Missy just loves agility. We had to go through three levels of obedience before we could do it, but when she got there , she just shone - and her expression was one of pure joy every time she jumped or used the see saw or the A frame.

But that's her - my first loved obedience and performing tricks - she was a real performer

i think it just depends on the dog - Snip hated companion shows and ringcraft but absolutely loves working in the field.. i'd love to try agility with Freda when she's old enough but if she didn't enjoy it.. and she's tell me if she didn't.. i wouldn't push her.. i'd give them all a try and i'm sure you'll be able to tell what she prefers!

It really does depend on the dog!
My stepmother has shown Irish Setters for over 40 years and about 10 years ago she bred a young female and kept her and her brother. She HATED being showed, yet the brother LOVED it! It is a long, well-known showing line.

She started agility with the girl and she was BRILLIANT!! Loved every second of it!

I, myself have a Pug that is a total couch potato until it comes to jumping and weaving!

I think you have to suss out the dog!

With my two, they definately prefer agility, Zoe finds obedience training boring. Kahn however is a good boy so does still enjoy obedience training but it easily shows that they prefer agility. I think this is the case with most dogs, as they get to charge about and use their brains, get rewards and generally have fun. THough that's not to say all dogs can be agility dogs, some will never have the control to do it properly.

My suggestion to you is do all three. We don't show, but that's only because it is not of interest to us. But I see no reason you can't do all three. Certainly it is worth giving all three a go. You'll need the basic obedience for agility anyway, so that'll give that a try.

Hope that helped

Clover's only 5 months, but I can tell already - SHE LIKES TO MOVE. If she's not moving it's boring. Still exercises take forever to conquer. Actually doing something is what she lives for.

I imagine she is going to be into agility because of this. Obedience is my love (and I think, at least CD level, is what every dog should know) but it's going to be a test with her 'cause she's nutty.

My older dog prefers doing nothing. He has his days with everything, but not often.

Whatever you decide to do both you and the dog must enjoy it . I think the reason that some dogs dont like obed. is that in some cases its not made exciting enough.
My own preference is working trials as I enjoy watching and taking part in tracking.
But whatever you decide enjoy it I have always said that the day I stop enjoying training,thats the time to stop.

Jed is good at obedience, very precise (although often decides he's bored so will get up) but he finds it all a bit slow paced, the most enjoyment he gets from those classes is the socialising.

He does love his agility though and is always impatient to get started and every opportunity he gets he'll do the A frame!

Flynn is addicted to running and leaping about so once he gets his head around what he's there to do, I think he'll adore agility too.

I dont have dogs with papers so showing isnt part of what they do but both seem to prefer higher octane activities.

Have you considered any other dog sports? Working Trials is a common activity for GSD's. I want to get into this with Flynn because it encompasses everything he is good at - using his nose, retrieving and getting over obstacles - so I think thats something he would excel in and adore.

Hi Leanne,

yes I have considered working trials as she is a natural tracker and constantly has her nose to the floor. I am looking into getting into some sort of group locally.

Thanks x

Obedience isnt boring!!!! if any one finds it boring or your dog is bored with it, then you need to re look at your motivation for that dog.

I LOVE obedience!!! its the most fabulous sport.

Its all about team work & working as one with your dog, training your dog so it can read the minutist change in weight of your leg,flex of a muscle. Imagine doing Fast pace with your dog in perfect harmony,matching your stride with power & control,then in half a stride changing to slow & without saying anything the dog has collected itself & stayed in position. Nothing like it when its going well!!!!! (& ive showjumped ,evented etc)

Competitve Obedience is addictive & complusive, & suits competitve people & not so competitve people. Obedience shows are very social . Some of the GSD clubs put on Special Classes for GSD & offer best GSD rossettes also.

GSDs are so suited to this close work with their owner & thrive on it, (most need special help with the out of sight stays though -when you are A & above)

Id LOVE to do some tracking that must be amazing, Mavs dad is a WT CH ,mav is definatley a natural scent dog, (believe me after flynn thats fabulous!!)