What is Schutzhund?

The purpose of Schutzhund training is to assess and mold the dog's natural abilities to track, protect, and teach the dog control through obedience. It has been considered by some to be a test for breeding in that during the training the degree to which the dog possesses these working abilities becomes apparent.
There are three degrees of Schutzhund training:
SchH1 or novice; SchH2 or intermediate; and SchH3 or advanced.

To be eligible to do Schutzhund training, it is essential that the dog have a sound temperament. It cannot be shy, sharp shy, vicious, or have poor nerves (that is easily rattled). A responsible trainer will never train a dog with poor temperament in Schutzhund. It is also important that the trainer know when to back down and when to admit ignorance in order to keep from ruining a dog.

Good socialization during puppyhood is critical. Poorly socialized dogs will have problems getting started and will require more ground work.

The tracking is very similar to the AKC TD and TDX, except the dog is penalized for quartering (that is sniffing from side to side down the track).  The tracking phase includes a temperament test by the overseeing judge to assure the dog's mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid earlier by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man-made objects (known as Articles) left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 30-foot leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws (The indicating of the articles may be done Standing, Sitting, Lying Down, or be alternating these positions. The dog may also indicate by picking up the article). The tracking phase is intended to test the dog's trainability and ability to scent, as well as its mental and physical endurance.
This phase of training can be started when the dog is about
5 months old. Earlier development of the scenting abilities
are encouraged and can be helpful in developing this ability for the future. This can be accomplished by means of fun exercises for the pup
in the form of food search or play toy location searches.  

The obedience portion includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog's temperament, structural efficiencies, and, very importantly, its willingness to serve man or woman.  It is very similar to that of the AKC CDX work except it is done on a large field as opposed to a small ring. This is for SchH1. For SchH2 and 3 obedience, the dog has to scale a 6 foot tall slanted wall to retrieve a dumbell in addition to the SchH1 exercises. The dog is expected to do the work with greater precision at the more advanced levels.
This portion of the training is usually started in earnest at about 12 months of age.
 Basic puppy training is always a good idea.

The protection phase consists of developing the dog's natural protective instincts, and teaches it control in full drive through obedience exercises.
The protection phase tests the dog's courage, physical strength and agility. The handler's control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a human decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The decoy is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind and later at the decoy's right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation.
The protection phase is best started no earlier than 15 months of age.
The dog needs to have developed emotionally as well as physically and mentally.

 

     The Courage Test

The final test of courage occurs when the decoy is asked to come out of a hiding place by the dog's handler from the opposite end of the trial field. The dog is sent as the decoy runs toward the dog and handler. The decoy runs directly at the dog, threatening the dog with a stick. All bites during the protection phase are expected to be firmly place on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight.
The protection/courage tests are intended to assure that the dog is
neither a coward... nor a criminal menace.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Schutzhund training is very time consuming and requires a commitment from the owner. The length of time it takes to attain a SchH1 title will depend upon the dog's abilities and the time commitment made by the owner. This can range from three months under ideal conditions (two times tracking/wk; four times/wk of obedience; four times/wk of protection) to three years if the training is sporadic or of poor quality.
 
There is a difference between Schutzhund Training and a Schutzhund Trial. When done properly the training is a good test of the dog. A strong dog doesn't always do well at trials because they can be a bit obstinate during the obedience phase. A dog that scores well may not be a good dog.

Schutzhund Organizations

In Germany, the two largest Schutzhund organizations are the SV (GSD Dog Club) and the DVG (German Alliance for Utility Dog Sports). In 1975, the first Schutzhund organization in the US, United Schutzhund Club of America (USA), was formed. Soon after, an American branch of the DVG formed.

Breeding requirements for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America include a minimum of an "a" stamp and BH (German Companion Dog).
 

