Exercise vs training - Prioritizing

[Luvs]

I don't see why you can't continue to train for AKC trials as well as Schutzhund. We do both and our dogs have done just fine. Granted I have had to adjust a few of my training methods (like getting rid of the "stay command) but that was really easy to do and both Akasha and Keil adjusted very quickly. You don't have to train with the other instructor if you are no longer happy with her methods, but if you really do want to pursue AKC titles then I don't see why you shouldn't give it a try when you are ready. I really enjoy training both AKC and SchH because there are different exercises for each venue and it keeps my girl from getting bored. The more we do together the happier she is

Our club is very supportive of the fact that we are still trialing in AKC. In fact several members have even come out to our last two trials to lend us some moral support. Their support means a great deal to me and is VERY appreciated!!

[Judi W]

Carol is correct. AKC certainly does not require that you use a stay command, it simply allows it. The type of commands used are entirely up to the hander. The one big difference you might find is that AKC does not (except for heeling and then one time only) allow double commands and still give a qualifying score. That plus the busy venue (many dogs working at the same time) ups the demands in some respects. The patterns, much shorter so fewer places to make errors but the distractions much higher.

[groupieindenial]

Speaking of heeling, I'll have to start ALL OVER again with that anyways. Heeling in SCH seems to allow the crowding, as long as the dog has spirit, (looking up at you, total 110% attention), where in CkC (akc too i guess), it don't matter if the dog is looking up at you, as long as he's in position, not crowding you, he could be looking strait ahead for all they care.

I believe it is in the club rules that I not train elsewhere, make sense, the club keep producing winners! (One of the girls placed first this past weekend at the regionals!! WOO HOO!) I'd be wasting MORE of their valuable time on me if I'm not doing ONLY what they say. They understand that I was finishing up these classes, so they arent giving me more to chew on, since we need solid foundations before moving ahead. I can start focusing 100% after tonight!

I understand, that of course you can do more than one thing with a dog, BUT I don't know if my dog will know the difference? If not, we'll have issues that could have been avoided. They did indicate I have to make a decision of what style training I want to progress with, I told them I already made up my mind, just finishing classes I was already doing before I met the group. They really are hard pressed for commitment. I've come out to the field even w/o Vegas, just to watch.

ANother thing these guys say is that yes Rotties learn fast, and if tought correctly in the first place, you'll progress fast. BUT if they are tought something wrong, it can stay with them forever. Just harder to reverse, correct/ fix things.

I'm honestly not going to question/challenge a group that keeps producing winners. My trainer is going to the world championships!

[Stubby]

I'll ask again....

What club are you training at...?