Schutzhund clubs in Rocky Mountain Area (US) - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Yahrlan · 01-02-2013, 05:15 PM

If you wander into the breeders forum you'll see that my fiancé and i are searching for our first dobe puppy and really want to train in Schutzhund. We want to stay somewhat local for training, especially since neither of us have done it before.

So far, High Plains in Denver is looking like one of or best options, but i wanted to check in here and see if anyone has heard much about them good or bad? Any other clubs you all would suggest in CO, WY, MT, ID? Maybe the Dakotas or Arizona?

Cathy43 · 01-03-2013, 05:51 AM

Have you checked the UScA website?

tnh317 · 01-03-2013, 10:22 AM

In addition to the UScA site you can also check the DVG club list. You may also want to try the working dog forum as far as information / references on specific clubs, there may be more working folks in that general geography that could provide some insight. That said, I think your best bet is just to get out there and visit the clubs to see which one will be the best fit for you and your future puppy. Every trainer and club is different and you will need to find a place in which you are comfortable and can get on board with the training philosophy / methodology , comfortable with the other club members, and comfortable with the overall club atmosphere.

Kansadobe · 01-03-2013, 10:36 AM

I doubt that you will find any serious groups in any reasonable driving distance to you other than in the Denver/Colorado Springs area.

Rosamburg · 01-03-2013, 10:49 AM

Doug is right, there are no UScA clubs listed in Wyoming. Maybe DVG. There are many who do have to drive more than 3 hours each way to train. I cannot imagine doing that myself as it is a major time consumer if you live just 30 minutes away like I do. I have known people that have even moved across the country to be involved with training helpers they like.

Hooligan · 01-03-2013, 11:07 AM

We recently welcomed a new member to our SchH club. He is new to the sport, but not to dogs. He won't have his Rottweiler pup till sometime next summer, but I really admire the way he is preparing. He comes to every training session, asks questions, and offers help when he can.

This has enabled him to really get to know the sport, the club members, and the dogs; to evaluate whether he has the time to dedicate to SchH; to think about training methods, expectations, and the things he will do at home when his pup arrives; and to decide whether he's really ready to handle a dog from working lines.

Like others, I suggest visiting several clubs, and if you find one that seems to be a fit, do exactly what this guy is doing. Join the club and participate as much as you can — before you make the final decision to get a dog from working lines. Many people think they would like to try the sport, but when push comes to shove, they discover that they just don't have the time or the energy to devote to it, so they don't continue. Meanwhile, they're living with a high-drive dog who has few outlets for his or her energy — and that can mean that the dog suffers.

Okie-dobie · 01-03-2013, 11:24 AM

Lot's of DVG clubs...DVG AMERICA Main Menu Look under clubs and officers by state.

Incredibledobe · 01-03-2013, 01:10 PM

IMO, high plains is the way to go. Great club that is very Doberman friendly. Never has been much in Colo. Spgs.
Ft Collins has a couple of police K9 trainers that work IPO dogs with their K9 handlers but not the same experience. They are quite good though.

Yahrlan · 01-03-2013, 11:08 PM

Thank you everyone!
We expected to drive at least to Denver. So we're definitely going to visit with High Plains and see about sitting in on a couple of sessions and go from there.
A few comments have me worried about getting a dog that's too high drive for us now, so a tester seems to be in order before I go too much further in the puppy/ club search. I would hate to get a puppy and have to return him to the breeder because we can't handle him.