Schutzhund Trials

 Trials involve 3 different phases,                   

Tracking            
 

Obedience         
 

            Protection                          

These 3 phases are all designed to test the natural drives,
temperament and abilities of the dog.
Courage, endurance and willingness to work are a few of the traits necessary for a dog to excel in Schutzhund.
   The German Shepherd is a working dog and should always be bred with that goal in mind. Dogs that possess the traits that are necessary in Schutzhund also make excellent companions and family pets.
      Schutzhund is a great sport for both dog and handler.
It will strengthen the bond between the two as well as be a forum to make new friends along the way.
Schutzhund people seem to be a breed all their own; most of whom demonstrate a strong conviction and love for the breed.  A devoted breeder and/or handler/trainer will strive to continue to improve upon those beloved characteristics and sought after qualities which have long been associated with the German Shepherd Dog.
 

  Who can Participate?
 

Schutzhund is a sport for all who are willing to put forth the effort it requires. People of all ages and walks of life enjoy schutzhund- even those with significant disabilities. Often, it's a family sport. Any breed or mixed breed of dog can compete.  However, size is a factor - the jump is fixed at 39 inches. The A-frame is fixed at 5 feet (Sch II) and 6 feet (Sch III). The dog must also be able to handle the protection work. The dog need not be intact. Typical breeds competing are German Shepherd Dogs, Rottweilers, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Bouviers, and Belgian Malinois.

The German Sieger Show and Other SV and SV-Style Shows

Fred Lanting

There are a number of differences between the way the GSDCA National Specialty is run and the methods employed in conducting the (World) Sieger Show in Germany and the SV-sanctioned Sieger Shows in other countries. Besides being international in scope, the Sieger Show is completely controlled by the SV, not some supra-organization such as the AKC. They therefore can set requirements that would not be allowed here in the US. The main judges are the same year after year, until new officers are elected. No one is allowed to judge any SV show, much less classes at the Sieger Show, until he has passed extensive training, an apprenticeship, and won the approval of officials in the organization. This main breed show is held in a different city in Germany each year.

AKC Ring Procedure Differences

The spectator or exhibitor who is used to only one type of dog show may want to know what is going on, and why, at another event. The best way is to find someone showing more than one dog and simply ask if he has a few minutes to explain the procedures to you. At an AKC or CKC all-breed show, there are generally a considerable number of constraints, mainly "Newtonian" (i.e., time and space). Judges are expected to process at least 25 dogs per hour, and when you include the shuffling of papers, checking armband numbers, waiting for dogs to enter and exit the rings, and the difficulty some exhibitors have in "setting up" their dogs, there is pitifully little time spent going over each entry. Of course, a good judge can spot a good dog right away, and both I and a German friend are fond of saying (only partially tongue-in-cheek) that we can see a dog jump out of a car trunk, jump right back in, and can tell you the quality level in that instant. But a very short time is not fair to the exhibitor or to the breed.

In such an AKC ring at an multi-breed show, there is another judge and another breed or group waiting for your space. And that is the other major constraint: the dogs have a very small ring at most of these shows, so even in a small class they can only take a few steps before they have to make a right-angle turn. It is not fair to exhibitors or good for the breed to judge them as little more than statues. Judges in such venues customarily run the class around once, then individually check teeth, testicles, and hopefully other aspects, then move the dog down and back, and around to the end. Some vary the method from here on, with the better ones either temporarily placing the dogs in a large class at the time they do the individual exams, others taking notes so they can call out the dogs in order of preference after the "individuals". Those who do neither risk forgetting which dogs had the bad mouths, insecure temperaments, and other problems, and such dogs are often given the top awards because of this or lack of concern about the breed. Many judges at these shows have been "given" the breed simply because they are licensed to judge others in the group, and have filled out the application forms and passed the quiz on the Standard. Most have never seen anything but the extreme American fad dogs and think that style is correct.

