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knightsbff posted 1/25/2014 16:06 PM

My GSD is 16 months old. We have completed basic obedience and she's a sweet girl but we need more training.

I'm interested in competing in some sort of dog sport with her but am having trouble finding a trainer or club to work with near my rural area.

I'm interested in hearing how others got started in any dog sport and advice about how to find help getting started.

I also want to complete Canine Good Citizen.

If you can recommend a great trainer or board and train I would love to hear those as well.

I had set up to work with a trainer to try rally but the trainer moved before we could really get started.

million pieces posted 1/25/2014 17:54 PM

I had a shepherd/border collie mix and we went through many classes together. We were in NC and all of our classes were through the local SPCA. I was dirt poor, but if I assisted in a class, I got a class for free. We did puppy, basic ob, CGC, agility beg, and parades. My girl was silly and just wanted to play, so we didn't go too far. My other dog LOVED to work for me, but had issues with other dogs that precluded off leash work (she was a rescue). This all stopped when I started having kids, but I would love to return to agility in the future.

tesla posted 1/25/2014 19:53 PM

How far away is your local dog club? I got obedience training for a dog through the local club and they also offered agility (they hosted competitions). If 4-H is active in your area, they usually have dog groups with kids on training, handling, and showing dogs...they may have a contact for you.

knightsbff posted 1/25/2014 23:00 PM

I think the nearest GSD club is about 3 hours north. I don't mind traveling. That dog club doesn't even have a web site though. I will have to try emailing someone.

Deeply Scared posted 1/26/2014 08:08 AM

I also want to complete Canine Good Citizen.

Teddy qualified and got his certificate and medal two years ago He wears his medal proudly...lol!!

I think it's great that you're wanting to do more with your dog...they absolutely thrive when given challenges.

Since you're in a rural area, I would call your nearest PetSmart and talk to one of the trainers there for recommendations. Many of the trainers also moonlight with private training lessons and I know from experience that they're (in our area at least) excellent dog trainers

Catwoman posted 1/26/2014 08:34 AM

Use the AKC website and see if there is an AKC obedience club near you.

I would also talk to your dog's breeder about area resources. Breed people seem to have a lot of good resources of this nature.

Cat

deeplysad posted 1/26/2014 13:16 PM

Use the AKC website and see if there is an AKC obedience club near you.

AKC.org is the site and there's lots of info there.

Also, find out if there are any dog shows within driving distance of you and if they offer obedience judging. It would be a great place to meet exhibitors and talk to them about where they train.

Mousse242 posted 1/26/2014 17:45 PM

Also look for an all-breed club or even maybe a 4H that might do training with dogs?? You local park district may have training classes too.