What to shoot for

[excellrott]

I have taken this question to my club...and there are not a lot of members who are familar with the capabilities of Rotts. Most of the dogs there are the 'pretty dogs' ;)
I have a 7m old graduating from puppy class and an 18m old graduating from pre-novice. I want to know what type of classes to take next.

The 7m is lean, quick to learn, but laid back in attitude. She 'finds' treats in the house alot faster then the older one. She is testing my older bitch a little and she is dog shy (but doing 100% better, since going to class)

The 18m is very eager to learn something new, always willing to try and do anything I ask. She is tolerant of any abuse handed out by kids and they both follow my 3y newphew around, when he visits. She tracks rabbit trails behind my house and has caught a squirrel, a rabbit and a chicken. (None survived) She is about 5lbs overweight (I am trying to get her down to the right size for better agility) Her trainer thinks she can get her CD after her next classes. She is pretty sharp-we are working on off-leash commands now.

My question is what classes should we take next. Should we take concurrent classes. And what should I look for personality wise in order to put them in the right classes? Or what book will give me this kind of info

[Rott-Wiley]

More importantly, what classes are available in your area? If it were me, I think I would continue with the next level of obedience with both the dogs. I'd concentrate on getting a CD on your older dog and maybe look into working in agility -- after you get those 5 pounds off. Is that something you'd be interested in?

[excellrott]

Yes, agility, tracking, confirmation for the 7m. But I don't want to waste my money on classes they aren't suited for. So what do I look for in each? I could even see myself in Schunzand (sic) with the older dog. She can be fierce with the tug games and such, but she is quick to out for me also.

[Rottlva]

Originally posted by excellrott
Yes, agility, tracking, confirmation for the 7m. But I don't want to waste my money on classes they aren't suited for.

You'd be amazed at how versatile our breed really is. Even if your dogs are not the stars of thier classes, consider it bonding time with them. Get out there, have fun learning with your dog. Thier talents will emerge, and you can take things from there!

[spidey]

Classes are almost never a waste of time, especially obedience classes. I agree with Rott-Wiley, I'd just take the next level of obedience class for them, and perhaps look into other activities as well.

Oh, and please don't go putting people down or thinking that they don't understand how capable Rottweilers are just because they don't own them. Many of the breeds you call "pretty breeds" are very capable and versatile dogs too.

[excellrott]

I only meant that the advise I got from the club is meant for the leaner more quickly maturing dogs then my big girls. I am afaid to hurt their joints and bones by letting them take clasess (besides ob) that may not be good for their body type.
I guess my question should have been, at what age can they take classes besides ob?

[spidey]

Thanks for explaining! :) Aside from continuing with obedience, you could look into a "baby agility" class, with very tiny obstacles - my sister's taking one of these with her Irish Setter, they're suitable for young or unfit dogs and gets them used to the idea of running an agility course without putting stress on their growing joints, you could also look into rally obedience, tracking, carting and herding. You could also train tricks and things at home (there are books and websites with great trick ideas) - I'm of the opinion that the more a dog learns, the more it CAN learn, and you can train useful tricks like getting the dogs to help with the laundry, or put away their toys.

[Rottlva]

You would also be suprised at how training in one venue helps you in other venues. I compete in obedience with my boy and have done both agility and tracking with him. He has been able to switch over rather quickly, loves the challenge, and comes back to the competitive obedience fresh and ready to work hard!

As for jump heights, just getting them familiarized with the obstacles as Spidey says is an excellent confidence builder, and it is fun!!! Short of in official competition, no one says you have to jump at competition jump heights, or do competition sized obstacles. This is something that you muscle your dog up in time for.

I especially like what Spidey said about learning " I'm of the opinion that the more a dog learns, the more it CAN learn." Well put!!!

[excellrott]

How did you decide what classes to take and when? Did anyone take two or three at the same time? How old were your dogs?
Registration for the next session is on Tue and I still don't know what to sign up for besides ob.

[Luvs]

Akasha took a puppy agility class and an obedience class when she was four months old. She really seemed to enjoy both classes and since they were doing different things she didn't get bored. It was great for her socialization as well as training.

Keil is currently taking two obedience classes. One is novice obedience and the other one is called Attention to Heeling and is pretty much heeling work with alot of motivation. I would be taking both classes with Akasha also but I work on Saturdays so I am unable to take the novice class. After January we will be taking both agility and obedience classes with both Akasha and Keil.

[Rottlva]

Originally posted by excellrott
How did you decide what classes to take and when? Did anyone take two or three at the same time? How old were your dogs?
Registration for the next session is on Tue and I still don't know what to sign up for besides ob.

Well, right now I am taking an Open class, an agility class, and at a different facility a heeling class.

I am just about to sign up for classes and will do another Open class, a rally O class and will do a drop in competition class at another facility. The tracking lessons we take are done privately. I generally take at least 2 classes. More because we have so much fun than I think we need the training!

My second dog is 8, so every now and then we will do an OB class with him, but he's slowed down quite a bit.

I would do a basic obedience class, or advanced basic pendant on where you are with the 7 month old. If you are ready for ramping up for comp obedience, maybe a pre-novice or a novice class for the 2.5 y/o. Then if you were interested, a second class such as agility, or something "fun". Ask your instructor what he/she thinks. If money is an issue, I think the obedience is the most important.

[excellrott]

Thank you so much for the ideas. I think I know what we will be signing up for next. begining ob for the puppy and comp ob for my big girl and agility for everyone:D

[Rott-Wiley]

Originally posted by excellrott
......... and agility for everyone:D

I wouldn't put a 7 month old puppy in a regular agility class. I would hold off until their bones mature more and would be less apt to hurt themselves.

[DNeff]

Originally posted by Rott-Wiley
I wouldn't put a 7 month old puppy in a regular agility class. I would hold off until their bones mature more and would be less apt to hurt themselves.

Actually many facilities offer puppy agility now. It is a fun coordination class with tunnels, boards, ground poles,e tc.... I highly recommend it, especially for large breeds that casn use more body awareness and coordination skills. The key is the class is geared for puppies, not all age dogs.

Dawn + Osa
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OJC OGC OAJ NA TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld

[danyp1]

Originally posted by Rott-Wiley
I wouldn't put a 7 month old puppy in a regular agility class. I would hold off until their bones mature more and would be less apt to hurt themselves.

When would you say that would be? 1-2 years?
I was considering agility as well but the club here want solid ob. first. They also have a test you have to take before you can join them. But when would it be ok for a rottweiler to start agility?