Knowledge or Opinion on Schutzund
 

I talked to Lobo's (my GSD friend) owner about schutzund to hear about her knowledge and opinion. You see I told her that I would like to join a schutzund club to learn more about it. She said she doesn't know that much about it but been talked to by someone that schutzund is negative and they hit the dog a lot and can make dogs mean. She also said I may not like it because it's negative. Well I'm not so sure if it's negative or not. Don't know much about it, despite my research. She was going to go to get a GSD in Santa Cruz about over a year ago but decided not to get one there because they emphasize schutzund. Although if schutzund doesn't work out I can still find other things to do with GSDs like Lobo's owner and others suggested.

I think before deciding anything about the sport, you need to go to a few clubs and visit. I don't think it's negative at all. The 'stick' isn't used to harm the dog. It's also not like it's a steel pipe or base ball bat! IMO, those dogs are generally much more controlled than your average dog. Obedience is an absolute must. I saw dogs who were HAPPY. They were engaged with their handlers. They were happy to work. It's easy to take what someone says at face value. Educate your self, and go check this out for yourself. As far as 'hitting the dog a lot" I never saw that. I'd also say "wrong" about them being mean. It takes a stable dog to do SchH. The club I went to requires a temperament test, and doesn't allow dogs that are aggressive (like you're thinking) into the club. Trialing an aggressive dog would be very difficult, because any show of aggression (except during protection phase) disqualifies you.

@Jag so is it common for people to be misunderstood by the schutzund sport?

To go off of what Jag said. Fiirst just get your pupster feeling cozy in your home then start to look into the sport. You dont have to do schutzhund if you dont want to. Many people start to do it then stop because its "Time consuming" or its too much for them... I guess :p Many dogs will want to work and will be happy and have fun doing schuzthund. The helpers aren't beating the dog. They are just trying to see if the dog will let go of the bite because they get scared of the stick... I believe that schutzhund dogs are better trained and they wont go around bitting someone. The first schutzhund club I went to the trainer said that schutzhund dogs are way better trained and are actually less likely to bite someone since you have them under control and trained. If you train them well you will have a loyal trusted companion. Like what Jag said, You can't have an aggressive dog. They wont allow it. You must have a calm obedient dog at all times.

GSD's aren't just for schutzhund they are great at being your best friend. If you get a pup with parents that did schutzhund. Most likely the puppy will have a good drive and if you decide not to do schutzhund you will just have to work on controlling those drives.

I dont know if many are mistaken with schutzhund but if you inform yourself about it you'll find that it it just a great dog sport. I mean my 10 year old brother finds it cool. If he asks a question I'll answer it with the truth and he'll be like awesome! :D I guess it all depends on who you ask. Its like a prong collar. If you show a person off the street a picture they'll probably be like "Ew! What kind of disgusting evil torturous monster would ever use that on a dog." (I mean my mom said something like that when I told her we need one for schutzhund but when I told her more info about it she warmed up to the idea and bought one) But if you show one to someone who knows about the prong collar they'll say "Yeah I need one for training or I need one because my dog pulls, and that it doesn't torture the dog it just makes them focus and listen to you." Haha! Is that confusing?? Idk. Schutzhund is just one big fun sport! :)

My troll radar is flashing.

Me?

He's a teenager...

i think 4score is talking about the OP. 4score's radar is off on this one.
i think the OP is young and starting to learn about GSD's.

research GSD's and find out all the great things they can do.
there's no sport designed to hurt the dog.

From what I have seen there is both a lot of GOOD in schutzhund training and some bad depending on the background and direction of the team. I believe some things are misinterpreted (like the clatter stick). Some of the dogsport trainers I know have the best mastry of motivational training methods.

You have mentioned a certain amount of respect for Cesar Milan yet a lot of dog folks I know consider HIS techniques to be abusive. Some of the concepts you have mentioned about alpha and all that are old school to many and out the window.

What you NEED to do is go see for yourself and if you perceive something as offensive need to ask on the sport for an explanation. Also some dogs bred for serious work do have stronger drives and require a more experienced handler.