"The judging of the dog should throw light on his external features and his nature and - in certain circumstances - of his accomplishments."
--von Stephanitz

 At the European Sieger Show, all entrants in the Open Class (the Gebrauchshundklasse) are pre-screened by the judge the day before the extended gaiting, and then on the final day are admitted into the ring in order based on notes compiled in the preliminary standing exam. By that day, the judge has already put the entry numbers worn by the exhibitors into one or another column in his note pad, placing them in initial order of quality in either the V+, V, V-, SG+, SG, SG-, or other column, with the better of each group nearer the top and the poorer nearer the bottom of the columns. He will make minor changes in that line-up during the extended gaiting portion of his evaluation (at smaller shows, all this can be done on the same day). The entry is usually well over 100 in the Open Class, perhaps some 30 percent greater than a typical GSDCA National "Specials" class. These dogs also must have been surveyed, performed the courage test, be gun-sure, have a Schutzhund title, and have earned at least an SG (sehr gut) ranking at some previous competition such as one of the Landesgruppen "regional" shows. So, by the time the adult males enter the ring to be judged by the president of the SV (females are customarily judged by the chief Koermeister), their pedigrees and records are known to the judge.

Conversely, in AKC type shows the judge is not supposed to base his decision on anything other than what he sees in the ring on that day. This directive puts a terrible burden of dilemma on a judge who knows a certain dog is dysplastic, or of poor temperament, or produces very poorly, yet is under control and shows none of his problems on the day of  the show.  The previous-day initial look includes checking teeth, tattoos, and testicles, though sometimes with a big entry, a fellow judge will do this to save time.

Courage Test

"Judge not according to the appearance."
--John 7:24

On the day prior to being judged in the "show" ring, the adults must also pass the courage tests in a different field or arena, while the younger dogs are being judged by someone else in the conformation ring. Elements of Schutzhund training are used to test the Working Class dog's character and willingness to protect his handler. While the two walk down the field, an agitator jumps out from behind a blind making threatening gestures. The dog must attack, bite full and hard, and hold on until commanded by his handler to release. The villain used to go through the escape-turn-threaten routine a second time, from far away, and the dog had to pursue and again attack this stick-wielding agitator. (Note: SV rules as of 1997 were changed to eliminate running away from the dog, and now the second "bad guy" comes out of a blind at the other end of the field and runs menacingly at the dog.) The dog must work well in spite of the cheers and other noises made by the enthusiastic crowd, something he is possibly not used to in his first tests or at a trial with a small turnout.

"As soon as the judge enters the ring he must remember the breeding aim of the SV
which is: the shepherd dog is a working dog!"
--von Stephanitz

In 1903, recognizing the detrimental effects of breeding for fashion and what Max vom Stephanitz (the father of the German Shepherd Dog) called "kennel breeding" (the keeping and breeding of many dogs), the Verein fr Deutsche Schferhund (SV) drew up a scheme of tests to evaluate the breeding programs of their emerging, yet beloved German Shepherd Dog.

These tests or "efficiency trials" were known as "Der Deutsche Schferhund als Diensthund" (the German Shepherd Dog as Service Dog" and were also used to prove the breed's value to the police and military. Over time "Diensthund" (Police Dog) evolved into the broader "Schutzhund" (Protection Dog)--the sport enjoyed worldwide today.

The Schutzhund Trial

The Schutzhund Trial is a series of complex tests designed to make breeding from ignorance or callousness less rewarding, if not downright difficult. Each dog must prove he is of sound mind and body or is deemed unworthy for breeding. The ignorant or callous breeder cannot produce dogs (in any consistent manner) of the caliber necessary to pass muster and are therefor discouraged from breeding altogether. In addition, the considerable time and effort spent training and conditioning the dog develops a greater understanding of the physical and mental attributes required of the breed, further promoting good breeding practices. And, consequently, the quantity of one on one time necessary for training encourages deep bonds, mutual respect, and a good relationship between trainer and dog.

The Sport in the United States

The sport of Schutzhund gained a firm foothold in this country in 1978 when The United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA) filed Articles of Incorporation. The Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportverein (DVG), translated: German Club for the Sport Dog, was founded in 1980 and continues in full force today. In the early '80s, the now defunct North American Schutzhund Association (NASA), was also formed to campaign for the sport on this continent, but quickly lost ground as USA and DVG underwent rapid growth. Despite an overall antidog atmosphere in many communities, the sport of Schutzhund continues growing in popularity--to the great benefit of the breeds involved.

