I have become very intrigued by the sport of Schutzhund. I love all the videos of people working their dogs and reading about the training; it is something I would like to pursue but I am years away from a new dog. I am thinking of working with the dog that I have.

My dog is 8 years old and has been with my family since he was 8 weeks old. He is a well behaved boy and is gifted (or cursed....depending on the circumstances) with lots of prey drive. I'm not sure where he stands in defense since it has never been nurtured or reinforced.

I have no dreams of championships or titles with this dog. What I am looking to do is become familiar with the sport in practice and developing a little skill so that I am not a complete newbie when I am ready for a new dog.

From my point of view, I see this as a win win situation; something new for Thor who is always up for something new to keep him mentally and physically fit and a rejuvenating activity to increase our bond. I'd love opinions from those who train in the sport.

If this isn't a completely ludicrous idea; I have a budget of about $200; what tools, videos, books etc would you suggest?

I've been trying to find a club in my area (10 miles south of Boston, MA) but am not having much luck.

 Quote: Sheila Buckley

I've been trying to find a club in my area (10 miles south of Boston, MA) but am not having much luck.

I seem to remember Amber Morgan (Cape Cod) having the same problem... but I'm not sure how it resolved. I just sent you a PM.

Good luck - sounds like a great plan to get your feet into a new sport! I'm sure Thor will love the opportunity to learn something new!

~Natalya

Sheila,

If you want to do it for the learning experience and for the fun of teaching something to Thor, I say you can't lose If you are realistic of your dogs strengths, and weaknesses, I don't see why you shouldn't give it a shot and see what comes of it.

I find that working with dogs that don't have the drive of a top competition dog are excellent dogs to learn with as you develop problem solving abilities and have a finer grasp of drive and how to encourage and use it in your dog.

Finding ways to get around previous handling or training (such as bite inhibition) and/or low drive can really help build your skill working with dogs and using their drive to the best advantage. I learned on a couple of dogs with low prey and low food drive and it can be tough, but it is a good test.

I don't know about Sch clubs but hopefully someone will chime in with a suggestion.

Here's a link to SchH USA clubs in your region.

http://germanshepherddog.com/clubs/new_england.htm

Perhaps you can start there and then find out if there are other sub-training groups etc...DVG may have clubs there too.

SchH is a lot of fun IMO and E.

The Building Drive and focus with Bernhard Flinks dvd and the book Schutzhund obedience, training in drive are inexpensive and can give you a starting point.(The book is on auction right now) I started last year around Sept. when my dog was 4. It's been some of the most fun I've ever had as far as dogs goes. Every week we make progress on something and its hard to describe the feeling between the two of you when you see that you've just trained something and your dog "Gets It!"

Hi Sheila,

Here is a link to the USA New England Region website for upcoming events. There is a trial hosted by Inner City in MA in September that would probably be interesting for you to check out as well as the Regional Championship in September in NH.

USA - New England Region website (events)

I also see an Obedience Seminar with Debbie Zappia hosted by Inner City in August. I can't speak highly enough of Deb in regard to her teaching ability and training priniciples -- I would HIGHLY recommend spectating that seminar if at all possible.

I encourage you to attend trial events and even spectate club training sessions -- I know I have learned SO much from watching other individuals train and compete. You'll also hopefully make some nice contacts in the sport for the future.

Katie

Thanks everyone for the feedback and encouragement!! I am looking forward to beginning. I believe my first two purchases will be the Drive and Focus DVD and Training in Drive book. If I can get through the training that far I will have surpassed my goals.