Schutzhund
Early
in the breed's development in Germany,
it was determined that before any dog could be bred, it had to pass
a working test to determine its trainability and courage, as well
as its adherence to the breed standard. The Schutzhund
degree (protection
dog) is still the most common working degree earned by dogs
in Germany and other countries requiring a working degree before certifying
a dog as breed-able. (The AKC does not require this).
Schutzhund
trials
are becoming more and more popular in this country, and even the AKC
is developing a program that corresponds to the WUSV/VDH title programs.
The protection work in
Schutzhund is only allowed when the handler or trainer has
full obedience on his dog. The club's helper, who is an individual
that has thorough knowledge of the work that is demanded of him, directs
the grip work and his word is the rule, and he will direct the workouts
along with the club's training director. (It is very wise to
fully investigate any club that one wishes to join).
In
2004, the SV, WUSV and VDH revised the requirements for working titles,
stressing control and obedience to an even higher degree. The rules
took effect in Germany in the Spring of 2004, and will take effect
in this country in mid-Summer 2004, when they have been translated
and revised to fit the activities in this country.
Included in
the changes is the requirement of a written examination as part of
the entry-level BH degree, proving the handler's knowledge of dogs,
behavior, management practices and laws. This has been included to
insure that handlers are truly able to provide the best training and
care for the dogs, and to make them aware of their responsibilities
as dog
owners.
When the rules
become official, we will update all of the rules. Until then, the
basic changes are outlined here. The new rules are based on the
IPO rules.
Schutzhund
competition requires a dog to pass 3 separate tests.
1.
Tracking
2. Obedience
3. Protection
Properly done
with a dog
of proper temperament, Schutzhund is extremely enjoyable for the dog
and its owner, as it allows the dog
to chase, bite and defeat a foe. This is done under very strict
and controlled guidelines. It can enhance a dog's self-confidence
and bring energy and enthusiasms to its work. Done improperly
it can destroy a young dog's confidence, or as a worst-case scenario,
create an unmanageable and dangerous animal. The trainers and
helpers of any Schutzhund
organization should be carefully selected. As this sport becomes
more popular in this country, the training techniques improve, as
do the handler's skills.
This is a sport
for owners who are willing to be truly dedicated to their training. For
those who understand the training and their dogs, it can produce a
fine working team. For breeders, this is a program that allows for
the ability to fully test the instincts, nerves and trainability,
so necessary in a true working breed.
Schutzhund
clubs frequently offer not only the Schutzhund (SchH) training, but
more and more are offering other internationally recognized degree
that requires no bite work. Some also offer breed surveys and
conformation shows with judges from Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhund
(SV), which is the German breed club.
More
Schutzhund information
German
Terminology on Koer Reports
SchH1
SchH2 SchH3
BH AD
IPO1 IPO2
IPO3
List
of Internationally recognized Titles
