Put up or shut up (callin ya'll out) - Page 5

There's nothing wrong with being new and still learning, old and still learning, experienced and still learning.  AKC titles are still working titles, lots of work, time, money and travel go into any and all titles and anyone working toward titles of any kind should be very proud of what they have accomplished or are working on accomplishing.  I have been training dogs for quite a number of years, and still I have a lot to learn, I learn something new everytime I work with another trainer and see another dog being worked.  There is never a peak on learning something new that may help you with your dog, or learning what not to do with your dog (it's still learning and growing as a trainer/dog handler).  Kudos to everyone who works their dogs, titles or not - and those who are still willing to learn despite years of experience.

molly

Eichenluft Working German Shepherds

http://workinggermanshepherd.com

I've had GSDs for nearly 30 years (bought my first pup in 1979) and all I have to show for it is a lifetime of enjoyment and a "Top Dog" award from Petsmart after Trigger's last grooming

When I first read this thread I wasn't too clear on GARD's reasoning for starting it. Looked to me like an excuse to brag and not much else. Now that I've read it, I see that  I was wrong and he's only looking to try to qualify those who come here giving advice and sharing information with others.  In that respect, it's been a learning experience for me. Some have done some very impressive things with their dogs that I'd not have known had this thread not been generated. It's also nice to read posts from those just getting their start in the breed and training especially the younger people like SharpDawg. The interest in dog sports seems to be dwindling and hearing that a guy his age is into training dogs is a good thing.

Just sign me old and still learning .................

Yes, I agree...... SharpDawg, i just love hearing about "kids" your age getting involved in dogs..... although I got my first GSD when I was 12, I just puttered around..parents weren't interested and didn't have the funds or time, so I never got into really training dogs and competing until I was (ahem!) older..... trying to make up for lost time and I look up to a lady in our area who is 68 and still training dogs and doing Schutzhund, I want to be her!!!  I do have a ways to go!!

It is refreshing to see younger folks involved, we have some very young club members and it is hard to keep them focused sometimes cuz they do want to play without their dogs!!

Years ago, I was at an agility trial with Cruz and there was this little girl couldn't be more than 8 running the cutest little Papillon and I couldn't help but go up to her and her parents and cheer them on..... also told her how fortunate she was to be able to participate at her age!! Very nice girl.. nowadays, there are lots of young people in agility.. its something we need to encourage in all our dog sports!

Well said. The longer I am in the sport, and the more dogs I train, the more I realize I DON'T know! Kudos to all the above and below who have taken the time, effort, and funding to train dogs for anything. In the end, its all a labor of love for the dogs.

SS

it is the decoy that makes or breaks the dog!!

GOOD POINT!

Thank you Molly

Putting an AKC or UKC or ASCA title (Obedience, Agility, Rally.......)on a dog means lots of training time, money  and heartbreak. But most of all joy!!!  Even with a NQ.

Will I ever get to an OTCH level? Probably not!

Do I love my dogs? More then life itself.

I have been in Schutzhund for a few years. Finding the right training director/helper was most important. We would be no where with out our club support and training director.

Lasher (AB) BST (breed suitabilty test), ID3 (iron dog 3), SchH1--- Hoping to get the ellusive 3 this summer.

Skinner (AB) BH (retired and now my husbands frisbee dog & #1 companion).

Havok (GSD puppy) Hopefully will get his BH this fall. Maybe a TR1.

I agree that the decoy is paramount, but I also think that you are a team and it is very important to take an active roll discussing your goals for each session.

Julie

I think this is a great thread!  I am really pleased that it pertains to dogs as well.  Ok, here goes: I got my first GSD in 1984 and began to get into obedience training and agility with that dog. I tried to learn everything I could as dog behavior and canine psychology fascinates me.  In 1994 I got my second dog, "Herman;" V Zeus vom Mimisonweg SchH 3 AD Kkl1a, as a puppy and started SchH training with him.  He was handler owner trained from a puppy to a SchH 3 as all of my dogs are.  He was a very hard dog and taught me many valuable lessons about training.  He suffered a spinal injury at around 5 years old and I retired him from competing.  In 1999, I got Annabelle von Einschuh SchH 3, IPO 2 as a puppy.  I took the lessons learned from Herman and decided I wouldn't make the same mistakes with Annabelle.  Annabelle is 9 years old now, motivationally trained to a SchH 3 and semi-retired, although she doesn't know it.   I am planning on doing an FH with her this spring as she is an exceptional tracking dog.  Here is a link to her pedigree: http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/395405.html  I still do obedience with her regulary and tracking, but not as much bite work.  She is super high drive in obedience and lots of fun to work.  In 2006, I got my current dog "Boomer" (Liam v Sitz von der Hose) as a puppy.  Here is a link to Boomer's pedigree:  http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/pedigree/469183.html  Boomer has just turned 2 years old and is an outstanding dog.  He will be going for his BH in April or May, SchH 1 in May, SchH 2 in June, and the 3 in the fall.  He is a very high drive dog that is excelling in all areas of his training.  I wish I could take more of the credit for this but I think it's his genetics.  His mother, Anita auto Dam has produced several great dogs, I think 2 were in this years nationals.  I am also currently training Boomer as a police K-9.  He is doing scent discrimantion tracking, building and area searches, suit and muzzle work.  I am currently a narcotics detective and am hoping to be transferred to K-9 in June.(first opening in K-9 in over 3 years.)  In my ideal world, Boomer will be my K-9 partner.

I have been doing decoy work since '95.  I am currently certified by both the GSDCA-WDA and USA.  I also work our departments K-9's on a regular basis.  I love doing helper work.  For me it is really a very interesting way to look into a dog's mind.  It has helped me become a better handler by having the perspective form both sides of the dog.  I am in USA's SchH 3 club and have been a member since '94. 

I truly enjoy working with my dogs and decoying for other peoples dogs.  I also have tremondous respect for anyone who participates in any sport or activity with their dog, whether it is Schutzhund, AKC obedience, agility, tracking, SAR, etc.   Just go out and have fun with your dog. 

Jim

Awesome dogs, Jim, with impressive pedigrees.

Gotta love "sitz von der hose" (seat of the pants) for a kennel name! LOL

SS