In 1991 the American Working Dog Federation (AWDF) was founded to "preserve the working breeds and develop lines of communication between breed clubs". Recognizing the value of the ideals held by the AWDF, the following breed organizations have joined the federation: the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (a German Shepherd breed club), contact Gordon Esselmann 407-323-5023; the United Doberman Club, contact William Knox 615-526-4643; the Working Schnauzer Federation, contact Ed Weiss 314-567-7521; the Working Boxer Association of America, contact Mark Chase 508-748-3976; the United States Rottweiler Club, contact Jacqueline Rousseau 602-979-3765; the North American Working Bouvier Association, contact David Evans 517-339-0570; United Belgian Shepherd Dog Association, contact Jean-Claude Balu 714-823-4386; and the Federation for the American Staffordshire Terrier, John Thomspon 407-323-5023. Combined membership for these organizations totals over 12,000. With the inception of the AWDF, Schutzhund and its related sports should see healthy growth for generations to come. This growth will have a tremendously positive impact on the quality of dogs produced in this country.

A Truly International Sport

Schutzhund trials worldwide generally follow one set of rules set forth by the Verein fr Deutsche Hunde (VDH), the German regulatory organization for rules and regulations. Slight adjustments to the rules are made by the VDH from time to time as the sport continues to evolve. Each year world championships are held - one all breed championship (the FCI World Championship) and several breed specific world championships. The German Shepherd Championship is called the WUSV World Championship and is held in a different country each fall. The WUSV World Championship will be held in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998; this will be the first time the United States will hold this major event. Last year the following countries sent teams to the WUSV World Championship: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China (Taiwan), Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Austria, Slovenia, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Poland, United States of America, and Switzerland --23 countries in all.

The Basics

A Schutzhund Trial is broken down into three distinct phases, each worth 100 points (300 points for a perfect score). The first phase is tracking, which tests the dog's scenting ability, trainability, and physical and mental endurance; the second is obedience, which tests the dog's overall temperament, structural efficiencies, and willingness to work for his handler; the final phase is protection, which tests the dog's courage, physical strength, stability, and obedience and character while in a higher drive.

There are three levels of achievement called titles or degrees. The dog must pass his Schutzhund I (the first level) before he is allowed to compete at the next level and he must pass the Schutzhund II before being able to compete for his Schutzhund III (the final level). At the start of the trial, the judge performs a brief temperament evaluation on all participating dogs. Overly aggressive or uncontrollable dogs are dismissed from the trial before ever stepping onto the competition field! The dog must then achieve a minimum score of 70 points in tracking, 70, points in obedience, and 80 points in protection under an authorized judge during an authorized event in order to pass and proceed to the next level. All three phases are done in succession on the same day and all three must be passed on that day. Because of the length of time necessary to evaluate each dog, the trial is limited to just 12 dogs per day. At a typical trial, competitors (and hardy spectators) meet for tracking at 6:30 a.m. and often work through till late in the afternoon, making for a grueling, but exciting day!

At least two weeks prior to competing for his Schutzhund title, a dog must pass the "Begleithunde" or "Companion Dog" test at an approved Schutzhund Trial. The "B" was developed as a preliminary character evaluation test involving a shortened obedience (Pass/Fail) routine (see "Obedience" below) plus a traffic safety examination involving joggers, crowds, bikes, cars, loud noises, gun shots, bells, and strange dogs - all designed to weed out overly aggressive or nervous dogs from the gene pool and discourage those dogs from participating in the sport. All dogs must pass the "B" to prove they have sound temperament before being allowed to compete for a Schutzhund title.

All scores (even failing ones) are recorded in a dog's scorebook which is presented to the judge at the start of each trial. If a dog does not complete all phases of the trial, the reason(s) for his dismissal are also recorded. A copy of the trial results are filed with the main office.

