I have a new puppy that I'm planning to train for Schutzhund. This weekend, I am going to sit in on a training session with Klaus Demuth of the Maryland TOP Schutzhund Club, and I was wondering if any of you know anything about him. I'm brand new to Schutzhund, and I imagine it's pretty easy to screw up a puppy if you train with the wrong person. Have any of you heard anything about Klaus or had any experience with him?

Also, what specific things should I be watching for that would make it easy to recognize a good Shutzhund trainer from a bad one? Fortunately, I have the choice of several different Schutzhund Clubs in my area, so finding a good one shouldn't be too hard if I know what to look for. Any advise or information would be appreciated.

I don't know anything about Klaus Demuth, but I have sat in at a number of SchH clubs and I think I can give you a couple of pointers.

Dean Calderon advises that people watch the training director's interaction with his/her club members. If the TD's attitude is one of "my way or the highway," it's probably not a good sign. I think this is excellent advice.

Ed Frawley has written recently about TDs who seem to get off on screaming at, belittling, and embarrassing their club members. Another very bad sign. This is no way to learn a sport as complicated, intricate, and even dangerous as Schutzhund can be (dangerous for both dogs and handlers).

Watch the club helpers. Do they appear to be "helping" dogs to reach their potential--or are they mostly showing off? A good helper, even if he or she is just starting out, will work closely with both the training director and the handler (and, of course, the DOG) to make sure that everything proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Another thing to watch out for are clubs that concentrate on protection to the exclusion of the other disciplines in the sport. Obedience and tracking are just as important as protection. You will find out how true this is at trial time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Last but certainly not least, AVOID clubs where obvious animal abuse is going on. This is not to say that some dogs in any club will not require hard corrections, but I think most of us recognize when dog training crosses over into abuse. TDs should not be abusing dogs themselves, and they should never tolerate abuse from their trainees.

Hope this helps.

Pete Felknor

Pete,

Thanks for the suggestions. I've decided to go into this with the attitude that I'm "interviewing" them to see if they're good enough to train my precious little puppy. There was something that I picked up in Klaus' voice that I'm not sure I liked. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is, but that's why I was asking if anyone had any experience with him. Maybe I'm imagining it. I'll just have to wait and see.

I would never tolerate anyone belittling or embarrassing me. I would head for the highway if they chose to treat me like that. The same goes for any type of abuse. This is my dog, and I expect them to treat me, as well as her, with respect. I will not tolerate someone who does not respect me or my dogs.

I just became aware that Jack Schurmann is the TD for a local Schutzhund club. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about him, so maybe I'll check out that club also. I'm just happy that I'm in an area where I have several choices in clubs. Some people aren't that lucky.

Thanks again for your advice. I'll be watching like a hawk on Saturday! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If you feel uncomfortable, I would move to another club. Selecting a trainer is a very personal choice. The person that is good for one person is not good for another. The other thing I would do is talk to other handlers about the club and if they are happy with their dog's performance. Evaluate how you think the dogs perform, are you happy with the way the dogs work. Keep in mind that where they are you will be. I would also ask how they handle problem dogs. How long are they willing to work on problems? Have they had any failures? Some trainers have a formula they use and won't deviate to suit a dog. I know of no instance where training goes smoothly, and everybody has training failures.

You are entering with the right mind set. Plan on interviewing the trainer and talking to the clients. I wouldn't just settle on the first club you look at unless it is the only one available or you have a very good idea as to what you need.

I don't think there is a more accomplished trainer in North America than Jack Schurmann.......his resume speaks for himself. He is very personable, excellent at teaching both the dog and handler, and is very easy to work with. If you have the chance to work with Jack, you will be a very priviliged person. My two cents. Good luck! -Greg

Good advise guys! One more. Any trainer who tries to work a young dog in defense should be carefully watched.

I'm definitely going to get in contact with the Schutzhund club that Jack is the TD for. Based on everything I'm hearing about him, it doesn't seem like we're going to find a better person to work with.

Thanks for all the help. These things will definitely be running through my mind while I'm sitting in on the session.

Hi Everyone,

I agree with almost every point made here by other members. I wish to add, that besides personally feeling comfortable with the trainer on a person to person basis, and his dominance level and respect level, to you as a person, I'd watch out for trainers that are on ego trips. I unfortunately met some, the talk down to you like an idiot, even though you're an amateur, you're not an idiot and shouldn't be treated as such. I saw other trainers that put puppy into defense mode when it is way too early and it should be fun and a game, and prey drive first. They are very heavy handed, and they are quick to issue correction and use very forceful corrections without too much praise. I watch the man, but I really watch his dog too. Does the dog look happy working for his own boss? Or does he do it because he has to, otherwise, he'll get it? Watch the demeanor and quality of performance of the trainer's own dog

I couldn't agree w/Alex more. Nothing will screw up a working pup faster or w/more permanence than bad helper work. Any helper who wants to introduce elements of defense to a pup or green dog should be taken out and shot. Obed needs to be an upbeat, motivational game for pups. Certainly visit the clubs, but keep the pup at home till you've seen them work a few dogs and feel completely comfortable.
I wouldn't put so much emphasis on the helper's social skills w/the dog owners. Yeah, it's nice if the helper has good manners, but good helpers are so hard to find, I really don't give a rip. The TD should be willing to answer questions. The only social interaction I require from a helper is that he/she needs to tell me before we bring out my dog what the plan is for this session, and . . . will let me modify it, if I believe it's necessary.

Any helper who wants to introduce elements of defense to a pup or green dog should be taken out and shot

Shooting helpers - now thats an interesting traiing technique - maybe I could do a video on the training steps that lead up to this event.