Dogs in Competition, Schutzhund

Schutzhund simply means protection dog in German. Now, this in no way implies that these are "attack dogs", they are protection dogs. Many breeds may be involved in Shutzhund, however German Shepherd Dogs seem to be mostly involved.

The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901. These trials are used to emphasize the correct working temperament and ability.

There are three steps in gaining a Schutzhund title.

Tracking

This part is where a "track" is laid by a person walking normally on grass or dirt, making numerous turns and selectivly dropping certain items along the way. The dog is on a 33 foot lead, and the handler follows the dog around this track as he makes his way along the track laid by the person before. When the dog comes to one of the objects that were laid by the person who made the track, he signals by lying down with the object between his front paws. The tracking phase also includes a temperament test as well.

Obedience

This includes a series of heeling exercises,a gun shot test to assure the dog does not react to much to loud noises, and there are a series of exercises where the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move.

Protection

The protection phase tests the dogs courage, physical strength, and agility. The exercises include searching of hiding places, finding a hidden person, and guarding that person while the handler approaches. When the person tries to escape, the dog is expected to pursue the person and hold him firmly.

To achieve a SchH1 title, the dog must be at least a year and a half old and pass the temperament testing by the judge. The dog must also be able to track a scent laid 20 minutes prior as well as passing some protection tests.

To acheive a SchH2 title, the dog must be at least 19 months old, already earned a SchH1, as well as passing all of the tests to achieve a SchH1 degree. The tests are more difficult for a SchH2 title, require greater endurance, and the track that the dog must follow is laid 30 minutes earlier.

For the SchH3 title, the dog must be at least 20 months old and already earned the SchH1 and SchH2 titles. The tests are the same type as before, but again, much more difficult. This time the track the dog is expected to follow was laid 60 minutes before, and has double the amount of turns made.