 --- Tracking ---

The tracking portion of the Schutzhund III title consists of a track of approximately 800 normal paces at least sixty minutes old, laid by a stranger with three articles and four 90 turns. The handler follows the dog on or off leash 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) behind.

The only visible indication of the track is the starting flag. The scent of the track must not be disturbed when an article is placed (the track layer must not scoff or stop). The articles, which must not differ in color from the terrain, cannot be greater than the size of a wallet and are often much smaller. One dog/handler team reports to the judge and then begins the track. At the start of the track, the dog must take sufficient time to absorb the scent, he must pick up the scent and proceed with a deep nose. Air scenting or varying from the exact track is penalized. A slow, methodical tracking dog is preferred--accuracy, not speed is prized. The dog is judged on his intensity, confidence, accuracy, and obedience on the track.

When the dog finds an article, he must immediately indicate that he has done so without being influenced by the handler. The indication can be accomplished by lying down, sitting, or a standing stay. (The dog may also indicate the article by picking it up.) The handler drops the leash and proceeds to the dog. He lifts the article high in the air to indicate to the judge that the article has been found. The handler then gives the command to continue the track, again following 10 meters behind the dog. When the dog finds the third article, the track is completed. The team reports back to the judge, presents the articles to him, and stands for critique. A detailed critique is given and addressed to the audience. To compete successfully on a national level, a dog should be able to track 97-100 points consistently!

  Obedience   

After all the dogs finish tracking, the obedience takes place. The ideal field is about the size of a regulation soccer field. Two dog/handler teams report on field to the judge. One handler is instructed to place his dog in a long down and move 40 paces away and out of sight. This dog must remain in the down position without influence from the handler while the other dog completes all but the last exercise. He must remain motionless in the designated spot until picked up by the handler.

The second team begins their exercises once the first handler is out of sight. All exercises start from the basic position (dog sitting on the left of the handler, his shoulder even with the handler's left leg) and are performed off leash. The handler is only permitted to use a voice command when starting the exercise or when changing pace. Hand signals are not allowed and body language is pointed as handler help. When the handler comes to a stop, the dog should come to the sit position without command. The team must be precise and spirited. The dog should perform the exercises quickly, willingly, and without extraneous handler help. Dogs that are slow to perform the exercises or show stress are pointed heavily.

Exercise 1 is heeling off leash (10 points).  During the heel pattern, as the dog and handler are moving away, at least two gun shots (6-9mm) are fired; the dog must remain indifferent to the gun noise. Should the dog demonstrate gun insecurity, he is to be dismissed from the trial.

Exercise 2 is Sit Out of Motion (5 points). From the basic position, the team proceeds at least 10 paces, upon voice command the dog should sit quickly as the handler proceeds uninterrupted another 30 paces. He turns around to face the dog and wait until instructed to proceed back to the dog.

Exercise 3 is Down With Recall (10 points). Starting from the basic position, the team proceeds at least 10 paces, upon voice command the dog should down quickly as the handler proceeds uninterrupted another 30 paces. He turns around to face the dog. When requested by the judge he calls the dog to a front sit. Upon command, the dog must return to the basic position.

Exercise 4 is Stand Out of the Walk (5 Points). From the basic position, the team proceeds at least 10 paces, upon voice command, the dog should come quickly to the stand position as the handler proceeds uninterrupted another 30 paces. He turns to face the dog. When requested by the judge, he returns to the dog and commands the dog to sit.

Exercise 5 is Stand Out of the Run (10 points). From the basic position, the team proceeds at a run for at least 10 paces, upon voice command, the dog should come quickly to the stand position as the handler proceeds at an uninterrupted run another 30 paces. He turns to face the dog. When requested by the judge, he calls the dog to a front sit. Upon command, the dog must return to the basic position.

