Can I fit in at the local Schutzhund club?
 

I would like to start working toward Max's BH, so joining the local club would probably be the way to start. We have a well-respected club/trainer locally.

I only want to work OB, no protection , and I am a mostly positive handler. I am not into shock therapy. Don't worry, I will correct if necessary, but in teaching OB there really shouldnt be need for much correction..only direction and encouragement.

So, my question...is there a place for someone like me?

Probably. I've never used an e-collar either and never plan to (though probably for different reasons) but it hasn't been an issue with clubs I've trained with. Lots of people do use them, I just don't and no one's ever pressured me. Usually I see more issues with people doing only one phase because most "clubs" (as opposed to a pay-to-play group) are an all-or-nothing commitment. That doesn't mean you have to DO protection but you might be expected to be there for training the entire day and help out through all three phases. With my original club we had a few people start training that only wanted one or two phases and insisted they would stay the whole time, help out, try to learn, etc and all fizzled and eventually left pretty quickly. Personally, I would guess you are already more committed than most of them were, but just something to think about and discuss with the club.

Both my SchH club and my SDA club have people that only do OB. As far as fitting in, that all depends on the club. The best thing to do is visit many clubs, look at training styles, be up front about what you're looking to do and go from there.

There are many pay to train type clubs that have teams coming and going within their own schedule(and probably have scheduled field time.
To stay all day during club doesn't happen unless the person is into socializing with other members or sponging up what is going on on the training field.

If the club you are going to is a core group of dedicated people(competitive!) it may be harder, just to do obedience.

I really don't see where (not)using an ecollar is going to be an issue, everyone has their own program and adjusts it according to the dogs progress. Who cares what others use in their toolbox?
Talk to the TD/club and see where you'd fit in.

I do not use electric, and I do get some grief from people (mostly good-spirited, some not so much) .

Depends on the club and the trainers. All you can do is talk to them and ask.

I want to work with the best trainers that I can afford and that I jive with. I feel pretty lucky in the way of agility with my trainer: I do think she's probably the best agility handler in Indiana. I'm very lucky to get to work with her and form that friendship!!

Clearly obedience is your thing. You have the opportunity to work with a world champion- at the very least, I think you should give it a shot. That said, if a world champion tells you to do something that goes against your personal training philosophy, have you thought about your response? I think I would consider my response before attending, but I certainly would attend with an open mind and give it a go...

This!! Keep an open mind for sure.

:thumbup:

Just don't go "all in" until you're 'formally' accepted into the club. Keep in mind that each club I've come across has a waiting period. So go, have fun, but don't commit yourself to it until you're an official member.