Call Kathy @ 614.698.8820 or Marnie @ 614.506.4034
Schutzhund
what is schutzhund?
Schutzhund was developed in Germany in the early 1900s as a breed suitability test for the German Shepherd Dog. It was designed to test the natural instincts of the breed and to weed out the dogs that were either unstable or untrainable. This helped ensure that breeding stock would pass on the most desirable traits to working dogs such as police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.
Over the past century Schutzhund has remained a breed test but has also evolved into a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all walks of life. And the performance testing part is open to all breeds and mixed breeds. The venue can be enjoyed by new dog owners to seasoned competitors. In many countries, Schutzhund titles are still considered prerequisites for breeding rights, and in some countries Schutzhund is called “The Versatility Test for Working Dogs.” It offers an opportunity for dog owners to compete with each other for recognition of both the handler’s ability to train, and the dog’s ability to perform as required. Persons of all ages and even those with significant disabilities are able to participate and enjoy the sport. Often it is a family hobby.
Over the years Schutzhund has gone through a couple of name changes. Schutzhund to IPO to now IGP. This was done in order to comply with the FCI, the International organization that allows competing in other countries and hosts world championships. The reason for this was to unify all the country organizations into a smoother cohesion. That is true but, I personally believe the powers that be just like to keep all of us on our toes.
Schutzhund
The Different Phases of Schutzhund
Stability
Temperament
Temperament
Contrary to the popular misconception that Schutzhund is “all about protection,” it is actually securely founded on obedience and control of a dog’s natural instincts and drives. Schutzhund dogs are safe, stable companions in the home and in public, good with children, under control, and at peace with their surroundings. This is why schutzhund is important for breed suitability. Even if a dog is "just a family pet", they need to have stability, be unflappable and trainable. Schutzhund allows breeding dogs to be weeded out that can't produce these traits.
Temperament
Temperament
Temperament
A Schutzhund trial begins with a temperament test for all entered dogs, where the handler must walk the dog through a crowd of strangers, and the judge observes the dog’s reaction to being approached closely on a loose leash. Dogs that show shyness or aggression are dismissed from the trial. This basic temperament test is repeated and must be passed before each trial. This helps to ensure that the dog is safe with strangers and in a crowded situation
safety
Temperament
soundness
In order to compete for the majority of performance titles a dog must obtain a BH. This is a basic obedience test done both on and off lead. A traffic test done on lead to see how the dog behaves in public. It includes joggers, bikes, strollers, other animals, cars and sometimes skateboards. It is also a thorough temperament evaluation of the dog and the handlers skills and basic understanding of the rules. A dog may not go on to higher levels of competition until the BH is passed.
soundness
soundness
soundness
The main performance phase, the Schutzhund 1 through 3 titles consist of three parts: tracking, obedience and protection, and the dog must receive passing scores in all three phases to be awarded the title at a trial. Dogs that are out of control or show sound sensitivity are dismissed and this is noted in their scorebook. Dogs that show aggression towards other dogs may be dismissed as well. The dogs must also show healthy physical ability, strength, agility and endurance. A dog in poor health is excused. There is an endurance title called the AD which is part of the breed survey. The dog must be able to trot a bike ride of 12 miles easily.
Tracking
soundness
obedience
Tracking in Schutzhund is sometimes referred to as “footstep tracking.” The dog is required to keep his nose on the ground the entire track and locate certain articles strategically placed on the track. A Schutzhund 1 track is laid by the handler, approximately 300 paces long, and aged approximately 20 minutes. The most advanced tracking titles are over 1800 paces, aged for 3 hours, and involve complex angles, varying surfaces, and are laid by a stranger. Tracking is a test of the dog’s ability to concentrate on a single task for extended periods of time, and independence in solving problems, as the handler must be 33 feet behind the dog. The working out of the track must be methodical and precise.
obedience
soundness
obedience
The obedience phase requires many of the same exercises that are seen in other venues, such as heeling, sits, downs, and retrieves. In a Schutzhund routine, the paired handlers must report with their dogs off leash. One dog performs a long down while the other does the routine. During the heeling pattern two shots are fired from a starter pistol to test the dog’s sound sensitivity. Later the dog must be heeled through a moving group of people. Dogs must retrieve large dumbbells on flat, over a 1 meter jump and an A Frame, and must be under voice control with no hand signals. Handler help is penalized, and may result in dismissal from the trial.