Exercise 6 is Retrieving a Dumbbell (10 points) Weighing Two Kilograms (approximately 4.25 lbs) on the Flat. From the basic position and upon command, the dog should retrieve a dumbbell which has been tossed approximately 10 paces away. The dog returns with the dumbbell to a front sit. The handler commands the dog to release it, then to return to the basic position.

Exercise 7 is Retrieving a Dumbbell (15 points) Weighing 650 Grams (approximately 2.5 lbs Over a Meter High Brush Hurdle. From the basic position and upon command, the dog should jump over the hurdle, retrieve the dumbbell, return over the jump with the dumbbell and come to a front sit. The handler commands the dog to release the dumbbell, then to return to the basic position.

Exercise 8 is Retrieving a Dumbbell Over the Inclined Wall (15 points) 1.80 Meters High, @ six feet, and 1.50 Meter Wide at the Bottom. From the basic position and upon command, the dog should scale the incline wall, retrieve the dumbbell, return over the wall, and come to a front sit. The handler commands the dog to release the dumbbell, then to return to the basic position.

Exercise 9 is  Go Ahead and Down (10 points). From the basic position, the team proceeds at least 10 paces. The dog is then commanded to "go out". The handler remains in the spot where he gave the command as the dog moves at a fast pace in the designated direction for at least 40 paces. When requested by the judge, the handler commands the dog to lay down. At the request of the judge, the handler goes to the dog and commands him to the basic position.

Exercise 10  Long Down Under Distraction (10 points). This exercised, mentioned earlier, is completed when the handler is requested by the judge to return to his dog and commands him to the basic position.

At the completion of both obedience exercises, the teams report to the judge and stand for critique. The critique is detailed in nature and addressed to the audience. The score is given at the end of each critique.

>>>  Protection  <<<

The final phase is the Manwork portion of the event. This phase is held after the obedience on the same field. The obedience equipment is removed and replaced with six hiding places (blinds) for the helper (decoy). See Figure 2 for layout. You will note that during this final phase, the dog is under complete control of the handler and is not allowed to touch the helper in any way except under attack or to prevent an escape. Even then, when commanded, the dog must release the grip immediately and guard the helper without touching him further.

The helper is placed in a blind out of sight of the dog. One team reports to the judge then proceeds down field to Blind 1. Upon command the dog searches the blind, the handler commands the dog to come and redirects him to Blind 2. This continues until the dog finds the helper. (5 points)

Upon discovery, the dog must not touch the helper in any way but indicates to the handler by barking that he has found the decoy. Upon the judge's request, the handler walks to within four paces of the dog. The dog must remain intently barking at the helper. The handler then calls the dog to the basic position. The handler orders the helper to leave the blind. The handler commands the dog to down. He leaves the dog to search the helper and then searches the blind. (5 points)

As the handler is searching the blind, the judge signals the helper who escapes by running swiftly. Without command, the dog must stop the escape by firmly gripping the padded protective arm. The judge signals the helper to stop the escape and stand firm. The handler commands the dog to release and guard. The dog must immediately release his grip and guard the decoy intently without touching him further. The judge then signals the helper to move aggressively forward into the dog waving a padded stick. The dog must immediately move into the attack without influence from the handler. He must firmly grip the helper to stop him from further aggression. When the dog has gripped firmly, two hits with the padded stick are executed. (The hits from the padded stick are carefully placed and are not painful but create a threatening sound.) Upon direction from the judge, the helper again stands still and the handler commands the dog to release the grip. The handler goes to the dog and commands him to the basic position. (35 points)

The handler directs the helper to move forward as the dog and handler heel 5 paces behind for a distance of 50 paces and two turns. (5 points)

After 50 paces, the helper will turn without warning and attack the handler. The dog must stop the attack without command. When directed by the judge, the helper stops the attack and stands still. The handler commands the dog to release and guard. The helper is then disarmed. The dog, handler, and helper then proceed to the judge who is 20 meters away. The dog is heeling between the handler and the helper and may not bother the helper during this side transport back to the judge.

