What Does it take to be a Schutzhund Dog?
The Schutzhund Dog: Defining What it Takes
Author Unknown
The German Shepherd is a German breed and in its native land there are no doubts about the breed's primary function or the intentions of the standard.
All dogs have a cross section of drives and instincts to some degree, as well as other types of instincts than those described here. Those outlined here, however, are considered the most essential to the mental makeup of this type of dog in obtaining effectiveness at its work within its historical role.
Basic instincts and abilities
The successful education of a dog is founded on the imaginative utilization of meaningful manipulation of the dog's natural inheritances. As trainers we are able to utilize and manipulate only those natural instincts and traits each dog brings with him from birth. A trainer's own skill and ability is apparent in his capacity to activate and direct those drives into positive actions and reflexive responses. A trainer who accepts the basic differences in the fundamental abilities of each individual animal presented to him will take the time and effort to discover the range and depth of the material to achieve the best possible results.
Specifically then, what should we see in the potential "Schutzhund?"-or translated into English, in the potential "protection dog?"
Sharpness
The word sharpness is commonly misused and abused, to the extent that it creates a negative impression. Sharpness is a dog's constant readiness to react in a hostile manner to all real or imagined threats and stimuli. As trainers, when you analyze this statement, you'll quickly realize that too much sharpness is as undesirable as too little is. An "ideally sharp" dog is one that is far quicker to recognize and react to a REAL threat than one that may have too much or too little sharpness. In the German Shepherd, the medium ranges of sharpness are those most conductive to successful training results.
Courage
A key trait of the greatest importance is the disposition towards courage, because when it comes down to it, courage is the most indispensable trait to be found in any good working dog. Canines are pack animals who might not express their courage in quite the same form as humans would. Canine courage is an instinctive reaction and not a deliberate action. It's a reaction to actively confront a threat, and to move if necessary against any danger to himself or other pack members. A dog with a high level of courage needs no prompting and shows no hesitation in taking an active role in a fighting situation.
Dogs with little or no courage, regardless of how much
"sharpness" they might possess, will withdraw from any intense confrontation.
Therefore a dog that has only its "sharpness" to recommend it might make an
acceptable watch dog, but never a trustworthy or reliable Schutzhund.
Fighting spirit
Then, on occasion, we find a dog that although it displays all
the hallmarks of courage, is only with great difficulty, if at all, stimulated
into assuming a defensive stance. These dogs suffer from insufficient FIGHTING
SPIRIT. This drive can under no circumstances be absent from the mental makeup
of a Schutzhund. Fighting spirit is what it sounds like-the joy of the fight. A
constant readiness to measure and test one's own strength, also under
threatening conditions. This ability to seek to "cross swords" without being
lightly discouraged or distracted can be seen in a passive form in the "hold and
bark" section of manwork. Those dogs with outstanding fighting drive exhibit
great concentration and fierce intensity for the task.
Protection instinct
Originating from these two traits is the protection instinct.
There is a fine line between this instinct and its opposite number, the instinct
to flee. Those trainers who lean heavily on this instinct should always be aware
of the balance of the scales. Certainly the use of the protection instinct in
the building up of a reliable Schutzhund is necessary, considering it has the
advantage of being an instinct that does not "wear out." This instinct to protect
is one of basic survival in life-threatening situations, therefore its enduring
qualities and its high level stimulation add great dimensions to the quality of
the results in training. Protection instinct can be observed in pack framework,
where a dog will protect himself or other pack members from would-be scavengers
or aggressors. The domestic dog extends this to include human pack members, such
as the owner and his immediate family. Using ONLY the protection instinct in the
training is not farsighted, as the high stress factor results in forms of
neurosis.
Prey drive
A less critical, but highly motivational drive is the PREY DRIVE-a non-aggressive drive, despite all of its explosive hallmarks. This drive is ideal for building up the young dog, and for maintaining a relaxed, learning frame of mind. Its greatest drawback is that it "wears out" if over used. Dogs worked exclusively on their prey drive become jaded and bored. An example can be seen where a dog with a high prey drive is highly motivated to chase and retrieve balls or sticks thrown for it. If the exercise continues without relief though, the interest will wane until the dog shows no further desire to chase anything thrown for it.