Protection
single titles & Rescue titles
single titles & Rescue titles
The protection phase tests a dog ability to react appropriately and be under control at all times. The dog must find a hidden decoy and hold him in place with strong barking without a bite. The dog must return to the handler when called, prevent escapes and attacks by biting, yet be able to immediately release the bite and bark or sit quietly at the handler’s side. The dog and handler are required to heel next to the decoy, and transport him to the judge, yet remain ready for defense against an attack. Dogs that are out of control are dismissed, as well as dogs that do not release the bite.
single titles & Rescue titles
single titles & Rescue titles
single titles & Rescue titles
Recently it has become possible to obtain titles in single phases, such as Obedience and tracking. A protection title called an APR is available but must be accompanied with the obedience phase. A new Rescue Dog suitability title can be obtained at some trials. Rules for Schutzhund titles are based on internationally accepted rules. Judges are often brought from Europe, and The United Schutzhund Clubs of America maintains a judges program as well, licensing judges from within the organization.
conformation
single titles & Rescue titles
breed survey-kkl
USCA also offers conformation shows, where the physical attributes of a dog are judged against the international standard. Dogs may be shown as puppies, allowing a chance for those with very young dogs to participate, and classes extend up to adult dogs with Schutzhund titles showing in the conformation ring. This promotes breeding for correct and sound physical structure.
breed survey-kkl
are schutzhunders insane?
breed survey-kkl
Breeders are encouraged to adhere to strict standards, involving a show rating, a Schutzhund title, an endurance test, and an acceptable hip rating on each dog being bred. In many countries, litter registration is not permitted unless the parents have met these criteria. This promotes consistent quality of the dogs being bred, and allows potential buyers to review generations of hip ratings, conformation, and working titles. In America, USA is a strong proponent of this system, which originated with the SV in Germany.
herding
are schutzhunders insane?
are schutzhunders insane?
The HGH title is the German style or Tending style of sheep herding. Large flock HGH dogs are used where sheep must be contained in smaller unfenced grazing areas and must be kept out of neighboring crop fields - their working style consists primarily of boundary patrol, or flock containment. Because of the lack of fencing and hay bails German farmers had the need to fence in their working sheep, the GSD worked as a living fence. Tending their farmer’s sheep. German herds need to moved down roads and through towns to get to public grazing land. This is why tending is so different then what we see Border Collies do.
are schutzhunders insane?
are schutzhunders insane?
are schutzhunders insane?
Yes, because Schutzhund is so very important to the future of the working breeds. A dog that performs well in Schutzhund should demonstrate a solid temperament with a foundation of intelligence and utility. He will show a high level of trainability and happiness for his tasks. These traits are highly sought after in police K9s and Search and Rescue dogs, service dogs and family companions. By participating in Schutzhund, we are keeping an important genetic pool alive for the dogs which serve and protect us. It also allows owners opportunity to enjoy an internationally recognized sport with their dogs, creating a stronger bond, and a safe, well mannered member of society.
Gigglebox Hundesport
Our Schutzhund club
We are proud to be members of a small schutzhund and working dog training club in the north Columbus/Delaware/Sunbury area. Our members are always delighted to welcome newcomers and answer questions. I am the training director and point of contact so please contact me if you are interested in the sport.
Marnie Rose
614.330.4071
family friendly
We accept all ages and breeds into Gigglebox. We have two helpers who are certified through USCA. We have both indoor and outdoor training facilities and multiple tracking fields.
supportive
Our club is a big extended family. We tend to trial together. Everyone is very helpful and understanding. This extends past the training field whether if it is helping watch someone's dogs or getting dog food. We always have each other's six.