Hi all,

I am in the process of trying to determine if I want to, or am capable of joining a Schutzhund club with my 6 mo. old GS. He is from good working/German lines - it is ME who I'm not sure about!

A few thoughts/questions... (I've read a lot of the threads on Schutzhund and already have the Raising a Working Puppy and Building Drive & Focus DVDS.)

I see a lot of younger folks in this sport and can't help but wonder if an almost 53 year old woman in average shape with no prior training should even be considering this sport. I'm also considering agility, which I know is also an active sport but in a different way. My reason for considering either is to continue working/training/bonding with my dog. I'm competitive but up to a point; I'm not out to have a wall full of ribbons, trophies, etc...

There are two clubs in my general area, one is 45 minutes away with all guys, the other is 1 hr. 40 minutes away with both men and women. Assuming both clubs appear to be professional in their training methods: my concern with the closer club (with all guys) is I would hate to "break up" the all-guy camaraderie and make them feel like they have to watch their language, can't tell off color jokes, etc... Neither of which bothers me in the least (within reason :blush but most guys tend to watch themselves around women they don't know too well. The concern/issue with the other club is that it IS 1 hr. 40 minutes away.

One club is the Dutch East Dog Training Center in Va. Beach, VA and the other is the Metro Richmond Schutzhund Club in Richmond Va... if anyone has any input on these two clubs please send me a PM...)

Both clubs said to bring my dog when I come observe them for the first time. I understand from their perspective why they say this, but I want to know if it would be wiser from the pup's perspective to leave him at home until I've checked things out first?

One last question (at this time... ha!ha!) What would be appropriate for the clubs to suggest I be doing with a six month old pup and what things should I be concerned about if they want me to do at this stage?

Many thanks for bearing with this long ramble... Any input - and I have thick skin so feel free to be honest, would be appreciated.

Barbara

One of our club members recently titled his young dog to SchH3, competed in last year's HOT Championship, and, last November, won his FH2 title in a cold, freezing rain.

He is 84.

Many of the folks I see are AARP-eligible So, your age isn't much of a concern. The training is not very physically demanding on the handler -- the dog does all the running an jumping.

One of the first steps to training your dog is to get the "Preparing your Dog for the Helper" DVD.

53 is nothing. There are excellent handlers,helpers,trainers, everything older then that. Which club do you feel more comfortable with? Check them both out.

I would bring my dog out if they said to. When I first went out I went with the attitude that I was trying out. They wanted to see my dog and myself to evaluate the two of us and see how I worked with him. I think it's important to remember you are looking to join a club, your not paying someone to just give you lessons.It's different then just going to obedience classes. The more you put in, the more you get back.

"I think it's important to remember you are looking to join a club, your not paying someone to just give you lessons.It's different then just going to obedience classes. The more you put in, the more you get back."

Good perspective Steve - thanks.

I'm older than 53 and I handle and compete with a dog that most other people would have problems with - so I wouldn't let your age be a factor in stopping you from trying your hand at a fun and satisfying dog sport!

Don't forget, Bob is like... ancient.

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Don't forget, Bob is like... ancient.

Toadally. Bob is collecting SchH IIIs and he's older than dirt.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Don't forget, Bob is like... ancient.

Toadally. Bob is collecting SchH IIIs and he's older than dirt.

In FACT ... Bob is OLDER THAN ME!

LOL.
Toadally!!!!!! Hahahahahahahaha

Hell Will I've got socks older than 53. Norman