After reporting to the judge, the team heels down field as the helper leaves and a second decoy moves into a blind midway down field. When the team is ready, the judge signals the helper out of hiding. The handler calls to the helper to stop, but he turns and runs away from the team. The handler calls again, but the helper ignores him. The handler then gives the command to pursue and releases the dog. When the dog is 40 paces away from the helper, the judge signals the helper to turn and charge at the dog threatening him with the padded stick. The dog must not show signs of intimidation, but continue the pursuit confidently into the grip. After "catching" the dog, the helper will briefly continue forward into the dog then stop the aggression. The handler who is at least 40 paces away, commands the dog to release and guard. Upon direction of the judge, the helper re-attacks the dog threatening with the padded stick. After the dog has gripped the protective arm firmly, the helper gives two stick hits and stops the aggression upon the judge's direction. The handler, who has not moved from his position 40 paces away, commands the dog to release and guard. When directed by the judge, the handler goes to the dog who has been intently guarding the decoy, and commands him to down. He then disarms the helper and takes the dog to the heel position, placing the dog between himself and the helper. The three proceed to the judge who is at least 20 meters away. The Attack, Pursuit, and Courage Test (10+10+25 = 45 Points)

After reporting to the judge. The team and the helper stand for critique. The critique is detailed and addressed to the audience.

The judge is required to dismiss any dog who does not release the grip or who leaves the helper. He may also dismiss a dog at his discretion should he feel the dog is not under sufficient control.  

The Confusion Over Protection

Schutzhund without its protection phase is worthless as a breed evaluation tool. The protection phase is the most maligned, but crucial phase of the Schutzhund Trial. Because it is here where the dog's heart is tested, his true character challenged. The dog who is overly aggressive or uncontrollable will never be able to pass muster. So too the fear-biter, who lacks the courage to make the grade, is dismissed. These unwanted, dangerous characteristics are then systematically taken out of the gene pool. The nature of the dog is proven in the protection phase - to the benefit of the breed and society!

The Protection phase of this sport provokes some controversy because it involves biting sequences. However, anyone witnessing an authorized Schutzhund Trial can attest to the absolute control exhibited on and off the field. To many competitors, Schutzhund is a family sport. Children are often seen frolicking with their dogs before and after the dog leaves the protection field. This seems impossible or foolish to the uneducated. But this "on/off" switch is a product of good breeding and proper bite training - not junk yard, guard dog, attack training. Behaviorists call this "stimulus control". Ricardo Carbajol states in his article "The Schutzhund Protection Test, Temperaments Quality Control" in the Jan/Feb 1994 issue of Schutzhund USA. "A side effect of stimulus control is that once you place the behavior on cue it is far less likely to occur unless the cue is given. In fact, so strong is this principle that animal behaviorists use it to get rid of unwanted behaviors such as digging, barking, licking, even biting. The principle simply is: if you don't want a behavior, put it on cue, and then don't give the cue.

In Schutzhund a variety of cues signal to the dog that it is time to do "bite-work". The training field, the presence of blinds (portable hiding places for the decoy), a person dressed in a protection suit waving a stick in the air and making noises and threatening gestures are all clear "go" signals, much like a green light in an intersection. It is not hard to understand then, whey the same dog adopts neutral, normal and friendly behaviors when the cues disappear - when the sleeve and protection suit come off and the decoy, acting like a normal individual, invites the dog to be social. It is, by the same logic, not difficult to understand why the best trained Schutzhund dogs are by far the most predictable, trustworthy, and safe animals to be around on a daily basis."

The Universal Sport

Today, many breeds and thousands of people from Japan to Mexico enjoy training and competing in this fast-growing and fascinating dog sport. The sport transcends race, class, age, business and social affiliation, even many physical disabilities. Training, even for the serious competitor, is a social event in the sense that it is, by necessity, a club sport. Groups of people form nonprofit training clubs. The clubs are usually headed by a President who directs club activities and a Training Director who oversees and maintains the quality of the training.

