Just a rant about an ignorant comment

[maxcat]

So, I called a local trainer out here to ask about an intro to agility for our 6 month pup. The woman who works for the trainer gave me some info and then asked me for some info about our pup. I told her that he has had a lot of obedience work and we are trying to decide what work path we would like to take him down, agility, protection, schutzhund, etc. She actually responded with, "Do you know what schutzhund is?" I of course said yes trying to brush off her comment but I wanted to say, "No, I just thought the name sounded cool!" Then she continued to say, "Well, I ask because, you know, schutzhund increases aggression in dogs!"
I politely told her that I disagreed, etc. I still have not heard back from the trainer she works for, but I can't wait to talk to her and see what she has to say about schutzhund and what her receptionist said to me.

Rant over...

[jazzking1971]

I'd say it controls and awakens dormant aggression but my dog is by no means aggressive and we do a few civil sessions week. I know he will commit to a bite on a person but I also know he will let a little kids yank and pull on him while he licks them.

[poohbearsmom]

Schutzhund is about control. Being that a properly trained dog is trained in "all drives", I think it's not absurd to say that a SchH trained dog is actually a safer dog than one not trained in all drives.

How many times have you seen a dog outside of it's normal environment (or even in it's own environment!) completely blow off the owner? Lack of training, lack of generalizaton in training, and lack of proofing is the reason.

Unfortunately, ignorance is bliss.

Good luck with that talk.

[Kawakaze]

I dont know how many of you are aware that Schutzhund is literally 'Protection dog' in german. It in no way implies aggressiveness. Yes, nearly every european speaks 2-3 languages, so Maxcat, tell that stupid woman if she actually understood what she was saying she might not have said that.

[maxcat]

I totally agree. That's basically what I told her and that we have a variety of reasons - all for the betterment of our dog and our relationship with him.

He has a very high drive and as he grows into an even more powerful dog, we want him to know that we are in charge no matter what mode he is in.

Plus we have a trainer who has trained rotts for over 20 years and knows our boy's lines and tendencies. I will definitely leave it to her to help me decide what is best for my pup.

[jazzking1971]

I've had my dog blow me off when there is a dressed helper on the field. It's embarassing and something I continue to work on.

[maxcat]

Originally Posted by Kawakaze

I dont know how many of you are aware that Schutzhund is literally 'Protection dog' in german. It in no way implies aggressiveness. Yes, nearly every european speaks 2-3 languages, so Maxcat, tell that stupid woman if she actually understood what she was saying she might not have said that.

I wish I had remembered that fact while I was on the call with her. I normally have no problem with quick retorts, but I was actually so dumbfounded that she even said it, I was amazed I even got out what I did.

Oh, and jazzking1971, thanks for the little chuckle. I had to picture you on the field with your dog doing his own thing. We've all been there! I hate it when they get that look like, Nah, I'm not in the mood!