Monday, October 18, 2010

Discovering Schutzhund Training Equipment And How It Is Used For Training Canines

By Fritz Adler

When talking about schutzhund training equipment and how it is used for training, it might be a good idea to know exactly what it is. The name Schutzhund, means "protection dog". It's a German word and it encompasses a great deal of areas in training German Shepherds to be exceptional working dogs.

There are three titles that your dog can earn. To earn a title in each, the dog being tested must pass three phases of training, which are tracking, obedience and protection. Schutzhund 1, is the first level where tracking, obedience and protection are taught. When the dog has passed level one, they earn their title and can compete in Schutzhund 2, where things start to become a bit more demanding. The last title that can be earned is that of Schutzhund 3. There is also an advanced tracking test called FH. The dog must first pass all three levels in order to be able to try for this degree.

Many kinds of dogs are allowed to compete for these titles today. It's not just for German Shepherds anymore, but in Germany this breed of dog still must pass the test in order to be bred there. In North America, several types of breeds can be seen trying to master this complex test. It's become one of the fastest growing dog sports in the United States. It's not an easy test, but with the correct training and equipment, it can be a bit easier to earn one of the coveted titles. See some participants in this free Schutzhund training video HERE.

Training for this sport requires the use of various tools and equipment. Short and long leashes, dumbbells, ramps, protective suits, sleeves, blinds, whips and guns, and special collars are all implemented in training.

Dumbbells are used in the obedience part of training. Each level has specific weight requirements for the dumbbells used in that level. The dogs are required to retrieve them on flat ground and are also required to jump over a variety of different ramps and frames while holding the designated amount of weight in their mouths.

The many tools used in training, serve specific purposes. There are certain tools in each area that must be used in order to train the dog to do the work required in each field. Some of those tools are the humans themselves. The trainers often act as decoys for the animals to track and find.

In the tracking phase of training, many items are employed for the dog to sniff out. They are also asked to pick up the scent of humans along courses that vary in their degree of difficulty. In the obedience phase, dogs must heel, on and off the leash. They must also go through a gunfire test and be able to perform a number of different tasks by memory.

schutzhund training equipment and how it is used for training, is a matter of debate among some people. The methods used for Schutzhund training are considered by outsiders to be pretty harsh. In actuality the best trainers use both reward and compulsion forms of training to achieve the goal. The training is strict and difficult, but there is still a lot of love that goes into creating a dog worthy of a Schutzhund title.

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