In the man work, dogs with high prey drives are early starters that achieve fast and often spectacular results, but its unrelieved use in developing the bite work results in the danger of fading performances and conflict situation breakdowns. Its play oriented rewards do not prepare the dog for any serious or aggressive man work. So it is a drive that is ideal as a learning aid, but in need of support from other key drives in producing a long-term high-level competition dog.
Temperament
Another important trait in the working dog is temperament-one that is also an advantage in a show dog, particularly in Europe where dogs exhibited must stand free and not be placed in artificial positions.
For the trainer, temperament manifests itself in the dog's
willingness to work. Dogs with high temperament notice and react energetically
to things happening around them. An overly temperamental animal is difficult and
unrewarding to work with. Like those with insufficient temperament, these dogs
display little or no enthusiasm and are difficult to motivate. In the German
Shepherd we would like to see the temperament in the middle range.
Hardness
One could not talk about Schutzhund and in particular the man work, without mentioning the degree of hardness a dog possesses. Some trainers identify hardness as those dogs which need severe corrections and methods to achieve a response. Others equate hardness with stubbornness, found in those dogs that oppose correction. In fact, no dog is "stubborn" or enjoys being punished. There are no canine masochists, only poor trainers, so this understanding of hardness is not correct. A hard dog is one that has the ability to recover from, put behind him and even forget unpleasant experiences and situations very quickly; an important asset in any training program.
It is quite possible for a "soft" dog to display many other excellent Schutzhund traits. However, it's important for the trainer to recognize such an animal's limitations and apply his skill, tact, and patience to compensate for this deficit by utilizing the dog's stronger points. Certainly you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear or a lion out of a coward, but if a trainer is competent, he can make much out of very little. (An advantage if one is looking at a competition dog, but misleading if one is looking for a breeding prospect.)
With a softer dog it's important to give it more time to adjust to unpleasant situations and to go carefully when introducing new or stressful experiences, especially if there might be some pain or fright occurring. The harder a dog is, the quicker it is to adjust and shrug off any negative experiences. Therefore the harder dog is the one most suitable for novices or mediocre-to-average trainers who lack the fine sense needed to fulfill the potential of a weaker animal.
Fuhrigkeit
Fuhrigkeit is a German word for another necessary trait. There's no English equivalent, but what it means is the dog's connection to its owner/trainer and its responsiveness through this. It's a trait that gives polish to the end results.
Such dogs are sensitive, without meaning that they are nervous. Compared to duller animals, they are easy to manipulate and, like all drives, this one is either enhanced or suppressed by the quality of the training. Of course, no amount of training can produce what isn't there. Because of their low status in the pecking order, softer dogs are often "fuhrig," being sensitive to any kind of pressure from "above."
Such dogs make excellent obedience prospects in work that is not apt to take alarming or threatening turns. For the man work though, fuhrigkeit is better utilized when combined with other more robust traits, like courage and hardness.
Basic canine characteristics such as SELF-CONFIDENCE, IRRITATION LEVEL, and NERVE COSTUME also are playing their part in the foundation of a good Schutzhund.
Self-confidence
Negative traits, such as shyness or nervousness can completely undermine the structure of the working abilities. Although these unwanted traits are easy to recognize in any day-to-day situation, in the man work they can be identified by the dog's body language and when put under stress. Dogs that "play harmonica" on the sleeve, or have a chewing gum grip, or bite only with the front teeth are (technique aside) clearly broadcasting their insecurity to the world. Also, dogs that growl and vocalize a lot on the sleeve are swimming in a sea of uncertainty. (The exception being the overly aggressive dog, in very rare cases.) Dogs displaying these signs in different degrees are crying out for help with their body language, and will be difficult to get committed to a full-force engagement. Overreaching such dogs is a common training mistake in early workouts, resulting in many soured or ruined animals being for sale from what might otherwise have been respectable "home ground" Schutzhunds.
