I have registered to bring by dog, Penelope, to the seminar in July. I am looking forward to meeting and working with Bernard, who is, by all accounts, he is an excellent trainer and teacher. I am new to the sport of Schutzhund (I’m addicted!) and want information from the best.


However, my concern is with my dog. I have had great success using the Flinks method with her, she is so soft a frown and soft ‘no’ stops her in mid run. She is also somewhat fearful (she was returned to the breeder neglected, extreme hand shyness, starving, ect. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> ) She does, however, have excellent prey drive, which I use to train and socialize. She goes into avoidance very easily, but is not aggressive. She is now 15 months old, and she is from working east/west german working lines, per the breeder. I do not intend to work her seriously in the sport, she would never pass the courage test without a lot of conditioning, which is antithetical to a ‘courage’ test anyway (not saying you take a green dog and expect anything, just saying my dog, at this point, would not pass)! She is my ‘learner’ dog, she loves the work with the ball and the tug, and she has bonded with me very closely. So my question is, is it appropriate to bring and work her, since she is not a serious competitor? I realize this is a working dog seminar, and my dog is a pet with good prey drive. I have to bring her, my other dogs will pack up while I am gone (hubby is the Kindly Uncle, not the Big Chief. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) I really think working at the seminar would be good for her, for socialization and training in a positive environment. Maybe I am just getting cold feet, this is my first seminar – can owners go into avoidance???


Anyway, this is a great board. My family thinks I have gone off the deep end, what with all the dog stuff I order, and the time I spend reading up and training and stuff.


BTW, where are the dogs to stay during the seminar? Stake out, kennels? Thanks!

Melissa, bring your dog. Sadly I won't be able to make this seminar, but a few years ago I had a dog very similar to the dog you described. Bernhard was as attentive and fair to my incredibly soft dog as he was to the hardest SchH3 dog on the property. The things you can learn now from Bernhard with this dog will pay of tenfold when you decide to move on to your next dog.

So far as containment- it is preferred that you crate your dog either in your vehicle or close to it. Staking a dog out is not a good idea- if another dog were to get loose- your dog could potentially get trapped and hurt.

Melissa,
I'd bring my dog, if I were you. You seem to know your dog and her limitations well, and *all* dog trainers have to work within their dogs limitations.

The only real disqualifier for a dog to be trained with the Bernhard Flinks method is if the dog doesn't have prey/ball drive - in that case, the dog just isn't going to enjoy training, as the rwards we'd give it would not matter to the dog.
Almost anything else can be worked through, if the hadler is realistic about the dogs potential ( ie, if you have a "club" level dog, don't plan on competing in the Nationals, it'll be heartbreak for you and your dog )

All of us have had a "learner dog" also - and believe me, that dog will hold a special place in your heart forever!

See you and Penelope at the seminar. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys, your reassurance is encouraging. I had already cued in that Bernhard was there for the dogs, not to beef up or break down anyone's ego, but it is good to here it from others. Putting the foundation down for *my* training is the whole point!

Deanna-sorry you won't make it, I have been lurking gor a while and was looking forward to meeting you...and thanks for the tips! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Will- Can't wait to see the infamous Buttercup!
What is it now, 6 weeks? (she starts counting days)

Would anybody be interested in sharing a ride? And maybe a hotel room? I'd be leaving out from the South end of Georgia.

PM me if you're interested!

Will, I pm'ed you. with this server change I do not know if you can or did get it.
Ken

Got it, Ken - and a reply right back at you.
Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Will,
check your pm again, The board does not show that you read the last one but I know you did so I'm thinking that maybe you are not being notified that you have incoming.

I would like to be one of the first to post about this seminar. Attending this seminar was the best thing that I could have done. Bernhard is one great man.I also have to say that the staff at Leerburg is great too. They organized a great seminar. Bernhard treated everyone very fairly. He talked to us new people just like some one who has done this for a long time. He did not make you feel like you didn't know anything. He is someone who really loves to share his knowledge with us not so expierienced people. I will say if you EVER get the chance attend one of his seminars!!!! Sorry the post is so long just a great seminar!!!!I am just glad I got to be part of it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Brandon