I guess I am one that likes to live dangerously. I take my litters to training at least once, usually twice before they go to new homes. Yep, whole litters. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Where else are you going to get a group of people who enjoy having puppies hanging off their legs?


RE: vaccinations: I keep the pups home after the shots and have more concerns AFTER vaccinations than before. Initial response time to a vaccination is 10 days, secondary responses are 2-3 days post exposure before the immune system is handling it at peak. The problem with vaccinations is that we can't tell which ones "took" and which ones did not, and that is the basis of the booster shots... to cover the unknown. I prefer to wait and titer.

RE: Puppy Circle: I think this is something to be circular filed. Dog training is all about timing. 5-6 puppies can not ALL be rewarded for the appropriate behavior when they are showing interest at it's peak. You will never see me work a dog in a puppy circle. Controlled chaos! Drive building is the handler's job, in my NSHO.

 Quote:

Originally posted by Old earth dog Bob Scott:
Laura, what part of the country do you live in? Put that up here and, hopefully, someone in that area will see it here and advise you.

OEDBS, (you don't mind being Abbreviated do you?) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
I am Ontario, Canada. Within 1 1/2 hrs east of Toronto. We do have a schH club in Toronto and another fairly close to where I live. We've visited with Zeus a few times already to view and pick up a few pointers. We had a free 3 viewing sessions, so now its pay and join or wait. If we join now, Zeus would start every Tues, Thurs and Sun. 3 X per week. You have to be pretty committed and they prefer that type of member of coarse. The trainers told me they would start working with zeus immediately upon joining. Basically, all the same things that Ed has mentioned in his site. But one on one.

I'm certain we will join, but wait just a few more weeks and deal with the rest of his shots. Still not sure whether to allow him to have the other 2 or not. Rabies yes...but just not sure yet what I feel is best for Zeus.

Lastly, yes, if any trainers are within my area, please feel free to email me.

 Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Rice:
Laura,

For what its worth I started taking my GSD pup to a Schutzhund club when she was 10 weeks old for the very reasons you mentioned. I wanted to make sure I handled the puppy part of her life correctly. I found that it was helpful to be around people that understood working dogs. The training director has been very helpful working with me and my pup on building her drives since that type of training was new to me. The pup doesn't get much time out of the crate on these training days since most of the time is spent working the older dogs but I find that the actual training time she gets is worth the trip. Also I find it helpful to watch the other dogs being trained and listening to the comments from handlers and the TD. Hope that helps.

Jim Rice

I couldn't agree with you more Jim. For the 3 times we've taken Zeus, I've really learned alot from the members and trainers. Like you, I feel this "need" to ensure I do all the right things with Zeus each and every day. Thankfully, he's an amazingly good pup. Which makes my job a little easier.......so far that is!