I need some expert opinons on something. If someone takes their dog to be tested to see if it has the potential for Schutzhund, and the dog fails the test, is it proper to take them to another club to be evaluated? I mean if you go to enough clubs I am sure you will find someone to pass the dog, but is that the protacol?
Also when the dogs go through the trials aren't they suppose to be worked cold on the field, and not be so familiar with it because they have been worked for weeks or months in the same enviorment where the trial will be held? I just need some clarification. Either I am not understand the principals and if so I appologize but really I am very confused by this. If someone has the answer I would be very greatful.

I don't think theres any actual protocol, its your dog. If you want to go to 20 clubs its completely up to you. At some point though you should be honest with yourself as to whether the dog has any potential at all. Could be that some clubs are more willing to help a handler and dog that don't have as much potential to learn because they have the time and members for it.

I don't see anything wrong with taking your dog to a strange field for a while if your going to trial there. Let both of you get a feel for a different place and helper.

If you have your eyes open and are realistic, I don't think it hurts to get a second opinion. I did on my first ACD when the first club told me I was wasting my time trying to train him for the sport. Needless to say they were wrong ;-)

About working the dog cold on a new field…

What does it prove?

For a young dog, or an inexperienced dog, I feel it is MORE appropriate to take the dog early and work a field. You are setting your dog up for success and helping them to generalize the training. Just like any other training. As the dog gets older/more experienced, it will matter less and less, and the dog will “get it” that this is what the deal is. It still doesn’t hurt in any way though. I mean, why not.

Thank you so much for the replies. I agree with setting the dog up for success no doubt but I think what I wanted to know was if a dog can only work in familiar surroundings because of nerves, aggresion etc... should you continue to persue this sport, or like you said just be honest with yourself and look into something else to do with your dog.
I guess I wonder if you go to the same place for all your trials does it really give you a complete picture of what your dog can do? I like to know that I can work my dog anywhere and get the same results as when we work at home etc... This was just something that was brought up in discussion a few days ago and I just wanted more input. I like to keep an open mind about things and get others opinons. Thanks again.

I agree with you, and would want to know that my training was strong. But I think that your practice on the feild would tell you that just as clearly as an actual trial.

A LOT of people put all of their title on their dog at club trials, often their own. This is not unusual at all. Many people have no interest in competing at high levels or competitively, they just want to work their dogs and get title. These are referred to as club dogs (the dogs, not the people ). Some want to title their dog, and see how far their dogs can go. They will trial at their own clubs regularly, and may travel to nearby clubs as well. Some handlers want to campaign a stud (usually) or a bitch and will travel the country to be seen by as many as possible and brag that the dog is 22x SCHIII. Some want to compete at the top and go for regional and nationals.

There are many types of handler/dog teams, and each has a different goal. With that in mind, to me it doesn't matter where or how one trials. For all I know, they are just in it to have a good time with their pet...

That is why this topic came up in discussion. It was because of someone trying to promote their stud, and we had reservations about how they were going about it. I am not an expert by far LOL, I like to just go out and have fun with my dogs, but of course knowing that my training is strong and never promoting them as something they are not.
Sometimes the braggers get on my nerves LOL. I have seen a number of really good "Club Dogs" and most of the people I come in contact with promote them as such and are honest about what they and their dogs have accomplished. Thank you again for the replies.