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When Max Von Stephanitz first envisioned the dog
that was to become the German Shepherd Dog in the late 1800’s, he
utilized many of the herding type dogs of the region that had the
characteristics he was looking for. He produced a Utility Dog of
high performance. In order to maintain the quality of the
breed, a performance-based examination was developed to test each
animal for its value of breed ability. This evaluation has
evolved into the Sport of Schutzhund.
In all countries that recognize
the FCI Standard, a Schutzhund title or HGH (herding) is required to
prove that an individual animal is breed worthy.
As stated in “All about
German Shepherd Dogs” by Martin Coulter:
“The sport was devised by the SV, shortly after the society was
founded, as a legitimate off farm activity for members to engage in,
in accordance with the rules and objects of the society, to further
the mental and physical fitness of the members and their dogs.
Schutzhund is also a training qualification awarded to dogs to pass,
at a satisfactory level, a series of tests designed to test the
dog’s endurance, tracking ability, obedience in handling, and
readiness to protect the handler.”
The Sport of Schutzhund began to
flourish here in the United States in the 1980’s and has enjoyed an
increase in popularity.
The WUSV (World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs) offers an
annual SchH3 international trial, hosted by various countries. Many countries send a team
of handlers and dogs to represent their country. The United States has had
improving standing over the years, to where they are now top
contenders in this international sport.
There are 3 levels of
competence in Schutzhund: SchH1, SchH2, and SchH3. SchH3 is
considered the Master’s Level or Competition Level.
Before a Handler and his or her dog may participate they must pass
the BH or Companion Dog examination to assure suitability for the
sport. The main emphasis here is obedience and correct
temperament.
The three components of the
Sport of Schutzhund are:
1.
Tracking.
This is foot-step to foot-step
tracking with the locating of “articles” on the track.. SchH1, SchH2, &
SchH3 becoming progressively more challenging at each
level.
2.
Obedience.
Again at each level, the
obedience routine becomes more challenging and components are added
to increase the amount of difficulty
3.
Protection.
Each level of
Schutzhund requires a more challenging degree of performance.
This phase of Schutzhund should not measure the aggressiveness of
the dog but the strength of nerve and courage the animal possesses,
and willingness to face and defeat a foe.
Schutzhund is a sport where
dedication is the key and true Sportsmanship should prevail. Before one joins a
Schutzhund Club, you should look very closely not only at the
individual membership of the Club, but also at the ability and skill
level of the “Helper” who directs the Protection Phase
of the training session.
The “Training Director” of the Club should be
able to evaluation both you as the handler and your dog, to
determine suitability for the sport and to maximize your
participation.
When training is correctly done,
with a strong emphasis on obedience, Schutzhund can be a very
fulfilling opportunity for both the dog and its handler to work
together as a team. When done incorrectly or with
inexperience, a dog can become a serious and dangerous liability for
its handler.
Recommended reading for more
information on the Sport of Schutzhund:
1. Schutzhund Theory and
Training Methods
By Susan Barwig and Stewart Hillard
2. Schutzhund Obedience
Training in Drive
By Sheila Booth with Gottfried Dildei
3. Advanced
Schutzhund
By Ivan Balabanov & Karen Duet
In the United States,
you may contact United Schutzhund Clubs of America, or the German Shepherd Dog Club of America-Working
Dog Association for more information and
Schutzhund Club locations.
 
Commands in German
BH
Exercise | 
