Dogs:
"The Dude" - Canadian-bred German Shepherd "Nasti Adam"
Why Schutzhund?:
Why Schutzhund? I got started because it looked like a fun thing to do with my dog - but it has become so much more. Schutzhund is the ultimate "enjoy the journey" sport. Trophies, ribbons and accolades are few and far between, even for the top level competitors - and non-schutzhund folk have no idea what it is or why it's significant. I do it for the challenge of understanding and communicating with my dog, for the team-bond that develops between us, for the camaraderie with fellow dog-sport folks. I do it for sudden flashes of insight, for when the dog shows he really understands. I do it for tracks brilliantly followed, perfect heeling, or watching a powerful dog intimidate a helper - and it doesn't matter if it's my dog or not. I do it for days spent outdoors, for sunshine and a soft breeze, when the rain breaks and the sun streams through the clouds, or a soft mist makes the tracking field a place of mystery. Small details that make a complex and intricate whole. Schutzhund isn't a sport - it's a lifestyle.
Type of training preferred?:
Successful. It's all about the dog and doing what works for the dog.
Best part of Schutzhund?:
Seeing how much the dogs love it.
What are your goals in Schutzhund?:
My goal is to work with my dog, train hard, play hard, have some fun, teach others what I can, and honor the effort of all the people who have helped me - by titling my dog. I have learned so much from those who have gone before me - truly any accomplishments I have are because "I stand on the shoulders of giants."
Have you titled any other dogs?:
This is my second schutzhund dog - I took my first dog to her SchH 1 before retiring her due to health limitations.
