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What is Schutzhund?

To help acquaint you with this complicated, three level, three phase dog sport, we offer the following simple and condensed explanation of Schutzhund rules, regulations, and the point system used.

Schutzhund originated in Germany as a breeding suitability test for the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). It provided breeders with a method to evaluate and pick only the highest quality dogs for their breeding programs.

Schutzhund Titles

Schutzhund offers three levels of titles, and there are three phases to each title. One must obtain a passing score in all three phases in order to obtain a title, and be able to advance to the next training level. The titles are:

Sch H I
Sch H II
Sch H III

There is also an advanced tracking degree offered, FH.

The sport is designed for all athletic dogs with correct working abilities and is not restricted to a particular group or breed of dog.

Schutzhund Training Phases

For each of the three titles already discussed above, there are three distinct phases: tracking, obedience, and protection.

Tracking

In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his/her nose to find a person's track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Unlike search & rescue, where the dog relies primarily on "air-scenting", schutzhund tracking is very focused on the footsteps, and is scored largely on the precision of the dog's performance. Depending upon the title sought, tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100 points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.

Obedience

The obedience phase involves numerous and demanding exercises which include heeling on and off leash, walking through a group of people, sit, down and/or stand while moving, recall, a 10-20 minute long down, retrieving, and jumping. Two shots are fired from a blank gun during the off leash heeling, and the dog must not react adversely. A set pattern is demonstrated by the handler from memory (unlike AKC obedience, where the judge calls the pattern for you). A perfect score is 100 points, with 70 needed to pass.

Protection

This phase of Schutzhund training is the strongest test of the dog's basic temperament, and the emphasis is on control. It should not be confused with guard or police dog or personal protection training. A dog competing in the sport of Schutzhund must show courage without viciousness. Control is demonstrated throughout the protection phase, through off-lead movements of the handler and dog, and through guarding without biting. The "bad guy" or "helper" as he is known in the sport always wears protective pants and a special sleeve with a burlap cover. The dog is allowed to bite this sleeve and he must bite this in the correct manner. On command, the dog MUST release the bite - the ultimate in control criteria. A dog will fail if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so. A perfect score is 100 points, with 80 points needed to pass.

Many people view the sport of Schutzhund like preparing for an Olympic Event. One must see their dog as an athlete and learn all the aspects of training, conditioning, proper diet, and the psychology of dog and human behavior! To compete in the breed ring is a start; to obtain an obedience title is certainly an advancement; to compete in Schutzhund is the ultimate! — adapted from a document prepared by members of the original Treasure State Working Dog Association, Helena, Montana

Putting it all together

Schutzhund is a wonderful sport. It is fun for the dog and trainer, it's challenging and it's rewarding. Where else in the dog sport world must the dog prove himself in three dramatically different phases in one day?

But more than a sport, the schutzhund evaluation is the best way we have of testing a dog's temperament. There are many other things we can tell about a dog off the trial field too — for instance, aversion to slick surfaces, dog aggression, gunshyness and other temperament and character faults that degrade working ability — but it's the best tool we have to evaluate breeding stock if we're honest with ourselves about what we see.

The true temperament test of Schutzhund isn't (or shouldn't be) about points or how tough or extreme the dog is — it's about how well the dog puts it all together.

On trial day, the dog (theoretically) will demonstrate his level of training, his guideablity, self-confidence, courage, sovereignty, nerve soundness, etc., to an impartial evaluator on a strange field with a strange helper. He should be committed to the track (which is a highly stylized exercise); he should be joyful but precise and controlled in the obedience; and he should be confident, active, powerful yet obedient in the protection.

New Titles Available!

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America is now offering six new titles at all USA sanctioned Schutzhund trials. These titles are TRACKING 1, 2 and 3 and OBEDIENCE 1, 2 and 3. While they do not count towards the requirements for breed surveys or conformation shows, these sport titles provide an additional way for members to become involved in trials, gain experience and enjoy the sport.

The "BH" (Begleithunde), which demonstrates that the dog has basic obedience and a sound temperament, is required prior to entering tracking or obedience. A scorebook is required for all dogs attempting the BH. You can order this from Schutzhund USA (see our LINKS for their website).

The TRACKING 1, 2 and 3 and the OBEDIENCE 1, 2 and 3 will be judged by the same rules and regulations that apply to these phases in the Schutzhund 1, 2 and 3 degrees. Dogs may compete at any level of these titles regardless of their current, if any, schutzhund degree.

The sports medal point total for these titles will be 1 point for the TRACKING and OBEDIENCE 1 level, 2 points for the TRACKING and OBEDIENCE 2 level and 3 points for the TRACKING and OBEDIENCE 3 level. Qualification for the points only applies to a passing score.

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America hopes that by offering these new titles, more people will have the opportunity to trial their dogs, gain handling experience in a trial situation and participate in the USA sports medal program in a wider range of activities.

There are many different Schutzhund clubs that you can join. For your state, check with the Schutzhund USA website to locate a club near you.