Khiera

Boy, navigating the world of Schutzhund is kinda tricky for the newbie.

So i visited another local club this weekend. The visit went well, the members chatted freely about their experience, and i was able to watch the obedience and protection training close up front and ask tons of questions. Again, the visit ended with them inviting me back again for another training session.

I think though that i'm starting to find myself wandering into the world of Schutzhund club politics that i've read and been "cautioned" about. One of the members from one of the clubs was actually a long-time member of the other club, and in talking to him about his experience, he said that the reason he left was because the club members and TD at the other club was not encouraging at all just because he did not have a GSD. It was also interesting to hear from the TD and other members of one club tell me that (in candid and casual conversation) they would not recommend the other club because they were "very hard on the dogs in protection" and used alot of compulsion (something which i didn't witness or notice first hand during my visit at this other club, but it was only one visit after all). I also got a comment from one club member that "alot of drinking goes on" at the other club.

In terms of differences between the two clubs, training seems to be more structured at one club vs. the other, in the sense that the TD and another head trainer would personally participate in the training of each club member in a particular order, whereas for the other club it seemed to take place on a more informal level, ie. members helping out each other. One club apparently trains primarily in prey drive for protection, while the other club has more focus on the defense drive. One club had nicer facilities vs. the other. One club trains 3 times a week while the other trains 2 times a week. One club seemed to me (to my untrained and inexperienced eye anyway) more polished in their work with their dogs. One club had an 80 year old lady still actively working her dog -- wow!

It hurts my head just to sift through all these thoughts and comparisons lol I think my next step would be to bring my dog along for a training session with one or both clubs ... not sure if i have the time energy to shuttle between both though. If you were me, which club would appeal more to you based on what i've described?

Oh, and the owner/breeder of King Doberman Kennels (there's a thread of them in the archive i believe) belongs to one of the clubs. I'll just say "hmmmm".

I'm seeing stars in my head.

BackInBlack

I think it really depends on what you want/expect from a club.

If you want to be competitive in the sport and want the best training possible, I would go to the club that the dogs look more "polished" If you want to just go out and do some training here and there, the other club would be fine.

I personally like clubs where the TD is very involved in the training. I need the guidance, and I have alot to learn. I need someone to tell me what I am doing wrong, or if I am making simple mistakes or giving off cues. (alot of the time I don't even realize that I am doing these things until they are pointed out)

To me, the dogs and handlers tell the story about the club. If there are alot of successful dogs and handlers, they are doing something right.

I love to watch flashy obedience, and I want to be at a club where I can learn that. Obedience is the backbone of it all to me. I have a long, long way to go.....but excellent obedience is a goal for me. I also want a good, safe, fair helper for my dogs. Some helpers are excellent trial helpers, but they dont make good training helpers and vice versa.

You might continue to go out to both for awhile and observe. You will know which one you are more comfortable with.

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Khiera

Thanks BIB, those were some really good thoughts

One of these clubs had a couple of members that did really well in the recent Canadian Nationals, but that was also the club which looked less "polished" overall in their work. It doesn't help that i have such an untrained eye i guess! I think i should go hunt up results of past nationals.

BTW, i LOVE your new signature graphic!
(Chomp is cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute ... sorry, couldn't resist lol)

robinb

I agree with everything BIB said. The only thing that I would add is look for a club who trains each dog as an individual, not just one way of doing things, as dogs are different.

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Zucker

Hey Khiera
Would you mind chatting through pm which clubs you visited? I'm in the same boat as you, would love to compare notes.
Thanks

Khiera

I don't mind at all What would you like to know? Are you in Ontario as well? Send me a PM and i'll get back to you Just at work right now and have to keep board stuff it "low key" ... heh

Julie W

I agree with everything Amanda said. And I think you did a really good job of observing both clubs and noting their differences. You just scratched the surface on discovering the two clubs, and with a few more visits and also visiting other clubs (even if you have no desire to join them due to distance) you will get a very clear picture in your mind of which club "fits" you best. It would be hard to decide for most any person, especially one new to the sport like us, after just one visit. But after a few more visits, plus to other clubs and starting work with your dog with each of them your decision will be much easier. I know it is a lot of time and effort in the beginning trying them all on for size, but it's only temporary until you decide which one to join. I don't think I would want to deal with a lot of drinking at club, but if it's off the field in a non-working environment than they are all adults so whatever. I personally don't think egos (which there is often times an abundance in this sport) and alcohol mix well.

I was lucky in that I didn't have much of a choice. LOL My club is only one of two active clubs in my area and mine is by far the more active of the two. My club has much more of an informal training style like the one club you visited. Everyone helps everyone else and I normally don't even work with our TD. She's a TD in name and offers help to the brand new members, but in OB we more work with one of the helpers and each other, and in protection we work only with the helpers, and there are 3-4 of them and they all work completely different. You really need to have a strong sense of what type of training you want to do in my club and take the initiative yourself.

I'm enjoying reading all about your foray into schutzhund and look forward to following your posts regarding your experiences.

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