Schutzhund
What is Schutzhund?
Schutzhund is a German word meaning protection dog. It is a sport that focuses on evaluating traits in dogs that make them more useful and happy companions to their handlers. It is a worldwide sport, which in the UK is under the management of the BSA British Schutzhund Association.
What Dogs Can Compete?
This sport was originally created for German Shepherd Dogs but has more recently opened up to other breeds such as Dobermans. In order to compete in Schutzhund the dog must pass a character test to ensure their character is stable before they compete. Handlers must belong to the BSA. This is a sport that requires utmost control of the dog. Dogs competing should never be aggressive except under the specific situations it is trained to face.
History
The effects of the Industrial Revolution were sweeping across Europe at the beginning of the 20th Century and changing the way of life that had existed for centuries. The modernisation of rural life made traditional methods of farming redundant and the roles of working dogs were in danger of being lost.
The early creators of German Shepherd Dogs were amongst the first to realise what was happening. They knew that their beloved breed was capable of being adapted to all sorts of purposes. A system was devised for identifying the dogs considered suitable as breeding stock. A conformation show helped find the correct type and physical structure that was required. A working test was devised to identify the animals possessing the necessary stable characters, strong drives and overall working ability. From these early tests Schutzhund evolved, some elements have been refined over the years, but the original objectives remain the same.
Schutzhund Trials
Schutzhund trials consist of three phases. Each phase is allocated 100 points and from this the judge will deduct points for any errors according to the points system. To qualify at any level a minimum of 70 points must be achieved in each phase. In order to progress to competition at the next level a minimum passing mark of 80 points must be gained in protection. Before a dog can compete in this sport they must pass a basic temperament test the BH. The BH comprises of two sections, the first being similar to Schutzhund 1 but without the retrieves or sendaway. The second tests the dog in a series of simulated everyday situations such as traffic, reactions to people and dogs in the absences of the handler.
One - Tracking. This is the development of the dog’s natural scenting ability and the dog’s willingness to work for the handler. The track is laid in an open field and the dog must follow the footsteps of the track layer and indicate any articles that have been left on the track. The handler will follow the dog at the end of a 10 metre line when working the track. The aim is a well-motivated dog that tracks accurately and at a consistent pace.
Two - Obedience. This evaluates the dog’s responsiveness to it’s handler in a number of different situations. The exercise requires the dog to heel at the handler’s side in a pattern of turns, with changes of pace and stops with distractions such as a group of people or gunshots. The dog must be left in a sit, down and stand and come when called. Your dog will be required to retrieve a dumbbell on a flat over a 1 metre hurdle and over an A-frame. A sendaway with a down command is also required. The dog’s will work in pairs with one dog doing the exercise while the other dog remains in a down away from the handler. An alert attentive attitude is preferred throughout work.
Three - Protection. This determines the dog’s courage, drive, self-confidence and resilience whilst still under the control of the handler. It requires the dog to search and find a hidden ‘criminal’ (a helper). The dog must warn the handler of his presence by barking and preventing the helper from escaping. The helper, who wears a protective suit and padded sleeve, makes a number of simulated attacks. The dogs are trained to grip onto the sleeve and when the helper stands still the dog must release the sleeve immediately and then guard the helper. Control and discipline are paramount in protection training. This is an area, which is miss-understood by people who have never participated in the sport. It is thought that it changes the dog’s temperament. Only dogs with a completely stable temperament and strong nerves should undertake protection training. Dog’s that are aggressive or nervous or shy are totally unsuitable.
Schutzhund Titles
There are three levels to a Schutzhund test.
Schutzhund 1 For this test the dog must be at least 18 months old and pass an initial temperament test by the judge. The dog must heel on and off the lead, and demonstrate stay test, a sendaway, the walking sit and down. The dog must retrieve on the flat over a hurdle. In tracking it must follow a track laid by the handler at least 20 minutes earlier. There are also protection tests.
Schutzhund 2 For this test the dog must be at least 19 months old and must have already passed the Schutzhund 1. The dog must pass all of the obedience and protection tests required for the Schutzhund 1. The tests for Schutzhund 2 and more difficult and require greater endurance, control and agility. In tracking the dog must be able to follow a track laid by a stranger at least 30 minutes earlier.
Schutzhund 3 For this test the dog must be at least 20 months old and must have passed Schutzhund 1 and 2. The tests at this level are far more difficult with all exercises in obedience and protection demonstrated off lead. There is an additional walking and running stand. In tracking the dog must follow a track laid by a stranger at least 60 minutes earlier. The track will have four turns with three objects that must be found by the dog. The dog should be the picture of obedience with strength, eagerness and confidence.
