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What is Schutzhund?
Reprinted from the book, "Schutzhund Theory & Training Methods," by S. Barwig &
S. Hilliard, Howell
The word "Schutzhund" exactly translated from German to English means "Protection
Dog." This literal translation is somewhat misleading, as there is much more to
Schutzhund than just protection.
Today, in the United States, Schutzhund is a fast-growing, competitive sport. In
Europe, SchH (the abbreviation for Schutzhund) has been a popular sport since the
early 1900's. Schutzhund was originally a test to determine which German Shepherds
were quality dogs for breeding purposes in Germany. Today, SchH is that and much,
much more. It still gives us the ability to test our dogs to determine if the temperament
is correct and to also view their working ability. It is also a highly competitive sport
which is maintained by the efforts of teamwork between the handler and his/her dog.
Schutzhund is designed for the dogs working ability. However, it is not restricted to
any particular group or breed of dog. The United Schutzhund Club of America,
primarily a German Shepherd organization, does recognize all breeds capable of doing
SchH work.
Schutzhund training and showing involves three phases: Tracking, Obedience and
Protection. There are three SchH levels one can achieve with his/her dog: SchH I
(considered the novice level), SchH II (the intermediate), and SchH III (the advanced
level). Each handler and his dog start out each phase with 100 points. From there,
points are deducted by the presiding judge according to the point system, providing the
dog/handler team errors. A total perfect score is 300. In order for a person and his
dog to achieve any one of the SchH degrees, the team together must achieve at least
70 points or better in tracking and obedience and at least 80 points or better in
protection. If these minimum scores are not received, a SchH degree cannot be
awarded to the participating dog/handler team. The requirements that a dog/handler
team must fulfill become progressively more difficult form the SchH I level to the SchH
III level.
Tracking is a development of a dog's natural abilities and instincts. It helps to build
confidence within the dog. The dog must use his noes in locating a track laid either by
his handler or a stranger and also have the ability to discover various articles dropped
along the track. The track length, the age of the track, and the number of articles and
the size of the articles depend on the level of the SchH degree.
Obedience makes a dog a more enjoyable companion and also makes him more
reliable in everyday situations. SchH obedience judges a handler and his dog as a
team. The team is required to do various exercise, depending on the SchH degree one
is attempting to earn.
Protection, as trained for Schutzhund requires the dog have a reliable temperament and
show courage without viciousness. It is an advanced and complex training wherein the
dog must make his own decision and use his judgment. The "bad guy," know as the
agitator or helper in the sport, is required to wear protective pants and a special sleeve
covered with burlap of the dog to bite. The dog must bite correctly or he will lose
points. The dog must be trained to release his bite. A dog can fail if he consistently
does not release his bite when commanded.
If you are interested in Schutzhund, ask around you! Every handler and owner is
proud of every title his dog has achieved and can tell you what a feeling of
accomplishment it is to earn a Schutzhund title with his/her dog.
Reprinted from the book, "Schutzhund Theory & Training Methods," by S. Barwig &
S. Hilliard, Howell
The word "Schutzhund" exactly translated from German to English means "Protection
Dog." This literal translation is somewhat misleading, as there is much more to
Schutzhund than just protection.
Today, in the United States, Schutzhund is a fast-growing, competitive sport. In
Europe, SchH (the abbreviation for Schutzhund) has been a popular sport since the
early 1900's. Schutzhund was originally a test to determine which German Shepherds
were quality dogs for breeding purposes in Germany. Today, SchH is that and much,
much more. It still gives us the ability to test our dogs to determine if the temperament
is correct and to also view their working ability. It is also a highly competitive sport
which is maintained by the efforts of teamwork between the handler and his/her dog.
Schutzhund is designed for the dogs working ability. However, it is not restricted to
any particular group or breed of dog. The United Schutzhund Club of America,
primarily a German Shepherd organization, does recognize all breeds capable of doing
SchH work.
Schutzhund training and showing involves three phases: Tracking, Obedience and
Protection. There are three SchH levels one can achieve with his/her dog: SchH I
(considered the novice level), SchH II (the intermediate), and SchH III (the advanced
level). Each handler and his dog start out each phase with 100 points. From there,
points are deducted by the presiding judge according to the point system, providing the
dog/handler team errors. A total perfect score is 300. In order for a person and his
dog to achieve any one of the SchH degrees, the team together must achieve at least
70 points or better in tracking and obedience and at least 80 points or better in
protection. If these minimum scores are not received, a SchH degree cannot be
awarded to the participating dog/handler team. The requirements that a dog/handler
team must fulfill become progressively more difficult form the SchH I level to the SchH
III level.
Tracking is a development of a dog's natural abilities and instincts. It helps to build
confidence within the dog. The dog must use his noes in locating a track laid either by
his handler or a stranger and also have the ability to discover various articles dropped
along the track. The track length, the age of the track, and the number of articles and
the size of the articles depend on the level of the SchH degree.
Obedience makes a dog a more enjoyable companion and also makes him more
reliable in everyday situations. SchH obedience judges a handler and his dog as a
team. The team is required to do various exercise, depending on the SchH degree one
is attempting to earn.
Protection, as trained for Schutzhund requires the dog have a reliable temperament and
show courage without viciousness. It is an advanced and complex training wherein the
dog must make his own decision and use his judgment. The "bad guy," know as the
agitator or helper in the sport, is required to wear protective pants and a special sleeve
covered with burlap of the dog to bite. The dog must bite correctly or he will lose
points. The dog must be trained to release his bite. A dog can fail if he consistently
does not release his bite when commanded.
If you are interested in Schutzhund, ask around you! Every handler and owner is
proud of every title his dog has achieved and can tell you what a feeling of
accomplishment it is to earn a Schutzhund title with his/her dog.