The fear biter
At the bottom of the pile with no home of redemption is the fear biter. He is immediately identified in the man work by his curved body, laid back ears, and refusal to engage in any form of sustained eye or body contact.
Such dogs are an agitator's nightmare as they exhaust all human skills, and will take only quick, nasty swipes and nips at those points furthest away from the helper's eye contact. These wretched animals are in an almost constant state of stress and ever ready to flee at the slightest threat. Such cowards can only be swindled through their trials (with the help of a blind judge) and invariably never come to anything.
Nerve costume
High self-confidence and a thick nerve costume brings stability to the work. It is frustrating to see the dog with well-over-average working abilities that is handicapped by a thin nerve costume. This does not necessarily mean the dog is "nervous." The dog may be one that is highly strung or hypersensitive. They invariably blow more trials than they pass. Once again, trainer skill counts for a lot in the success of these dogs in competition.
The variation in the degree that each animal has these traits will set the limits on its potential and the final results. That is why every trainer needs to make it his business to learn where each dog has its strengths and weaknesses. As every breeder must make it his business to learn also if he wants to improve on these qualities for future generations.
Three Parts of a Schutzhund Trial
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 be 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.
The obedience phase 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.
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 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 tests are intended to assure that the dog is neither a coward nor a criminal menace.
Schutzhund Around the World
The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901 to emphasize the correct working temperament and ability in the German Shepherd breed. Originally, these dogs were herding dogs, but the industrialization of Germany encouraged breeders to promote the use of their dogs as police and military dogs. The Verein fr Deutsche Schferhunde (SV), the parent club, became concerned that this would lead to careless breeding and undesirable traits such as mental instability, so it developed the Schutzhund test.
Since then, many other countries and working dog organizations have also adopted Schutzhund as a sport and a test of working performance in dogs. International rules have been established, and they are administered by the Verein fr Deutsche Schferhunde (VDH).
In 1970 the first Schutzhund trial in the U.S. was held in California. Each year, the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA) alone sanctions hundreds of trials with thousands of dog/handler teams. More than 20 countries send teams of competitors to the World Championship for Schutzhund dogs from the World Union of German Shepherd Clubs (WUSV). In 1998, The WUSV Championship will be held in Boston, Massachusetts. This will be the first time the World Championship will be held outside of Europe.
There are three levels of the Schutzhund Test:
For Schutzhund I the dog must be at least 18 months old and pass and initial temperament test by the judge. The dog must heel on the leash and off, demonstrate the walking sit, the walking down, and the stay tests, as well as the send-out. It must retrieve on the flat and over a hurdle. In tracking, it must be able to follow a track laid by its handler at least 20 minutes earlier. There are also protection tests.
For Schutzhund II the dog must be at least 19 months old and must already have earned its Schutzhund I degree. It must again pass all of the tracking, obedience and protection tests required for Schutzhund I, but those tests, for Schutzhund II, are made more difficult and require greater endurance, agility, and above all, control. There is an additional retrieve required over the six foot slanted wall. In tracking, the Schutzhund II candidate must be able to follow a track laid by a stranger at least 30 minutes earlier.
For Schutzhund III, the master's degree, the dog must be at least 20 months old and must have earned both the Schutzhund I and II titles. Again, the tests now are made far more difficult. All exercises in obedience and protection are demonstrated off leash. There is the addition of a walking and running stand. In tracking, the dog must follow a track that was laid by a stranger at least 60 minutes earlier. The track has four turns, compared with two turns for Schutzhund I and II, and there are three objects, rather than two, that must be found by the dog. The picture of obedience, strength, eagerness and confidence presented by an excellent Schutzhund III team is a beautiful illustration of the partnership of human and dog.
In addition to the Schutzhund temperament tests, the United Schutzhund Clubs of America offer other examinations: the B, a basic obedience and temperament test which is required before entry for the Schutzhund I is permitted; the FH and FH2, advanced tracking degrees; the Schutzhund A, which tests obedience and protection at the Schutzhund I level; and the WH, a basic protection degree which includes basic obedience.
