Looking Into A Schutzhund Club!

[Rottnlove]

I sent off for an informative packet about a Schutzhund club in my area. The name of the club is "Olympus Schutzhund Club." Anyone happen to know anything about them?

I don't know much at all about the sport, but from what I do know, it seems like a very fun and exciting sport to do with your dog. It doesn't hurt to give it a try, right? :)

If you have any suggestions or advice, please share!

Thanks.

[Muckdogs]

Congratulations, you have just taken the first step. I would do a couple of things. First, check out the USA website and the DVG website and find all of the clubs within the distance from your location that you are willing to drive. Then, check their websites or call the TD (training director) and find out what days they train. Personally, I would go to the clubs without the dog and check out the people, the facility, and how things are run. Some clubs are much more formal and regimented than others. See what you liek and see how you are received. A HUGE mistake that most people make is going and then saying afterwards, "Gee, they didn't welcome me with hugs and open arms, so I'm not going back and I'm not doing schutzhund" Big mistake. From the perspective of belonging to two clubs, I see lots of people come and go and not come back. We always try to welcome people and explain the basics of te sport. But, remember, we, like you, are short on time and like to spend our sessions training, not bs'ing with people. That's why it is important to notice how the members interact and the level of involvement of the TD. A schutzhund club is not a teaching school. No one goes there and gets "lessons", unless you go to a club with a well known TD who charges per session to teach you nd your dog. However, most clubs are not like this. People learn form dedication to theier dogs and the sport. Therefore, learning takes place all week, from reading, watching videos, interacting on web boards related to sport, talking to like minded folks. It's all on you. Training sessions are places to WORK the dogs in the things you learned all week. Then, and only then will you be able to pick up training tips, pointers and the necessary help form other members. That is why a majority of people will say that working people are one tracked. They are correct, all of the learning is on us so we have little time for anything else.

The most important things to remember are:

1) Clubs are not schools, they are places to work and train and exchange ideas and perfect techniques.

2) Clubs are not warm and fuzzy places at first. However, if you show dedication to your dog and the sport, no better friends can be found. We have little time to waste on those that come and go and have nothing to offer in the way of dedication to the sport or the club.

Good luck. Maybe someone can post the web addys of USA and DVG so you can see if there are more clubs to go to in your area. Not all clubs fit all people. Comfort is important or you won't go back.

[valdes43]

Originally posted by Muckdogs
Maybe someone can post the web addys of USA and DVG so you can see if there are more clubs to go to in your area. Not all clubs fit all people. Comfort is important or you won't go back.

http://www.dvgamerica.com/

http://www.germanshepherddog.com/

[Muckdogs]

Danka

[BostonRott]

Also, be sure you are comfortable with the training methods being used. And understand why a certain dog may be being handled a certain way.

We train with civilian, K9 and prison dogs. Methods used on some would destroy others, but are fully necessary for the dogs they're being used upon. Such subtleties may not be obvious to the newcomer, so feel free to ask questions about anything that you are not comfortable with.

Enjoy the sport, it is a fun one! :)

[Muckdogs]

Originally posted by BostonRott
Also, be sure you are comfortable with the training methods being used. And understand why a certain dog may be being handled a certain way.

We train with civilian, K9 and prison dogs. Methods used on some would destroy others, but are fully necessary for the dogs they're being used upon. Such subtleties may not be obvious to the newcomer, so feel free to ask questions about anything that you are not comfortable with.

Enjoy the sport, it is a fun one! :)

Excellent point and one I had overlooked. You will in fact see a variety of training techniques at various clubs as the only thing you cna be assured of when two dog trainers get together is a difference of opinion.

As BR said, don't freak if you see some who handle their dogs with compulsion or heavy hands if you are a firm believer in inductive only methods. Usually, there is a reason why people are doing this, if they are experienced handlers. Different dogs require different methods and jsut because you see compulsion being used doesn't mean that that is what you must do. HOWEVER, if you see institutional compulsion being used, i.e. everyone is cranking their dogs and the TD is universally teaching this method, I would walk away, particularly if newbiew are being indoctrinated into this world.

[BostonRott]

Exactly!! :)

Most of the trainers have gone away from heavy compulsion and are now following the likes of Bernhard Flinks and others who promote training the dog in drive.

Bernhard's videos and seminars are worth their weight in gold, check them out if you get a chance!

[mferg]

Originally posted by Muckdogs
Different dogs require different methods and jsut because you see compulsion being used doesn't mean that that is what you must do.

I also like a training director who will explain why certain tactics are being used on some dogs but why it is not the best way with other dogs. My TD educates relatively new folks about different training methods to apply because of temperament, breed tendencies, and handler ability. He says, "I did this with that dog because of this, but I won't do it with your dog because it wouldn't achieve the same result and this is what I prefer to do in your situation. And this is why..."

[Rottnlove]

Thanks for everyone's input and information. It helps out a lot to get an idea what to expect.

I know those who participate in this sport are super dedicated. Blizzard or not, they always train. :)