Starting Schutzhund at 3 years old? - Page 1

I have an almost 3 yr old GSD bitch and I would love to have a go at schutzhund training. I would have started before now but I've not been in the position to do so and I think it's a sport both she and I could really enjoy. I'm not a highly experienced trainer, however I have begun teaching my girl focused heeling, she has solid sits, downs, stays, retrieves, recalls. She is very quick to learn, though we have problems with distance work, ie she doesn't want to leave me. I think schutzhund could build up her confidence to work away from me with the long distance commands, plus I'm not really sure how to teach sendaways etc.

I'm not looking to compete, however I feel it's something we could both benefit from and would encourage our bond together. I could go back to working trials but I am hoping to compete in schutzhund in the future with another dog, so I wonder if this could be a good way to at least get into the sport. Do you think this could be a good thing for us?

Sure. Find a club.

Go for it. I've started with my dogs - the oldest of which will be 4 years old at the end of this year. He's only been doing it for the last month or so properly.

Also, you can both learn lots. You certainly have nothing to lose by doing it. If you find it isn't for you (or your dog) then you at least know what to expect when you choose to do it in the future with another dog. If you enjoy it and your dog does well at it, then you can both go from strength to strength.

YES. 
go for it. my female stared schh1 3years old. schh2 4years old and schh3 at the age of five with  two litters in between

Damis, I love your avatar pic!

Violet,
What Chaz said is true. Try to find a club. If you have options, check on all of them. You will likely find a group that fits you. Look for people that are genuinely willing to help you. 
Don't worry about the age of your dog and be careful of people telling you that you need a new dog right away. (I'm sure that they will have one available) 
Also, do not worry about your lack of experience.
Do not worry or get embarrassed about making mistakes in front of others.
That is what will retard your training in the long run.
Everyone, even the most experienced trainers, makes mistakes. 
Everyone (except for some of the self-professed experts on here) had to start somewhere. 
Stay away from the guy or girl that has a running commentary on everyone that is on the field training. They are usually trouble.
Best of luck and keep in mind that it is about the journey.
--Steve

Stumpy, where is it you train your dogs?

I think Drago z Eurosportu didn't get his "1" until he was four years old, now he's a national champion in Slovakia.