Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Enthusiasm For Schutzhund Competitions Around The World

By Jean Luc Schober

For some dog breeds and their owners, a simple walk around the park is not enough to stimulate their brains along with their legs. Joining the canine sports arena may be the perfect option and there is a very specific sport for those interested in perfecting their pet's protective instincts. There is high passion for Schutzhund training around the world, with centers in many industrialized countries.

The art of Schutzhund training has existed for almost a century since its development in Germany to perfect the behavior of guard dogs. The goal is to mold a playful puppy into a stalwart security dog, so if the need ever arises to protect their master, they will be able to do so quickly and efficiently. Dogs must have a high degree of strength in order to detain criminals, and a strong instinct for following scents to track them down. See actual dogs in action with our free Schutzhund training video.

Important requirements for a dog in this sport include physical strength, size, intelligence, and a strong working instinct. Although the list of accepted breeds encompasses quite a few rarer breeds, the most popular continues to be the German Shepherd. Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Boxers qualify as well, so there is a good chance that many people's pets would be able to participate.

Schutzhund as a sport encompasses three competitive categories for dogs and trainers to master. Tracking, obedience, and protection each have their own challenges and rules that are crucial for the dogs to perform what they learn in real life situations. Competitions test the most qualified dogs against each other to see which one possesses the most consistency and fortitude in their region.

Tracking involves picking up the scent of a person through either an article of clothing or an object, and following it across a wide distance. Many trials for this test the dogs by challenging them to find three more objects touched by the suspect, or to find the person themselves. It important for the dog to be obedient to their master at all times, able to stop and start pursuit as commanded, along with a variety of other actions.

Protecting is the most dangerous side of the sport for trainers, because young dogs must be taught how to properly attack a target without fatally wounding them. Those playing the target wear safety padding in case young dogs become too enthusiastic about the hunt. A professional dog will bite onto the suspect's arm and cling to them until the master gives the command to let go.

The working dog breeds accepted in this elite form of training need a good form of exercise for both their minds and bodies to fulfill their purpose. This sport gives dogs the potential to learn how to protect the home while building an even stronger bond with their closest human friend. Members' passion for Schutzhund training around the world is expanding this hobby to every corner of the world, making it simpler to join and enjoy.

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