I've been very interested in getting involved in dog sports, but only recently have had the opportunity to get started. I'm taking some agility classes with my pitbull mix and he loves it! I've done most of the training of the commands before with make shift equipment so he's been doing it all since he was a pup basically (just officially now).

Now I have my 1-1/2 year old pitbull who I want to compete in obedience with. But is he too old to really start? Should I start differently with him than I would a pup? I just ordered the basic obedience dvd. I've always trained my dogs with no issues, but this one is as stubborn as they come so I'm hoping the video with help me out.

Any suggestions or tips? Does anybody compete with pitbulls here? I don't have his papers so do I have to have him registered with another club (like AMBOR for mixes), or just get an ILP number through UKC? Anybody ever done this? How hard is it to get one?

Can anybody recommend training clubs in NH or MA? I've only come up with 2 that are local and one I already tried out and I can't stand how they "train" dogs (dog barks, make it bite itself 'til it bleeds). Anybody in this area?

Thanks!

Finding clubs up here in New England is ridiculous! I feel your pain!

I cannot speak to Schutzhund training, but as far as obedience training goes, 1.5 years is not too old to start. However, the temperament, drive and intelligence of the dog AND your ability as a trainer are all VERY important in what sort of success you will have.

I believe all dogs can be trained, but very few dogs will be "winners" (hence the huge price tags on the ones that do!).

One of my former mentors used to use car analogies to explain everything, which was weird, but he did say one thing that stuck with me in regards to answering your question.

"Some dogs are born Porches. Most dogs are born VW Beetles. You will never be able to turn a Beetle into a Porche, but you can make sure you have the most impressive damn Beetle anyone's ever seen."

See what I mean? If you want to compete then do so. It's fun!! Keep your mind open...train well, and don't be disappointed if your dog isn't a champ to anyone but you. But don't count him out of the game either!

Good luck!

Thanks Amber!

Some very encouraging words!

When Java's in the work mode he's an AWESOME student! He picks things up easily and has finally calmed down a little bit so he doesn't just jump around after doing something right like a mexican jumping bean. It's just convincing him it's time to work and not roll around and chase your tail...

I don't know if he'd be an excellent or even very good OB dog, but I'm doing it for the experience and the fun. I eventually want to train professionally and have done the basics and some manners issues training with my dogs, friends' dogs, and the rescues I take in. But I know I need more experience in other areas of training and feel it would be good to start with a dog that's more difficult to get into his thick head.

Have you done your competition training by yourself or did you take classes, join a club, etc? I'd prefer to do it alone or with a "buddy" just to have another set of eyes, but have a hard time finding anybody.