluated. My question is, how is the dog evaluated? I've read that not all SchH clubs know what they are doing, to be careful in selecting one, etc.,

The other pleasant surprise was when I looked at their website membership list, I noticed a Rott named Froli, and a Gretchen Caldwell as her owner. Now that encourages me! I can't stop by this Sunday, but want to go next week. This could be good for both of us! -BethG

[pride-and-joy]

I think it's safe to say...if Gretchen and Froli go there...you have nothing to worry about:)

[alexav]

Yep, if BostonRott is a member, you've got a vote for yes from me!

If they are a good club, they'll be sure to ask you for vaccine records before your dog touches a paw on the training field or bites a puppy tug. Bordatella and Canine Parainfluenza vaccines are a MUST.

Evaluations usually consist of a little impromptu temperament test.
They want to see what kind of drives she has. Is she confident? Suspicious? Fearful? You will find out alot about your pup and you will love being involved with this sport!

Have fun and make sure we get a full report!:D

[Muckdogs]

How old is your pup?

[BethG]

Hi,
Cleopatra is not a pup any more, she's 4 years old. Is that too old? My goal is to proof her obedience and have some fun with her. She's got a lot of energy and I think needs a job to do. Due to my being a "soft owner" she's gotten uppity over the past year. In regular obedience classes she would do well, but that will often goes out the window when we are out on walks. She pulls and lunges after other dogs. Doesn't even feel the correction on a choke chain. So I am hoping this will help. I doubt we will pursue any SchH titles, I'd just like some help with her and channel her energy. -BethG

[alexav]

Originally posted by BethG
Is that too old?

NO WAY! Now, if you were seriously intent on a SchH III, and national competition, I'd say start with a younger pre-evaluated prospect.

We started in Schutzhund years ago with a big lug of a rescue. He'd been a junkyard dog but had the heart of a teddybear. Our best estimate was 3-4 years old. He'd been on a chain SO long that his neck was as hard (or harder) as a rock!

Onslo taught us alot about rehab, Schutzhund, and what an old "junkyard dog" is capable of if given the chance. He was a very special big boy.

Have fun with your girl! She's only too old if you think she is! :p

[BostonRott]

Jeez y'all, you didn't even tell me this thread was running! :D

Beth, come on down!! Our club is an absolute blast, we enjoy all breeds, and actually, our only SchH3 dogs right now are NON-GSD! Yahoo! :) Atlas is a SchH3 owner-bred/trained Dobermann about to retire, and Axe is a SchH3 Giant Schnauzer who is always a joy to behold.

We have lots of dogs who are "up and coming" and have been started either from puppies, or simply as a green dog, with green handlers. Being new is NOT a curse in our club, we welcome people with open arms (as long as they show up with a bottle of Jagermeister!).

We require current rabies vaccines, but no others. I personally don't do Bordatella (kennel cough) on my own dogs unless I'm actively showing in AKC.

Our trainer, Ken Balinger, has been "in dogs" all his life, and trialed at his first USA Nationals at the age of 16. He is currently a K9 officer with Barnstable County Sheriff's dept and I guarantee you'll never leave training without having had many laughs, a great time, and perhaps learning a few new vocabulary words. ;)

Kenny simply loves to work dogs, and does not discriminate against breeds. He's even worked Rhodesian's in the club!

It's never too late to start, and even if you don't get to a SchH title with your curent girl, you can do the BH, and then go on to the Obedience titles (OB 1-3) and Tracking (FH, FH2, TR 1-3). There's so much you can learn, even if the dog never earns a SchH title. You'll learn a lot about why Ken does things, and be able to see the steps that dogs progress through in their training.

Both Vikka and two of Axe's kids (M and F) are in the puppy stages, so you can see how we start dogs, and how they progress. Froli will be finishing out her SchH3 this Fall, after she's back in shape from the litter. We have trials planned for June and October, and they're always good food and good fun.

Keep praying for warm weather and a thawed field!! We normally work in ANY weather, but with all the ice that's on the ground, it's unsafe both for Kenny and the dogs. We work hard, and we play hard, I'm sure you'll have a blast. :D :D

[BostonRott]

Ok, I forgot to answer your question re: the topic of the thread.......how are the dogs evaluated.

Kenny tailors everything to individual dogs. Depends on the age, breed, history, amount of training, nervousness level, etc.

All dogs are started in prey, Ken watches their reactions and goes from there. You'll start out holding the dog, on leash. If you make a poor pole, he may have you put the dog on a secure long line. It's tough to be a good pole at first! ;)

I have harnesses that you can borrow if you need one, new dogs are usually started in a harness, to help develop barking.

Any more questions, feel free to ask!