Hi Sean, Have you tried contacting the local schutzhund clubs? There's one in Tarzana and another in Ventura. These clubs are listed in the United Schutzhund Clubs of America web site. I'm sure they would have local experience with trainers. Visiting a club during a training session is a learning experience in itself and would give you chance to evaluate their trainer and helpers as well a getting to know other dog owners with similar interests.
And for those of you wondering....yes, I didn't list the GSDCA/ WDA for a reason. Notice the wording of my first sentence..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
For the original poster: Here is a link to the WDA list of clubs. Despite the (IMO) immature behaviour on all sides of the SchH world, WDA is a legit organization worth looking into when looking for a club. I belonged to a WDA SchH club for a while. It was a great club. I no longer do SchH though, as it is not a sport that appeals to me.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
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Loc: Idaho
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I didn't post the WDA links due to my first hand observations of cheating at high levels involving their judges. When they clean up their act, I'll recommend them again, but not until that happens. :rolleyes:
Thanks to everyone for your input. I'll check out the listed sites.
I seem to have started a debate about the GSDCA/ WDA. I guess I'm really a novice here...what does this stand for and what's the difference between this organization and the others?
GSDCA-WDA is the German Shepherd Dog Club of America- Working Dog Association. It's just another organization that sanctions SchH trials.
It seems that WDA and USA can't ever get along. Which is silly in my opinion. It seems that by working together they could promote the sport more effectively in this country. I've been a member of both organizations, and there's good and bad to both. I've since let both memberships lapse, as I wasn't getting any benefit from either.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
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I consider it "cheating" when one judge will pass a dog that totally fails multiple exercises, when said dog was bred by another judge. I've seen it that happen with my own eyes twice, and we were actually not allowed to video tape that dog being judged ( or else that video would be available for everyone to view, believe me ), as they didn't want proof of what was going on.
And during a GSDCA/ WDA qualifier, a board member was awarded about seven extra points in the Ob routinue - the stands were buzzing when the judge gave the critique that day. Just way too much obvious favoritism going on in that organization for me to think it has any degree of professionalism or ethics.
It's little crap like that led to my opinion.
If I see that kind of crap go own in DVG or SchH USA first hand, I'll be bad mouthing those organizations then also. I don't have time to work with groups that won't police their own. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
I won't support the GSDCA in any way for ethical/philosophical reasons, and that includes the WDA. Afraid of helping a bad apple look legit. What you do is your decision.
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