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Schutzhund
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Early in the breed's development in Germany, it was determined that
before any dog could be bred, it had to pass a working test to determine
its trainability and courage, as well as its adherence to the breed
standard. The Schutzhund
degree (protection dog) is still the most common working degree earned
by dogs in Germany and other countries requiring a working degree before
certifying a dog as breed able. (The
AKC does not require this).
Schutzhund
trials are becoming more and more popular in this country, although the
AKC frowns upon any activities requiring dogs to bite.
The bite work in Schutzhund is only allowed when the handler or
trainer has full obedience on his dog.
The club's helper, who is an individual that has thorough
knowledge of training techniques and Schutzhund rules is an invaluable
part of the club.
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Schutzhund competition
requires a dog to pass 3 separate tests.
1. Tracking.
2. Obedience
3. Protection.
Properly
done with a dog of proper temperament, Schutzhund is extremely enjoyable
for the dog and its owner, as it allows the dog to chase, bite and
defeat a foe. This is done
under very strict and controlled guidelines. |
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It can enhance a dog's self-confidence and bring energy and
enthusiasms to its work. Done
improperly it can destroy a young dog's confidence, or as a worst-case
scenario, create an unmanageable and dangerous animal.
The trainers and helpers of any Schutzhund organization should be
carefully selected. As this
sport becomes more popular in this country, the training techniques
improve, as do the handler's skills.
This is a
sport for owners who are willing to be truly dedicated to their
training. For those who
understand the training and their dogs, it can produce a fine working
team.
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Schutzhund
clubs frequently offer not only the Schutzhund (SchH) training, but more
and more are offering other internationally recognized degree that
requires no bite work. Some
also offer breed surveys and conformation shows with judges from Verein
fur Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), which is the German breed club.
SchH
1 SchH 2 SchH3 AD
BH
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