At the Club the dogs learn social manners, obedience, and controlled protection. And the handlers learn to understand and motivate their dogs. The foundations and techniques for tracking are also discussed and debated at the training sessions. Clubs meet one to three times a week to train. Each dog and handler team also works out at home often putting in an additional one to two hours of training a day, five or six days a week. Obviously a well-conditioned dog with sound structure, stamina and a real love for work are prerequisites to training.

Reaping The Benefits

Besides the obvious benefits of such strict breed evaluation tests, there are numerous other reasons for the sports growing popularity and positive effect on the dog world. There is a tremendous challenge placed on the trainer (and the breeder) to help the dog become the most he can be both physically, through conditioning and good breeding practices, and mentally by developing his confidence, trust, enjoyment, willingness to work and intelligence to his fullest potential. This requires hard work and long hours spent studying behavior, training techniques, genetics, athletics, the breeds, and each dog individually. But when it all comes together, the results can be very rewarding. As a trainer, the communication, bond and teamwork experienced is absolutely thrilling! As an onlooker, a successful team is both awe-inspiring and beautiful to watch.

Not only must the dog enjoy his work, but he must be confident in his ability to handle stressful situations positively, and he must be taught to make correct decisions on his own. In meeting the challenges of training a dog for the sport of Schutzhund, the handler learns a lot about himself, his dogs, and the world around him. This is why the sport has such a tremendous hold on so many people.

And, because a joyful work attitude is required and a browbeat, downtrodden one is penalized severely, training methods that produce a happy, willing worker are encouraged, developed, and passed on, eventually making their way into the mainstream where the public can benefit.

A Good Dog is a Good Dog for the Sport

A good Schutzhund prospect is best described by the WUSV German Shepherd breed standard. (This is perfectly logical; remember, Schutzhund was developed as a breed suitable test!) "The German Shepherd that corresponds to the Standard offers the observer a picture of rugged strength, intelligence and agility, whose overall proportions are neither in excess or deficient in any way. The way he moves and behaves leaves no doubt that he is sound in mind and body and so possesses physical and mental traits that render possible an ever-ready working dog with great stamina.

With an effervescent temperament, the dog must also be cooperative, adapting to every situation, and take to work willingly and joyfully. He must show courage and hardness as the situation requires to defend his handler and his property. He must readily attack on his owner's command but otherwise be a fully attentive, obedient and pleasant household companion. He should be devoted to his familiar surroundings, above all to other animals and children, and composed in his contact with people. All in all, he gives a harmonious picture of natural nobility and self-confidence.

Sound nerves, alertness, self-confidence, trainability, watchfulness, loyalty and incorruptibility, as well as courage, fighting drive and hardness, are the outstanding characteristics of a purebred German Shepherd Dog. They make him suitable to be a superior working dog in general, and in particular to be a guard, companion, protection and herding dog."

An adult prospect can be judged by what one observes from the dog's scorebook and show card, his pedigree, and his character. The prospective puppy should be judged by his parents' scorebooks and show cards, pedigrees, and characters and then as an individual puppy. The puppy will more often than not prove his pedigree on the training field.

In Conclusion

Without adequate testing procedures, breeders have no way of proving the temperament of their breeding stock. Today, the effects of unchecked mental aptitude have resulted in temperament and physical problems in many breeds, including the German Shepherd Dog - proof that fashionable and/or mass kennel breeding, so long ago forewarned against, create a heartache not only to their unsuspecting breeders, owners and society, but to the dogs themselves who must ultimately suffer with the physical and mental anguish of their breeders' folly. But hope is not lost. In fact, with the creation of the AWDF, as well as other performance-based dog clubs, and with the determination of farsighted breed clubs and individual breeders, there is much to be excited about!

Schutzhund is, therefore, more than a mere sport;
 it is a testament to the vision,
devotion and love man can have for his best friend!

Copyright 1995, Lori Rodriguez. All rights reserved. This article may be downloaded and printed for educational purposes only. The article must be complete and include this copyright line. All other uses are in violation of US copyright laws.