Schutzund - a brief history:
Schutzhund training began over 100 years ago in Europe and has evolved over the years to the sport we have today. The sport was developed as a method to train and test privately owned working dogs. The first Schutzhund trial was held in 1901. The purpose of Schutzhund trials has been to emphasize and evaluate the correct working temperament and working ability of the breed exhibited. The dog and handler must work together as a team in the three phases of Schutzhund. These three phases are tracking, obedience, and protection work. At no time may the dog be out of control of the handler, and before beginning a trial all dogs must pass a basic temperament evaluation by the judge. Schutzhund exercises are designed with increasing difficulty to evaluate the primary ability of the dog, but also the ability of the dog and handler as a team. Schutzhund training is a sport open to dogs of all working breeds, including mixed breeds if they can do the work. Traditionally, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Boxers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Airedales, Bouviers, and Giant Schnauzers have been the most common, with the German Shepherd dogs outnumbering them all. |
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TRACKING
Tracking tests the dog’s scenting ability. A track is laid in advance and allowed to age for a period of time. At that point, the dog is brought to the start and must follow the track without help from the handler and indicate articles dropped by the tracklayer. The dog is scored on its accuracy and commitment to finding the track and the articles. Handlers who do not wish to pursue an IPO 1, 2 or 3 may opt to train for tracking titles only. |
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OBEDIENCE
Obedience tests the dog’s ability to perform specific exercises, including heeling; sit, down, and stand while the handler continues to move; recall; retrieves on the flat and over obstacles; send-away with down; and a long down in the presence of another dog/handler team on the field. The dog is also tested for soundness during gunfire. |
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PROTECTION
Protection tests a dog’s courage, strength and agility while performing a series of exercises involving a decoy, or helper. The dog must search for the decoy, guard, pursue the decoy when he attempts to escape, defend against the decoy’s attack, and accompany his handler while transporting the decoy. The handler must demonstrate absolute control of the dog using mainly verbal commands. |