The Rogue Valley Schutzhund

The Rogue Valley Schutzhund is currently open to membership. However, depending on the number of active members we may place a limit on new applicants in order to continue providing quality training to all of our members and those who are interested entitling their dogs.

If you are interested in becoming a member we require you come out and visit the club and members and participate in at least four training sessions to ensure that our goals and training methods are equally suited. We will be happy to discuss the membership process and provide the club by laws, training rules and membership requirements when you visit.

As with many sports enthusiasts The Rogue Valley Schutzhund members enjoy the unique camaraderie and friendship that grows out of pursuing common interests and goals. Because participation in the sport breeds a special closeness not only between the single owner and dog but collectively as a group, we usually invite prospective members to train with us several times. This gives us all a chance to meet and become acquainted with one another and gives the person(s) contemplating membership a chance to truly understand The Rogue Valley Schutzhund.

It goes without saying that an The Rogue Valley Schutzhund member supports their fellow members at events and trials, and an The Rogue Valley Schutzhund membership also requires volunteer time to help with field maintenance, housekeeping, trials, seminars, conformation shows, breed surveys and other events hosted by our club.

In keeping with the true meaning of Schutzhund (IGP) training and culture, we welcome guests – whether traveling from the next county, across the country or the world. If you find yourself in our area please accept our invitation to come visit and train with us at any time. We’d love to see you!

Schedule

Question: What days and times do you train?
Answer: Are you interested in joining The The Rogue Valley Schutzhund for a day of training? Currently the club is training on Saturdays from 9 AM till 2 PM depending on how many participants we have. Tuesday’s training is on a week to week basis depending on weather and availability.

Typical Training Day

Question:What To Expect?
Answer: Each training day starts with obedience or tracking depending on the needs of the dog and handler. Once everybody has had the opportunity to work their dog in each phase once or twice protection will start. Our certified helper Eric is not always available due to his work schedule. We also asked that a small fee of $20.00 to our helper Eddie for his continued dedication and hard work.

What To Bring

Question: What do I need to bring?
Answer: Dog Crate: All dogs are required to be crated when they are not with their owners. If you are a first-time visitor do not need to purchase a crate but if you continue to train with us it will be required. If you cannot fit one into your vehicle you can teach us a collapsible crate and set it up each time you come.
Water: You will need to bring plenty of water for your dog as there is not water always available.
Restrooms: Restrooms are not always available so please plan accordingly.
Poop Bags: All members are required to pick up after their dog.
Training Supplies: If you are a first-time member please make sure that you bring plenty of training bait. Hot dogs or cheese is strongly recommended, your dog’s kibble is not recommended. You will need a sturdy leash and collar. Other supplies you can borrow your first day of training and future supplies can be discussed as you move forward in your program.
Release Form: All participants are required to submit a release form prior to any training. Participants under 18 years of age will need their parents to submit a release form.

Things to Think About

If you are interested in learning more about Schutzhund (IGP) , meeting the dogs and seeing what it's all about, the best way to start is to find a local club (like The The Rogue Valley Schutzhund ) and ask to come observe an upcoming trial or training session. Schutzhund (IGP) requires a tremendous amount of time, energy and dedication. This is far more than an eight-week obedience class. The dog and handler team must train and practice regularly, in all types of weather, at all three phases in order to succeed. Even with diligent efforts, it can take 2-3 years, sometimes longer, before dog and handler are ready to enter their first trial. At the start, this can seem like a tremendous amount of work for little return, but for those with the interest and dedication to stick it out, the rewards are phenomenal and the bond between handler and dog is almost tangible.

Each club is different, with its own different culture. Look for a club that utilizes training methods you can support, has a track record of success not just in titling dogs but also in mentoring novices, and whose membership is comprised of people you will enjoy spending lots of time with.

Consider carefully what your goals for Schutzhund (IGP) are. Do you want to go all the way and become a national level competitor? Or are you more interested in an enjoyable pastime for you and your dog? Some clubs are for serious competitors only and don't want to waste time on people who just want to have fun. Other clubs are more geared toward the weekend hobbyist, and may have neither the knowledge, experience nor desire to work with a member who has more lofty goals. And many clubs have a mix of both and are equally supportive of competitors and hobbyists alike. Look for a club that has the same goals and people with the appropriate experience to get you where you want to go and, just as importantly, make sure that they are willing and able to help teach a novice. Meet the members and their dogs, watch the training, and ask lots of questions.

In Germany, every town typically has at least one Schutzhund club, many of which have been operation for decades. Schutzhund(IGP) is very much a family affair and social outlet as well, and some of the clubhouses and training grounds are so extravagant they are more like a country club than a dog training group. So fanciers have literally dozens of clubs to choose from, and many belong to more than one club and can train at any time, any day of the week. Not so here in North America. Schutzhund clubs are still relatively few and spread out over a huge goegraphical area. This means that it is not uncommon for SchH enthusiasts drive a couple of hours or more each way to meet for training. So while location is a factor in club selection, it is worth the effort to visit as many clubs as you can find within a reasonable distance, and pick the one that best fits your personality and goals. This is far more important than which club is the cheapest or closest.

If you have a dog already that you think may make a good Schutzhund (IGP) prospect, take your dog to the club and have it evaluated. The Training Director and other members will have the experience and objectivity to give you an accurate evaluation of your dog's Schutzhund (IGP) potential. If you don't have a dog for the sport, but would like to get one, start first with visiting local clubs and finding one to join. Watch the club dogs carefully, and when you seen ones that you especially like inquire as to the dog's bloodlines and from whence the dog came. Your Schutzhund club members are a great resource to help you to locate the right dog. They can also give you advice based on your skills and experience as to what mix of characteristics to look for in your first Schutzhund dog. They may even know someone who has a good dog for you, recommend a breeder, or at the very least can help you sort out bloodlines and other information to help in your search for your future Schutzhund star.