The Value to the German Shepherd Dog Breed
Any registered German Shepherd that has a Schutzhund degree has demonstrated sufficient ability as a working dog to qualify for breed evaluation. The breed evaluation is a very detailed examination of the dog's structure, temperament and pedigree and requires both a certification of good hip joints and sufficient performance on an endurance test (the AD). Dogs that do well in the breed evaluation receive a Koerklasse I or Koerklasse II. This is a recommendation and evaluation by a trained and recognized expert judge as to the worthiness of the dog for breeding. Dogs rated Koerklasse II are "suitable for breeding" and dogs rated Koerklasse I are "recommended for breeding". By thus screening dogs in order to select the suitable specimens for breeding, Schutzhund helps to maintain the quality of the breed at a very high level. Thus, there is a very high level of assurance that puppies born to Schutzhund dams and sired by Schutzhund dogs are more likely to be of reliable temperament, high intelligence, steady nerves, extreme endurance, great strength and sound structure.
What Is the Judge Looking for in the Dog?
At all three stages - Schutzhund I, II and III - each of the three phases: tracking, obedience and protection, is worth 100 points, for a total of 300 points. If a dog does not receive a minimum of 70% of the points in tracking and obedience and 80% of the points in protection - or if the dog fails the pretrial temperament test - it is not awarded a degree that day and must repeat the entire test, passing all phases of the test at a later trial. In every event, the judge is looking for an eager, concentrating, and accurate working dog. High ratings and scores are given to the animal that displays a strong willingness and ability to work for its human handler.
The Schutzhund-Trained Dog in the Home
Since Schutzhund is the demonstration of the German Shepherd Dog's most desirable characteristics, dogs well trained in Schutzhund are usually excellent companions in the home. The German Shepherd Dog - like any other working dog that possesses mental stability - has trust and confidence in itself, allowing it to be at peace with its surroundings.
In addition to sound structural efficiencies for long, arduous work, the standard for German Shepherd Dog calls for mental stability and a willingness to work. The dog should be approachable, quietly standing its ground, showing confidence and a willingness to meet overtures without itself necessarily making them. It should be generally calm, but eager and alert when the situation warrants. It should be fearless, but also good with children.
The German Shepherd Dog should not be timid or react nervously to unusual sounds or sights. A dog that is overly aggressive because of its overall fears of people and events can be extremely dangerous. The Schutzhund sport is designed to identify and eliminate such dogs from breeding stock. Because Schutzhund training gives the owner a great deal of control over the dog, the owner is able to let the dog have more fun. Not only is Schutzhund training itself enjoyable for the dog, but also the Schutzhund-trained dog knows how to please its owners, creating a stronger bond between dog and owners.
Do Dogs Enjoy Schutzhund Training?
If trained in the right manner, dogs enjoy working, as anyone who attends a Schutzhund competition can see. The joy of the dogs in working with their handlers is evident.
For thousands of years, dogs have adapted to serve humans in a mutually beneficial relationship. While dogs could move quickly, hunt prey and protect flocks and their owner. The humans could provide food, shelter from the most severe elements and protection from larger predators, besides tending to the dog's injuries. A dog's reason for being is to serve humans.
Schutzhund training helps develop the dog's natural instincts to a high level. Self-confident dogs, doing work for which they are well trained, are happy dogs. Wagging tails, sounds of excitement, and strong pulling on a leash all show an observer at a Schutzhund trial how much fulfillment dogs find in this work.
Breeders and the importance of Schutzhund Titles
As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog's mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage and trainability. A Schutzhund title is an accomplishment for the dog and the handler. With this test proving the abilities listed above, it should be used as a prerequisite to breeding as in Germany. Its in the best interest of the German Shepherd Dog to maintain the standard of breeding titled dogs.
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.
Trials
involve 3 different phases,
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 judging
of the dog should throw light on his external features and his nature
and - in certain circumstances - of his accomplishments."
--von Stephanitz
Courage Test
"Judge not
according to the appearance."
--John 7:24
"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