Dutch Shepherd Forum

We have only had Mya, a 3 year old DS, for a few weeks now, but would like to introduce her to Schutzhund. Can DS's still pick up on this sport at this age successfully? She is a ball of energy and has pretty impressive drive. We have been invited out to a local club to check things out, so we are excited to see what she has to offer.

I think that for many of the DS, they can learn to do any of the protection sports if their drive hasn't been completely inhibited early on. Also, there are 2 drives that dogs bite out of - prey and defense. Prey is typically the fun, confident drive. Defense is teaching them to bite out of conflict (which for some dogs is OK). Starting her off later in life, I would make sure that you have clear communication with your decoy/helper about this dog's roll in your life and make sure he doesn't start working her in a way that makes you uncomfortable.

I have seen too many lazy helpers flank a dog, or use pain to get a dog to bite. I'm not saying that these techniques are never warranted. But I am saying that for a newbie, it would never be my first choice.

Dingo started when he was 4,5, after a SAR career So it is possible

Welcome MyaDog. If you don't mind, tell us something about yourself in the introduction section on this board?