What would be a good 1st title to get my dog, a BH? See, I really don't know much about these abbreviations or titles so if someone could tell me what they mean and which one would be cool on a dog that would be great. I think I know what the BH is, like a obedience title, right? then ultimatley a Sch I would be the best in the world but I know you can't just go for sch.

Any feedback would be awesome.

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What would be a good 1st title to get my dog, a BH? See, I really don't know much about these abbreviations or titles so if someone could tell me what they mean and which one would be cool on a dog that would be great. I think I know what the BH is, like a obedience title, right? then ultimatley a Sch I would be the best in the world but I know you can't just go for sch......Any feedback would be awesome.

Begleithundprüfung (BH) is explained nicely here:
http://www.internationalk9imports.com/schutzhund/schutzhund.html

and here are some FAQs about BH trials:
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Loge/4844/bh_questions.html

I am not personally knowledgeable about SchH yet -- learning! -- but I found these to be good beginner explanations.

Hi Daniel - this feedback is coming from a total novice to the SchH sport. Yes, the BH includes an obedience routine - maybe 1/2 or so of the OB required in the SchH 1 OB routine. (still daunting for a beginner, IMO) Plus the traffic test, where your dog (and you) will need to deal with joggers, bicyclers and autos going to and fro, as well as a "tie out" with you hidden, where your dog's temperament while others pass by will be evaluated.

Getting our first GSD through that really taught us some true respect for the sport of SchH, and what getting through tracking, OB, and protection routines all in a single day on the field is really all about. (and dog 1 is with a professional trainer..)

My hubby always wanted his "own" dog for SchH training. Dog2 has turned out to be a great learning dog for him. They are actually starting with the AD this coming weekend. The AD is an endurance test mainly, where you (human) bike 12 miles with your dog on foot beside you.

Hubby has found preparation for the AD a very rewarding experience for him and Dog2. The AD has it's own demands (surface - pad concerns - working up to the distance in various physical ways). It has also presented the cool opportunity for hubby and Dog2 to get out and explore a variety of trails in our area, deal with wildlife, back yard life, metra trains, cow pastures, etc. which will all serve Dog2 well in terms of dealing with many types of distractions in his on-going training.

I know many others will have more valuable tidbits to share - this is just my beginner one.

Beth

Are you speaking solely about Schutzhund titles? If so, you need to get a BH before you can attempt titles in Schutzhund. (Something is sticking in my mind that the AD might be exempt from that but I would check on that.) There are plenty of other areas in which you can title your dogs though. What title you put first on your dog depends on you and your dog.

My first dog I started out with a CGC (not really a title but than again I don't really consider a BH a "title" either) and since than I generally either get a BH or CD as the first set of letters after their names. Since I do both Schutzhund and non-Schutzhund sports, it all depends on what is occuring in my area and what we are ready for.

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.......My first dog I started out with a CGC (not really a title but than again I don't really consider a BH a "title" either) and since than I generally either get a BH or CD as the first set of letters after their names. ......

CGC is where I'm usually immersed with others' dogs, and actually was my first test for a dog of my own, too.

Here's a short background:
http://www.doggroups.com/dog-training/item/7

Like Ingrid, I too think of BH and CGC as "preliminary" titles........which is not to diminish in any way the accomplishment!

BH has been explained, then comes SchH1 then SchH2 then SchH3.
AD (endurance) is already explained
There are tracking titles FH1 then FH2.
There are many other titles to get depending on your preferences.
Here is a link to explain them in more detail.

http://www.dvgamerica.com/rules.html

Best

Chris

After the BH, I would recommend going for OB 1, or TR 1 if this is your first time. The OB 1 is the SCh I obedience routine. Focusing on one phase, instead of all three allows a novice handler to get their feet wet in the sport.

Plus this is a good test to see where the dog is before attempting the Sch title. Dogs can look very good in practice, but when the rewards and corrections are left at the entry gate sometimes you will see different behaviors.

I suggest doing the OB1 before trying the Schutzhund title for everyone, but even more so for a first timer. And the Tracking 1 is a good experience as well.

Wow guys, this info will really come in handy. Thanks for the valuable input. Any more is welcomed also.

Should I study up on the BH and focus on that one as a first title?


The AD so like fun!!! Yeah right, but for some reason, I'm intrigued by it and I bet it will help on shedding those extra puonds I got laying around here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Daniel

Yes I'd take things slowly.
By the time you get to BH level you will be miles ahead in the knowledge stakes.
Although the title is relativley easy looking it still requires a high level of training for both you and your dog.
Don't forget it is mearly a milestone on the route to the world championship and everyone who is there has been in your shoes.
The first few months are the most critical for you and your dog.

Good luck

Chris