Hi. I haven't posted here much, and therefore I am probably a stranger to most of you, so before I post my questions and concerns, here's a little background information.

I'm 15 years old (I know, quite young), homeschooled (lots of extra time) and I own a 2 year old bi color LH GSD. She is a female and the best dog I've had the pleasure of meeting. I recently moved to Mobile, AL, and the nearest ScH club is about 2 1/2 hours away. Its the one in Bonifay, FL.

Alright, theres a little info so you know some more of what I'm capable of doing. lOl

Basically I want to get seriously involved in Schutzhund. I don't expect it to happen overnight, or in a couple of months, or in a couple of years. I am very much prepared for and expecting it to take a LONG time before I'm well educated on the sport of Schutzhund. This is one reason I am waiting to buy a puppy for Schutzhund. I want to start the learning process with my current dog, Mali.

I want to buy some of the Leerburg tapes, but right now I don't have that extra cash, so it will have to wait. All I need right now, is some good pointers on how to get started training. I have already started working on some things and testing Mali's prey drive but before I go any further I want to get some good "expert" advice so I don't mess anything up.

If you guys want, I can get into more detail of Mali's drives when it comes to toys (especially the small towel I've recently introduced) and stuff like that.

I do need to get her evaluated, but I can't do it immediately. I'm about 99.9% sure she has the nerves and drives to do Schutzhund, even if she doesn't excel. I can get more into this also, but not sure if I really need to.

Thanks in advance. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

OH GOOD GOD! Someone needs to tell you about ringsport before you go and goof yourself up with this Schutzhund junk <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Ring, sport of the future.

Hi Caitlin,

Please just ignore Jeff, he's often trying to corrupt the minds of young people. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Are you sure the two, USA clubs in Alabama aren't closer to you? Here's the link: http://germanshepherddog.com/clubs/south_eastern.htm

I started researching schutzhund when I was 17 or 18, got my first pup at 19 and now at 23 I just got my first SchH title this past weekend. So, good luck to you!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Just think of how much cooler it would be if it was a ring title. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Congrats on the title, I hope you convert soon before you become truely stuck in the ways of the.......Oh never mind. (viva la revolution <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />(soon you will come over to my way of thinking) (you are getting sleepy...so sleepy, ringsport ringsport ringsport ringsport........) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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(you are getting sleepy...so sleepy, ringsport ringsport ringsport ringsport........) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Jeff,
When I discovered that my puppy's half brother placed 8th in his level (out of 20) at the French Mondioring Championship, I started looking into it. (hey, for a Briard, 8th place might as well be first place <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )

Problem is, it seems like unless one lives in Tx or the NE, there isn't much support around. Seeing as I am clueless about these sports, I need all the help I can get. If you know anyone near DC who is into this ring stuff, point me to him (her)!

T

Can't believe I'm doing this... but, here's a link to a PSA club in southern Maryland, and two in Virginia:
http://www.psak9.org/clubs

I think the one in MD cross-trains for the Ring sports. I don't think there are any actual Mondio or French Ring clubs in this area.

Sorry. The link is http://www.psak9.org/clubs.html

Must have been my schutzhund subconscious rebelling.

VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

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Can't believe I'm doing this...

Jackie,
Thanks for the link. Frankly, I still don't know enough about any of these sports to have leanings one way or the other. I am trying to educate myself the best that I can.

There is a DVG club in my area with at least one national-level competitor, and I did take the puppy over there one night to check them out (and have them check us out).

Even though I showed up with what looks like a 7mo old barking muppet, they were very welcoming and have a very diverse group of dogs in the club.

The club's training director and helper tested the puppy a bit and said that we are off to a very nice start and that she shows promise.

The way I see it, I will start off in a discipline where I can get the most training advice and support, and can always branch out from there once I some sort of clue what I am doing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

T

Caitlin,
Ed has loads and loads of articles that should help get you off to a good start!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Your question seemed kind of general to me, and I have noticed that specific questions often get a beter response here than general ones.
Welcome, and I think it's great that you have interest and have chosen to educate your self before jumping in!! Ed's videos are great!!
You might list your immediate goals and then ask for opinions on which video would be best to start saving for.
good luck and see if those other clubs are closer to you, that would be great if you could find a local mentor.