There’s
sure a lot to learn in the sport of Schutzhund. With the
right mind set one can
learn something from everyone and it never ends. This simple
technique, keeping it top-of-mind is the foundation for my
success.
My
first trial was in 1997 in Santa Rosa, California. The
Bh routine seemed
like such a high mountain to climb at the
time and it was… On that day I became hooked in the
sport and developed a passion to become the very best trainer
and handler I could be. Enthusiasm and energy pushed me to
train equally in all three phases and with it came a bond
that grew naturally with each dog. These dogs looked to me
for everything and I gave each the attention they deserved.
I like to call this a funnel-in/funnel-out approach in the
dog sport. Quality training will produce a quality performance.
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My
dog sport career (still just an amateur) continued
on a fast pace when I trained three dogs at one time
for schutzhund titles. Young non-titled dogs required
me to apply various training and handler techniques
to bring out the best quality of each and force me
to concentrate in areas that needed to be developed.
The following titles Bh, AD, SchH1-2-3, IPO3, FH1,
FH2, TDX, Show Rating and Korklasse, gave me repeated experience
to hone my skills and build a solid foundation. Mücke
vom Haus Vortkamp is a product of what I have learned
to date.
Each time I trial
my overall picture is one that I hope a great deal
of people will stand tall and notice. Perfect tracking,
perfect obedience, perfect protection work. We know
this is near impossible but as a handler each discipline
is carefully thought out and with a little bit of luck
a solid performance will result. Controlling my nerves
along with strong competition and helpers bring out
the very best in both my dog and me. |
| Jim, Mücke, and Herr Wolfgang Henke,
SV President.
Another new friend when in France at the 2005 WUSV. |
The
sport of schutzhund must be fun. You should be able to
gain new friends, learn
a host of training techniques,
and travel to places you’ve never seen before and more.
Who knows, making the United States World Team may be just
around the corner… Jim Lempner
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