Hi, first off I wanted to thank everyone here for providing such great information on training, raw feeding, etc. This is my first time posting, but I have learned so much in the last couple months just from reading the articles and past forum discussions that I had to start by saying how much I appreciate this entire site and everything you all contribute to it! So again, thank you!

I should probably introduce myself and my puppy. My name is Katie and I have a 10-month-old female german shepherd puppy named Tina. We got her while my husband was stationed in germany, but have since moved back to the states. Her breeder and other members of his schutzhund club were adamant that "she MUST work!!!" That's perfect for me since I wanted to get into Schutzhund with her. Now that we're back in the states I don't know how well it's going to work out given the availability of local clubs and trainers, but I am determined to do some sort of sport/work with her.
Total honesty here, I have never owned a dog in my life. I have never really been around dogs. I didn't even have any friends with dogs while I was growing up. My husband grew up with a golden retriever and is a little flummoxed by the whole "rules for dogs" thing, but ultimately he's very accommodating of my wishes for her. I do any and all training and he's willing to play by the rules whenever he interacts with her.

Ok, so after that overly-long introduction (sorry about that) I actually do have a question. Since well before we got Tina I have been reading about the difference between show-line and working-line breeders, but have found that the difference in germany is often not so clear-cut to the layman's eye (particularly with all the schutzhund titles in the show lines). In one of the previous postings someone commented that at some point you just become familiar with the names of the kennels and know which are working and which are show. At this point I'm still not entirely positive that Tina is working-line (uhh, I think she is?). I adore her no matter what kind of lines she has and intend to pursue some sort of dog sport no matter what (she's an active girl and really does LOVE having a task to do), but I'm honestly kind of annoyed that I can't tell for sure.
So I was wondering if you guys could tell me what you think from the info in the following links. The first site has some info on her pedigree, while the second link is to her breeder's page.

http://www.working-dog.eu/dogs-details/404027/Tina-vom-Wieratal
http://www.zwinger-vom-wieratal.de/

If I've posted this in the wrong place or something let me know and I promise to do better next time!

Welcome! You've found the right place for all your answers. There are lots of working dog and schutzhund enthusiasts here, so one of them will know for sure. My dogs and I participate in agility, so I'm far from an expert--but with all those very handsome sables, the breeder looks like they specialize in working lines to me. And your pup is very cute!

Where are you located (generally)?--someone here may be able to point you to a working dog club nearby.

http://www.zwinger-vom-wieratal.de/en/planned.htm
I'm no expert on pedigrees, but those are all working line dogs.

Wow, that's great information, Aaron, thanks!! I definitely feel very confidant now about pursuing schutzhund with Tina. I can't wait to get started!

Thanks for the welcome, Tracy! I live in the far south-eastern corner of Arizona. I was thinking of asking if anybody had any input on clubs in Tucson (there seem to be two), but wasn't sure if that would be appropriate just in case people had negative things to say. But if it's ok, then I guess that should be my next post.

Again, thanks for all the input!

Welcome to the forums. Looks like you got yourself a nice puppy!

Pretty good age to start some stuff with her too.

I am not sure about clubs in AZ. There are some other really fun dog bite sports out there too.
Like. French Ring and Mondio Ring, I am not sure if there is any of that going on down there by you either.

I am sure someone will come up with some info soon.

Hello and welcome.

Tina is very, super adorable!

Welcome and nice dog, Katie!!

I'm pretty sure there is a Schutzhund club that meets in Coolidge but that's quite a drive for you. I'll do some snooping around and see what I can find, and send you a pm if I have any luck.

You found the right place to tap knowledge. There are some awfully knowledgeable dog trainers on this board.

I live in the Valley also! Unfortunately there are not a ton of dog clubs here. I just don't have a great answer for it either. I've looked around a lot and about the only thing I can find is a couple clubs in the East Valley. Good luck and have fun. I suggest looking into Michael Ellis also, I really think he's a good trainer.

http://www.arizonaschutzhund.com/about.html

Hi, everyone, and thanks for the welcome!

Dave, I am totally open to other bite sports so after reading your comment I looked up both mondio and french ring clubs in AZ. Looks like there are three french ring clubs and one mondio ring club, all in Phoenix. For a really great club I would definitely be willing to make the 3-4hour drive to Phoenix at least a couple times a month, so if anyone has any experience with clubs in Phoenix please PM me.

Aimee, thanks! She's not nearly as fluffy now as her younger puppy pics would indicate, but I'm pretty relieved about that considering where we live currently.

Rob and Spencer, the clubs in Phoenix are the only ones I can find, too. Let me know if you find anything else (or if you think those clubs are worth the drive)!