Working towards a BH?

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#21
I agree that the BH sounds like considerably more than a CGC, but a CGC is considerably more than "breathing and hasn't bitten anyone". (and the 2nd part isn't necessarily true. A dog could bite someone, and still get a CGC, they just can't have bitten someone during the CGC.)
I was being more facetious than factual :) I've seen a few CGC's done and they weren't too involved relatively speaking. Again it depends on what the end goal is as to what is "a lot" of training and what isn't.

A BH is considerably more than a CGC. It is also considered a basic temp and OB test that one must pass in order to go for titles. Judges do have a fair amount of leeway when judging these. Some dogs can fail a few exercises, but if they judge thinks the dog has what it takes to move on, they'll over looks somethings like dogs coming to heel instead of a front, or downing on a sit in motion or vice versa. Where in a trial for a title you'd be penalized much more heavily and probably won't pass.

Here's a video of a nice BH done by a friend of mine to give you an idea of what the OB portion is like.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JqMNKtg2zPs?list=UUm4XcKMPJzMjJ1292frgZww" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 

AdrianneIsabel

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#22
. The heeling pattern will not be our issue. Our issue will likely be the long down, and then the bikers, joggers, etc..
This is exactly what many forget, when you have a sharper, edgier, more environmentally alert dog it's far less about the technical aspects and more about the whole package. It's workable and a real accomplishment with dogs as such but it's not as easily done as some may feel.

Also judges definitely do vary, most want BHs to pass and will help where they can (mine totally did, we failed on our own merit, being less socially exposed than I thought- and we had our CGC) but not all are so forgiving.

I think it's great you're shooting for it even if its the only thing you'll do in the sport.
 

AdrianneIsabel

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#23
Oh Kes failed his first time too - handler error due to nerves sealed the fail after he broke the long down (I touched him). His BHs were both easy compared to some I've seen and heard about: group was standing still and silent, traffic portion was literally one pass by the car, dog-dog assessed in the traffic portion with handler present, etc. Aeri passed on her first try with a much harder judge (followed rules to a T, though the group was still calm), but NQ'd in AKC obedience because her stand stay isn't solid yet.
Yup, we had an extreme group compare to people we've talked to, I'm not complaining as much as I wish I would have known to train for it more. Also our traffic safety was about 15 people who joyfully passing pressuring and even bumped (the judge laughed and said not that close guys) Sloan and Denis, I was genuinely thankfully at that age Backup didn't make it that far. The bike was ridden by a kid and he was ringing the bell nonstop and swerving, again the judge laughed and said don't run them over kid! Sloan didn't have an issue but Backup would have sidestepped out of concern. Now I know what to practice for and if the next BH is a breeze that's great but we sure got thrown in the deep end with ours. lol
 

stardogs

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#24
Oh and I did forget to mention, at least with UScA, there IS a rules test the handler takes as well, prior to the OB and traffic portions. The handler only has to take it the one time, even if their dog doesn't pass, but you do need to study the rules.
 

AgilityPup

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#25
This is exactly what many forget, when you have a sharper, edgier, more environmentally alert dog it's far less about the technical aspects and more about the whole package. It's workable and a real accomplishment with dogs as such but it's not as easily done as some may feel.

Also judges definitely do vary, most want BHs to pass and will help where they can (mine totally did, we failed on our own merit, being less socially exposed than I thought- and we had our CGC) but not all are so forgiving.

I think it's great you're shooting for it even if its the only thing you'll do in the sport.
Simi is one of thoe more edgy dogs, honestly. And I think that a lot of this will be a great test for her, and when she's able to pass it, I feel like she will be a more steady, sound dog in general.

I am going for the BH because CGN (canine good neighbor or whatever) are very rare around here, Obedience competitions are few and far between, and because the local Schutzhund club is one that is full of working bred GSDs, including Simi's breeder who is the head trainer, and I feel like some of Simi's... well, quirks will be better accepted and handled in this club opposed to elsewhere.
 
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#26
Raptor and I are doing his BH on the 30th of this month. I'm not worried. Basically, if the dog stays with you on heeling, stops on the exercises out of motion, recalls to you, and stays on the long down, you'll pass the obedience part.

As far as the environmental part, I never worry about it but I can see how some dogs it might be an issue. Get them used to the scenarios before you go.
 

AgilityPup

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#27
This will take some training for Simi, I am sure, and I'm not going to rush her into it.

As of right now, I'm trying to think of a way to raise some money to try and pay the $250 membership fees... Made up some Schtuzhund related t-shirt designs (I'm going to do some general dog and agility ones too)... anyone interested in seeing?
 

stardogs

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#28
Given your restrictions on options for obedience trialling, the BH *does* make more sense. Bummer that you have to pay full club fees for just a BH, tho - might they take payments? Our club has done that before.

I'd looove to see tshirt designs....
 

AgilityPup

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#30
Given your restrictions on options for obedience trialling, the BH *does* make more sense. Bummer that you have to pay full club fees for just a BH, tho - might they take payments? Our club has done that before.

