Trying something new and exciting!

Leah found a new local Schutzhund club that wasn't put off by Dobermans.  WIN!  To become a member, you have to attend three training sessions to see what they are working on and what kind of people they are.  We've gone to one already, and it was really nice - everyone helps each other, and no one cares if your dog isn't able to participate in all three phases of the training.  They are pretty knowledgeable too - intent on using motivation to get the spirit of the dog in the sport.  It's RAD!  We get to head out there again on Sunday and test Rocket and Jayne on the protection portion to see if they can be started.

The club put on a ATTS test a few weeks ago.  It was interesting to see how different breeds respond to the same stimuli.  The judge was the former director of the ATTS and hilarious to boot.  He had a really good understanding of dogs' purpose and how it would relate to their reaction to specific stimuli.  He expected that Dobermans, based on their purpose, would remain between their handler and any strangers that approached.  Rocket passed the evaluation with average scores on everything - the main goal!  He thought, though, that he could stop the aggressive stranger in his tracks by showing him his ass instead of his mouth.  So smart.....

My goal of showing Rocket and Kaylee at Doberman Nationals is still in effect.  They are both so smart and willing to work.  Our main issue is distractions - I have to teach them to ignore what is going on around them - and that's against their nature. 

I'm still using a clicker for almost all of their behaviors.  When they get a 100% understanding of what a command means, I may move them to prong collars to help reinforce what I'm asking - simply to avoid the "blow off" - which is something Kaylee likes to do.  ;)

So far, so good!