|
|
Post by barongsd on Dec 15, 2003 22:37:45 GMT -5
Well, I already know I have a "beautiful" dog .... but over the week end while at a conformation show it struck me that these dogs need to do more than run and pose ..... how many of y'all do Obedience competitivly? I have, of course, watched it at shows but I do not know anything about how it all works. It has been recommended that I get the book by Winifred Strickland titled "Expert Obedience Training for Dogs" ..... and I will be getting that. What else should I know before I get myself involved in this? All hints and suggestions will be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blitzen123 on Dec 15, 2003 23:19:18 GMT -5
Winnie Strickland is the authority on training this breed, I cannot tell you how much I admire this woman. She's 87 and still showing her dogs. I just heard she was at a local match, 4 GSD's in her Mercedes coupe (as usual, she never crated her dogs). While she was in the ring with one dog, the other 3 were on long downs at ringside awaiting their turns. She has put over 200 OB titles on GSD's and holds many all breed records with her GSD's. Anyone interested in seeing what a true dog person is all about can log on to her website at Wynthea.com
Her OB book is excellent, I also own the breed book authored with Jimmie Moses. I just love some of the photos in her OB book especially the one with a GSD sitting on the seat of a yard tractor "driving". Seated behind him in an open trailer are 4 GSD's just along for the ride and one walking in front carrying a market basket. It seems she could teach her GSD's to do anything.
As far as I know, she's owned and bred to imports for quite a while now and is not interested in Schutzhund, OB and tracking are her "things". I suspect if she were younger she would be into agility as well. Winnie is my idea of a great GSD breeder.
Both books are good reads and well worth the price to the GSD lover.
Blitzen
|
|
|
|
Post by barongsd on Dec 17, 2003 0:25:51 GMT -5
I got her "Expert Obedience and Training for Dogs - Fourth Edition" today. It is very interesting reading. I am impressed with her accomplishments
|
|
|
|
Post by gsdoglady on Dec 17, 2003 2:35:52 GMT -5
I fondly remember the week-long obedience camps Wynn Strickland used to put on. She is a remarkable person.
|
|
|
|
Post by TheDahliMamma on Dec 17, 2003 6:06:57 GMT -5
I love the working titles. And, personally, I like to see dogs that have brains and beauty!! I have titled my dogs in several different venues.
My personal feelings are that AKC obedience is pretty intense. Competitors are very serious. Thats not a bad thing, you just need to be prepared for it when you get there. In my experience, UKC (United Kennel Club) is more "fun" and I love the competition because they allow mixed breed dogs. Just a little bit different feeling next to the ring. The UKC novice is harder, IMHO and includes a recall over the jump which AKC does not. Also in UKC, they do an honoring dog for the long down where your dog does the down stay in the ring while another dog is working. AKC does not and I feel this is a more difficult test.
Neither are right or wrong, you just have to decide which is most comfortable for you and your dog. I like to title both my purebreds and mixed breeds. My Hattie (GSD) is titled both AKC and UKC. The unfortunate part for me is that UKC obedience trials are few and far between in my geographic area.
I use clicker training with my dogs. My favorite author is Morgan Spector: Clicker Training for Obedience. He was one of the first people to use clicker training for competition and worked for several years with the Baileys...the people who developed the use of the clicker with dogs about 10 years ago.
Good luck in your adventures! There is something just wonderful about all the things you learn about your dog and the relationship that develops when you do working trials!!!
Fran
|
|
|
|
Post by Blitzen123 on Dec 17, 2003 9:55:12 GMT -5
I've tried clicker training with my GSD, but he didn't respond all that well, he's a typical hard-headed German or maybe I am a stupid trainer LOL.
Winnie's theory is that the GSD learns and performs because of it's inborn integrity and work ethic. She does not use strong corrections, prongs, e-collars or treats. She treats them with dignity, shows them what she wants them to do and, obviously, they do it witnessed by the record number of perfect scores earned by her dogs. She is a perfectionist I guess, but trains in a very different manner than many of us have been taught at OB classes. I believe she offers videos for sale on her website, I haven't seen any of them.
Some day I fully expect to attend a show where Winnie is showing and seeing one of her dogs driving that Mercedes with her seated next to him. That woman can teach a GSD to do anything LOL.
Blitzen
|
|
Jody
Junior Member
Posts: 12
|
Post by Jody on Dec 21, 2003 8:49:41 GMT -5
For competitive obedience you have a couple of camps.. you have the people that say no food no toys.. and then you have the other.. I think you have to watch some good proformances and see what you like.. a dog that does everything correctly.. or a dog that does everything correctly with attitude. I like to see drivey dogs that are correct. I would get the book Training in Drive by Sheila Booth.. or Joanne Plumbs Video's.
|
|
LisaH
Full Member
VA Bay Romaxa
Posts: 88
|
Post by LisaH on Dec 21, 2003 9:48:01 GMT -5
After reading everybody's post's I ordered the book this morning.I can not wait to read it.Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by TheDahliMamma on Dec 21, 2003 11:16:21 GMT -5
Agreed, there are "camps" everywhere. What is important is that you try a few things and take what works for you and your dog. There are no "right and wrong" ways to train. Only what works for you.
Good luck!
Fran
|
|
