Schutzhund/IPO and Agility - Can they coexist? - UPDATE Post #27!

[Horsegal984]

I would start agility first, because it is much easier to train a dog used to working both up close and at a distance to them work closely than the other way around. Many obedience dogs have trouble being sent to obsticles at first, because they don’t understand to work at a farther distance. With some dogs it’s less of an issue it with a Mal they’re going to be at a big distance from you.

Plus, if you have already started agility before you do IPO then the trainer will know your dog and know there’s no reason for concern.

[Griffyn]

In short yes. I have also known dogs that have done serious bite work, and were also trained for Search and Rescue (primary job, bite work on the side) Most people just keep quiet about it, and have rock solid dogs.

[coloredhorse]

As already stated, there is absolutely no reason a dog can’t do both and even do reasonably well at both. However, it’s likely that your dog will show greater aptitude for/enjoyment of one or the other. As others have said, the biggest obstacles will likely be the trainers and communities. Hell, I had enough trouble trying to take my Mali puppy (now 5mo) to some basic puppy kindergarten classes for socialization; I was put in a corner because I had an “aggressive” breed and encouraged to muzzle her. :no: (I so need the eye-rolly emoji here!)

My pup is destined primarily for agility, possibly dock-diving, as she loves water, with a little packing/drafting, as that’s just handy to teach any farm dog that’s big enough to carry or pull a load.

[Cascades]

[QUOTE=coloredhorse;8748924]
As already stated, there is absolutely no reason a dog can’t do both and even do reasonably well at both. However, it’s likely that your dog will show greater aptitude for/enjoyment of one or the other. As others have said, the biggest obstacles will likely be the trainers and communities. Hell, I had enough trouble trying to take my Mali puppy (now 5mo) to some basic puppy kindergarten classes for socialization; I was put in a corner because I had an “aggressive” breed and encouraged to muzzle her. :no: (I so need the eye-rolly emoji here!)

My pup is destined primarily for agility, possibly dock-diving, as she loves water, with a little packing/drafting, as that’s just handy to teach any farm dog that’s big enough to carry or pull a load.[/QUOTE]

Muzzle a 5 mo old for puppy kindergarten? That’s insane! I’d for sure be looking for a new class!

[coloredhorse]

[QUOTE=Cascades;8749591]
Muzzle a 5 mo old for puppy kindergarten? That’s insane! I’d for sure be looking for a new class![/QUOTE]

She was not quite 3mo at the time. :no: I walked out, got my money back from the manager and never went back. I’ve just done basic obedience on my own, with visits to horse shows, client farms where she’s welcome, Tractor Supply, PetSmart, etc. for socialization. There’s a good local trainer I’ll use for private lessons to improve my off-leash work and hopefully one of the agility clubs will be a good match for us and I can join classes when she’s ready for that.

[Hannahsmom]

Here’s my thoughts on Mali owners. Incredibly amazing breed. If you didn’t research their need for a working career before you got one then someone is in for a rude surprise. OP sounds like you are on the right track but raise your sights a little. My terriers got CGCs without any ‘real’ training. I would be hooking up with some awesome trainers in one or more sports as you have the breed that can shine. Have a blast with your dog.

[Cascades]

Figured I’d update this thread, in case anybody is curious. Also because I have no one else to brag to.

So the past couple of weeks, nobody else has shown up to our puppy class. It seems that the other two enrolled have quit, so my dog and I have had it to ourselves. The trainer has been bringing a couple of her own dogs to class, just so my puppy can get the socialization/distraction aspect of the whole thing, which is kind of her.

Anyway, since we have the class to ourselves, and since my puppy is already proficient in everything covered in the course, we’ve been spending about the first half of class reviewing and refining, and the second half of class playing with some agility obstacles.

So far, we have conquered the tunnel (with and without turns), the chute, the A-Frame (set very low, obviously), and little bitty jumps. My puppy is OBSESSED. If we walk anywhere near an obstacle, he is making a bid to do it. He’s more interested in the obstacles than in people or other dogs, which is HUGE for him.

So, apparently we will be starting down the agility road! I’m still interested in IPO, so we will probably still explore that option as well, but since he’s having so much fun right now with the agility, I’d hate to take it away from him!

Still more obedience to learn, but it’s nice to see him so interested in the agility!

[Where_sMyWhite]

Awesome… and nothing better than private lessons at group rates

[vtdobes]

Good luck with your pup! My Doberman has his IPO3, CD, RAE…the sky is the limit for you and your dog!

[Bluey]

How wonderful, your puppy found his calling in agility.

Agility is so much fun, you may not get to do much else once you focus seriously on that.

[Artistinnature]

I have done both with my working-line GSD that a Malinois owner once called a “Malinois in shepherd clothing”. No issues. I personally fell in love with agility so that’s what I do. I have a new pup who is incredibly high drive and will be Nationals material (agility). He would adore SchH if I had time to do both. I’d rather do horses instead of SchH…it’s a time thing (hey, I still gotta work!).