Been seeing a lot of Shutzhund talk on this forum as I've been reading old threads and I started reading some Shutzhund sites on the internets.

My girl dog is probably way too soft for this and doesn't have much of a prey drive but the boy I think could benefit quite a bit from some of this training.

So, while I would not be going to competitions or anything, I am wondering, are there classes for this or is the training all done by yourself?

If there are classes, what would a dog need to know already before even attempting to join?

Thanks.

There aren't classes, only clubs. Take your dog to a club near you, or you're favorite club if you live near more than one. Let them evaluate your dog. They'll be able to tell you if your dog will succeed in the sport. But keep in mind no club will really want to vote you in unless you're interested in at least putting a BH or SchH 1 on the dog.

You need to contact a SchH club in your area. Go to the club, watch, learn, ask them if they are accepting new members, ask them to 'test' your dog (dogs) and go from there.

You can work on OB yourself but you can't train bitework yourself.And need help tracking, if you have never done it. You need an esperienced decoy.

Some clubs only accept memebers that are looking to be serious competitors, others allow members that are not looking to compete. Many only accept members if there dogs pass the testing for the work.

SchH USA has a listing of clubs on their site. The can also be smaller training groups around. You need to ask around for that.

Yeah, some club get all weirded out about titles and such.
But really shouldn't it be more about the dog and handler progressing, having a good time together and the comradery of being with other dog people?
Competition is fine for those that thrive in that atmosphere, but for those that just want to play with and help in balancing their dog why the big onus of 'a title' as a necessity?

Randy, that's exactly what I'm looking to do.

I see some things in my dog that I think he would benefit from with this training. Rather than fighting that high prey drive, (and intense focus once he gets focused on something), for example, I'd like to work with it.

This, for me, isn't about competing. It's about working with what my dog has and making it a positive. Plus, having a dog THAT well behaved is just amazing.

One sight I found is pretty informative and goes over some of the absolute basics which, I have found, I was doing already anyway without knowing anything about Shutzhund. So, that was cool to find out.

It gives clear, concise steps in to how to train the dog is some of the basic things which I think I would do first before going to a club, (sorry, not classes).

But, I will definitely look for a club and see what they do, what they allow and if maybe I can find some place to teach my dog how to use what he has because tracking and protection...even though he's a lab mix, (which is the main reason I said I wouldn't compete, he's not a GSD nor a Mal, and he wouldn't have as high a drive as a Mal, for instance, I know that other dogs do partake and I'd like him too, as well), I think he would do well in those. He's already showing signs of that without me even trying.

I want to help him grow and build our bond even stronger. No offense to those who do compete, I'm just not actually interested in the competing part.

Thanks for the information!

You should go for a BH - it's a test of your real training skills and the bond between you and your dog. Even if you don't feel like competing, I think everyone should have at least one obedience type title on their dogs.

AKC has OB & also tracking competitions that are much lower key then SchH trials. You might look on their site & see about that, too. I think that I heard that they even have some kind of SchH-type compettions now. But I could be wrong about that part.

BTW.....I don't make the club rules & each club is different with different styles of teaching, goals & often different levels of dogs...so don't shoot the messenger. I just stated the facts. But yes, it is supposed to be fun for you & your dog...just some clubs are VERY intense & serious competition focused. If that is not your interest...make that clear when you contact them so you don't waste your time or theirs & look for a club in your area that is more casual in their style of training & club goals. If it isn't a good match (training goals & training styles) it won't be fun for you.

I hate to be a damper Valerie,
But SchH is very heavily wieghed toward pure breed dogs, even if (someone correct me if I'm wrong) they have by-laws that say unknown breds can be shown, they can just never be titled. So the club in general is biased toward 'pure' breeds.
If I were you, first I find someone to confirm what I thought my dog's attributes were. Then I'd seek out a club that a pedigree was of lesser importance.
Ahem, dare I suggest the ring?

 Quote: Valerie Munk

Randy, that's exactly what I'm looking to do.

I so hear what you’re saying Valerie. And good on you Randy for saying it.

I know that Vince will never be a “club worthy” dog. Been told by the best and having seen what’s he’s capable of, I get it and totally agree. I’d only had him about six months at the time though and didn’t have near the training and focus I have on him now. Not to mention his much clearer head and the confidence he’s built.

I also have no doubt though, if push came to shove, he could easily revert back to his serious, fear-based, almost uncontrolled rage, making it totally irresponsible to even consider bite work. But he has this incredible nose and he really loves his obedience work.

He has absolutely no dog-on-dog aggression; I haven’t seen a more tolerant dog when it comes to the uncontrolled yippy yappy pups. And it sounds like Schutzhund clubs have the type of dog people that Vince tolerates very nicely.

A controlled atmosphere that would allow us to learn along with some of the best.

And I get that each person takes up time with the knowledgeable trainers; time that is much better spent on teams that are capable of reaching those great heights – a totally reputable and up-standing priority. From my understanding though, a lot of this time is generally one-on-one with the helper/director. I’m sure some very qualified members spend time off to the side at different times. Perhaps even some that may not mind giving a little advice or sharing their experiences now and then.

If you had someone that was willing to show up, was responsible in their handling, willing to pitch in and give a helping hand where necessary – why couldn’t they just hang out and simply take what they could get with the full understanding that priority is given to competing members.

I also understand the club concept and totally get that too. You don’t want just anybody joining. But from what I’ve read here, some clubs have made poor choices in their members regardless of how competent and highly-bred the dog may be.

I think looking at the dog/handler team as a whole and ensuring that intentions are appropriate and attainable, should be a top priority. If there is a clear understanding of what the club may or may not be able to offer and the new member has shown what they are able/willing to bring to the table (in accordance with club standards) why shouldn’t they be considered.

I've never contacted a club so I don't know that this isn't the criteria but it seems a little more exclusive from what I've read.

Geez I’ve gotta stop writing these books but what a great topic Valerie. I wish you the best of luck in finding a club that meets your needs.

Anne I was never impressed with AKC ob criteria. On the tracking though?
They are as tough as any org., especially at the upper levels. A TDX or VST is a worthy and difficult goal for any trainer/dog team if you ask me.