Official Schutzhund Training Spans Generations And Geography
Schutzhund training spans generations and geography to promote the sport of training and exhibiting protection dogs, for this is what the term means in German. There are clubs around the world with members of all ages participating in this growing activity.
The parent organization of all recognized international clubs is in Germany, but the largest number of clubs are in the United States. Canada also has many active clubs, and there are clubs as far afield as Malaysia. The competitive sport was started early in the 1900s when lovers of German Shepherds realized that important characteristics of the breed were being lost, as show ring breeders bred only for looks. Wanting to preserve the herding instincts, the endurance, and the strength of the breed, a rigorous series of trial events was designed. The training program seeks to prepare a dog for the demands of these trials.
There are three competitive levels for dogs that have passed the initial examination to demonstrate the strength, intelligence, and temperament needed to qualify. These traits can be seen in puppies, although the training is too demanding for immature animals. Simple obedience and games that prepare the dog for future training are started very young, with advanced training started later.
This sport is focused on the German Shepherd, but is open to all dogs, even those of mixed breed, who can pass the initial qualifying examination and successfully proceed through the training. There are books on this subject which emphasize the structured nature of the training that brings the dog and its handler step by step to the level of obedience and willingness to work which is required. Videos and DVDs are available, also, but it is important to have the support of a club as well, with trained officers who can instruct and support the members.
The generational aspect of the sport holds true for the animals as well, because a calm and capable dog will pass its abilities and temperament on to its offspring. Holding one or more titles in this training makes a dog suitable for breeding. Dogs who have shown that they can physically and mentally rise to championship levels in Schutzhund training often have famous ancestors.
Although part of the training is police work, aggression is never permitted at any level. A fearful or aggressive dog will not even be accepted into the training program. Although the dog is trained to track, find, and hold a fugitive, and protect itself and its owner from aggression, it must be under the handler's command at all times, able to be sent out and called back, be directed to attack and called off again, and able to walk through a crowd of people and dogs without losing control.
Organized schutzhund training spans generations and geography as it fits a dog to be a family pet, an intelligent companion, a capable worker, and a guardian as well.
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The parent organization of all recognized international clubs is in Germany, but the largest number of clubs are in the United States. Canada also has many active clubs, and there are clubs as far afield as Malaysia. The competitive sport was started early in the 1900s when lovers of German Shepherds realized that important characteristics of the breed were being lost, as show ring breeders bred only for looks. Wanting to preserve the herding instincts, the endurance, and the strength of the breed, a rigorous series of trial events was designed. The training program seeks to prepare a dog for the demands of these trials.
There are three competitive levels for dogs that have passed the initial examination to demonstrate the strength, intelligence, and temperament needed to qualify. These traits can be seen in puppies, although the training is too demanding for immature animals. Simple obedience and games that prepare the dog for future training are started very young, with advanced training started later.
This sport is focused on the German Shepherd, but is open to all dogs, even those of mixed breed, who can pass the initial qualifying examination and successfully proceed through the training. There are books on this subject which emphasize the structured nature of the training that brings the dog and its handler step by step to the level of obedience and willingness to work which is required. Videos and DVDs are available, also, but it is important to have the support of a club as well, with trained officers who can instruct and support the members.
The generational aspect of the sport holds true for the animals as well, because a calm and capable dog will pass its abilities and temperament on to its offspring. Holding one or more titles in this training makes a dog suitable for breeding. Dogs who have shown that they can physically and mentally rise to championship levels in Schutzhund training often have famous ancestors.
Although part of the training is police work, aggression is never permitted at any level. A fearful or aggressive dog will not even be accepted into the training program. Although the dog is trained to track, find, and hold a fugitive, and protect itself and its owner from aggression, it must be under the handler's command at all times, able to be sent out and called back, be directed to attack and called off again, and able to walk through a crowd of people and dogs without losing control.
Organized schutzhund training spans generations and geography as it fits a dog to be a family pet, an intelligent companion, a capable worker, and a guardian as well.
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