Need your dog Trained?
We offer a wide variety of Programs to fit you
& your dogs individual needs....at your home!
From Beginning Obedience to Off Leash,
Conformation Training, Tracking,
& Beginning Schutzhund
Private Lessons (6 weeks for 1 hour)
Slam Dunk Private Lessons (2 Sessions for 3 hours)
Small Group Lessons
Call us at 815-814-5222 to discuss your needs.
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Dogs are also rated and must achieve an G (good), SG (very good), V (excellent), or VA (excellent select) rating to be breed, as well as hip certification and a working degree.
Schutzhund is a German dog sport. It translates into "protection dog".
The purpose of Schutzhund training is to assess and mold the dog's natural abilities to track, protect, and teach the dog control through obedience. It has been considered by some to be a test for breeding in that during the training the degree to which the dog possesses these working abilities becomes apparent. There are three degrees of Schutzhund training: SchH1 or novice; SchH2 or intermediate; and SchH3 or advanced.
To be eligible to do Schutzhund training, it is essential that the dog have a sound temperament. It cannot be shy, sharp shy, vicious, or have poor nerves (that is easily rattled). A responsible trainer will never train a dog with poor temperament in Schutzhund. It is also important that the trainer know when to back down and when to admit ignorance in order to keep from ruining a dog.
Good socialization during puppy hood is critical. Poorly socialized dogs will have problems getting started and will require more ground work.
The tracking is very similar to the AKC TD and TDX, except the dog is penalized for quartering (that is sniffing from side to side down the track). This phase of training can be started when the dog is about five months old.
The obedience portion is very similar to that of the AKC CDX work except it is done on a large field as opposed to a small ring. This is for SchH1. For SchH2 and 3 obedience, the dog has to scale a 6 foot tall slanted wall to retrieve a dumbbell in addition to the SchH1 exercises. The dog is expected to do the work with greater precision at the more advanced levels. This portion of the training is usually started in earnest at about 12 months of age. Basic puppy training is always a good idea.
The protection phase consists of developing the dog's natural protective instincts, and teaches it control in full drive through obedience exercises. The protection phase is best started no earlier than 15 months of age. The dog needs to have developed emotionally as well as physically and mentally.
Schutzhund training is very time consuming and requires a commitment from the owner. The length of time it takes to attain a SchH1 title will depend upon the dog's abilities and the time commitment made by the owner. This can range from three months under ideal conditions (two times tracking/wk; four times/wk of obedience; four times/wk of protection) to three years if the training is sporadic or of poor quality.
There is a difference between Schutzhund Training and a Schutzhund Trial. When done properly the training is a good test of the dog. A strong dog doesn't always do well at trials because they can be a bit obstinate during the obedience phase. A dog that scores well may not be a good dog.
In Germany, the two largest Schutzhund organizations are the SV (GSD Dog Club) and the DVG (German Alliance for Utility Dog Sports). In 1975, the first Schutzhund organization in the US, United Schutzhund Club of America (USA), was formed. Soon after, an American branch of the DVG formed. The USA's address and phone numbers are in the Resources section. (Breeding requirements for the United Schutzhund Clubs of America include a minimum of an "a" stamp and BH (German Companion Dog).