I'd looove to see tshirt designs....
I am also going to look into doing some tracking with her, and who knows, I might also do some protection work after, it's hard to tell, really. I gotta get a taste for it, with my own dog, first. I've watched a lot, just haven't ever had the chance to do it myself.

I'll make another thread for the t-shirt designs! :)
 
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#32
I am also going to look into doing some tracking with her, and who knows, I might also do some protection work after, it's hard to tell, really. I gotta get a taste for it, with my own dog, first. I've watched a lot, just haven't ever had the chance to do it myself.

I'll make another thread for the t-shirt designs! :)
I think protection is the best part :) If you're going to join a club that's the part you have to do. You don't need anybody else to do OB or tracking
 

FG167

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#34
Yup, we had an extreme group compare to people we've talked to, I'm not complaining as much as I wish I would have known to train for it more. Also our traffic safety was about 15 people who joyfully passing pressuring and even bumped (the judge laughed and said not that close guys) Sloan and Denis, I was genuinely thankfully at that age Backup didn't make it that far. The bike was ridden by a kid and he was ringing the bell nonstop and swerving, again the judge laughed and said don't run them over kid! Sloan didn't have an issue but Backup would have sidestepped out of concern. Now I know what to practice for and if the next BH is a breeze that's great but we sure got thrown in the deep end with ours. lol
Your BH sounds...horrible! LOL I've never seen one so difficult before, ever. Kastle has no environmental concerns, but *I* would not be happy that someone bumped into my dog while walking. And I mean that in general - I do not like people touching me/my dog, although my dog doesn't give a crap.

I think protection is the best part :) If you're going to join a club that's the part you have to do. You don't need anybody else to do OB or tracking
True story. About 90% of Kastle's obedience/tracking I did on my own without a club. Even when I was IN a club, I trained them on my own and had my own plans. I just joined another club and have just started protection again.
 

Flyinsbt

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#35
I was being more facetious than factual :) I've seen a few CGC's done and they weren't too involved relatively speaking. Again it depends on what the end goal is as to what is "a lot" of training and what isn't.

A BH is considerably more than a CGC. It is also considered a basic temp and OB test that one must pass in order to go for titles. Judges do have a fair amount of leeway when judging these. Some dogs can fail a few exercises, but if they judge thinks the dog has what it takes to move on, they'll over looks somethings like dogs coming to heel instead of a front, or downing on a sit in motion or vice versa. Where in a trial for a title you'd be penalized much more heavily and probably won't pass.
For some people, training for and achieving a CGC is a big deal, and I wouldn't like those people to feel belittled. There are behaviors the dogs have to have trained. And no, they aren't really at competition level, but for some people, still feels like an accomplishment.

I did say that I thought the BH sounded like considerably more.
 

AgilityPup

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#37
Do you actually HAVE to join the club?

Nico and I will be getting our BH one of these days...:rofl1:
I've never trained anything like this on my own, so yes, I'll be joining the club, and Simi has some people issues that I really need the help of that club to work through so I need to join.
 
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#38
If your club meets once a week, that is less than $5 a session. When you compare to agility, herding, etc, it's a deal! Most clubs meet twice a week. Even better deal.
 

AgilityPup

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#39
If your club meets once a week, that is less than $5 a session. When you compare to agility, herding, etc, it's a deal! Most clubs meet twice a week. Even better deal.
Actually, this club meets three times a week. And it's a smallish group so you get a lot of training time, and they're very welcoming. I've been watching for ages and they've all made me feel very at home. I likely will only be able to go once or twice a week because of work, but still. Like you said, less than $5 a session, and considering I pay around $120 for 6 weeks of agility (so $20 a session) that's not too shabby! And it's the same price for 6 weeks of obedience here, too. So yeah, I know that the price to join isn't that bad, and I'll get my moneys worth... it's just a matter of raising the money. I'm in the process of trying to buy a house with the boyfriend right now, so things are tight. Hoping I can sell some shirts to make up the price.
 

AdrianneIsabel

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#40
I've never trained anything like this on my own, so yes, I'll be joining the club, and Simi has some people issues that I really need the help of that club to work through so I need to join.
Do it, it's not easy on your own when it's a first, plus it helps a lot to have eyes and helpers. :)

Falon, I've heard a lot that our BH was really on the extreme for spacial challenges, no one was purposefully challenging us, those that bumped Sloan were commented on by the judge, and really it was an awesome club and judge but they were all very jovial and physically active which was far more challenging for my young inexperienced, specially aware, dog and me as well. Also, I don't like being touched or crowded and strangers watching me make me uneasy so I'm sure I hinder my dog a fair amount but that's why it's a team effort, or so some smug asshole says. lol Needless to say it was rough for us but Denis, Mr unflappable, and Sloan, Ms warhorse, were fine.

I am pretty sure Backup would pass that same BH now but he's matured, more exposed, better trained, and I know how to work a dog like him a lot better now. That said, who knows, all I know is we'll be **** proud if we do, and then on to the easy stuff like Bitework. :p
 

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