So there is a shortage of decoys...How do we become one? I'm sure you can learn by other decoys but what if they are crappy? Are there any book or videos on How To Decoy? Or is there the basics and either you have the art or don't? I would find it really cool to learn to decoy for a club. Can a 120 lb. woman catch thoses Mals?

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Can a 120 lb. woman catch thoses Mals?

Check out Stephanie
I was impressed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Also check out Ed's videos
Training the New Helper
Training the Trail Helper

I'll let the experts weigh in on the specifics. Being a helper - a good helper - is not an overnight process. I would be in over my head to say any more than that.


psst. Use the SEARCH function too.. lots of information there too <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If the link doesn't work, Stephanie is on page 7 of Member Photos and Short Bios.

I luv that shot <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

oh yeah.. the search. oops! I will check there first. Where's my brain? Any comments would be apprecited though.

Best thing you can do (male or female) is get in a good club and under a seasoned training decoy. There is no book you can read, or video you can watch in my opinion - it is 99% practical.( books and videos will help give you an idea, but won't make you a decoy/helper) Most importantly you need to have the ability to read the dogs. The way I see it there are 3 kinds of people in the dog world. #1 those with natural ability that require very little "training". #2 those with the ability to learn #3 those with none of the above. If you fall into #3 forget it. The ability to read dogs can only be "learnt" to a certain extent, you either have it, or you don't. Same goes for presence.. Another important factor is that you need to have the ability to walk, talk and chew gum at the same time. If you cannot naturally multi-task, forget it.

You need a club and a decoy that will enable you to get 100's of dogs under your belt, from pups to fully trained dogs.

.. and yes, girls can do it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> But if you are pretty short (like me.. 5'5") it does require a good set of manmade balls (decent sized dogs in a hold and bark will literally be in your face) and it requires a certain amount of technique to compensate for lack of upper body strength (compared to most guys) and lastly, as with anything, you need to have no ego, need to know your limits. For example I won't work American Bulldogs, the ones we have had in our club have matched me weight wise and no matter what there is no throwing them around nor the ability to be able to drive them correctly. If you do sleeve work you can get sleeves make that will fit you (as a female with shorter arms) better, with the regular size sleeves the 'bend' in the elbow gets my mid bicep.. can be very uncomfortable. If you do suit work, get your own suit, don't be falling around in a suit made for a 6ft2 250lb guy.. and a tip, WRAP, we girlies have sensitive skin <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

All this said, I have no been in my suit for a year.. but still... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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you need to have the ability to walk, talk and chew gum at the same time.

Well there goes my hopes. *lol* <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Nice post.. thank for the info.

The Schutzhund regions each have to present helper training seminars. You may want to check the USA website for other information on getting started.
http://germanshepherddog.com/members/helper_program.htm

Also check the event list for the various regions.
http://germanshepherddog.com/events/Club_Events.htm

The local club sponsored a helper seminar recently. Saw a lot of good, enthusiastic helpers. The more experienced guys were glad to pass on what they have learned on how to safely work and how to present a strong challenge the dogs. One thing I learned -- it's not as easy as it looks. There is a significant amount of technique the helper must learn to the point of it being second nature.

Some of the older dogs got the chance to renew long-standing rivalries <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and a good time was had by all.

Here are some shots from that event ...
http://www.mytrialphotos.com/helper

Not exactly for teaching a SchH decoy, but we're holding decoy camp's for bite suit work beginning in Oct. at our site in Tallahassee, Florida.
The first camp is designed for LEO's, but we will be offering them for interested civilians also down the line.
I have an outline available with the topics taught, PM me if you'd like more information.

We had a decoy training seminar, and one of our club members at 17, she did quite well. Being a decoy in ring is quite a bit harder than shutzhund, but I say that you have to start somewhere. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thank you for all your replys. Now I have somewhere to start. I can't wait to learn!