some questions about jumping

[keving]

what age should you start training for the jups in schutzhund ?a trainer i used to go to would not let me start training for the jumps until the dog was 18 months old i thought that was a bit excesive but he said the bigger breeds need that time to let the bones and joints finish growing , also could any one tell me why the 6foot vertical wall jump has never been introduced to schutzhund, i would like to train my dog for this as i think it looks fantastic to see is it to severe a jump for a rottie as rotts are slitly heavier than shepards? any training tips on how to get started on the 6ft wall would be much appreciated

thanks keving!!

[czechrott]

The 6' verticle wall was used in schutzhund. It was phased out about 20 yrs ago. It fell from popularity because of the potential of injury. An the bigger the dog (Rotty or GSD)the more change of injury from it. It also got to be like the A-frame. Dogs would hit the jump at a spot where they got a foot hold (loose board) and then climb over, and land [fall] on the other side. I believe the N.A.S.A. organization was the last to use the 6' verticle wall.

The answer to your other question is that you can start training the jump earlier. Just make sure your dog is thin, and that the jumps are not at the full height. Its the technique thats important, the height can come later on in training.

[Ernest Brasse]

You should start training a dog in jumps from the day you get him/her it really only helps the dog in the over all out come. My dog start when she was 10 weeks buy just showing her the jumps. I would put it as low as possible and jump over then get her to do the same.

Now at her age 2 years. She has no fear at all even when i show her something new.

Ernest

[keving]

Thanks for the advice guys, im gonna get started but i will start of nice and low and work up, when your training the jumps what do you use for motivation or is it just a case of running with the dog and giving verbal encoragement?

keving!!