What is Schutzhund?
Reprinted from the book, "Schutzhund Theory & Training Methods", By S. Barwig &
S. Hilliard, Howell.
The word "Schutzhund" exactly translated from German to English means
"Protection Dog." This literal translation is somewhat misleading, as there is
much more to Schutzhund than just protection.
Today, in the United States, Schutzhund is a fast-growing, competitive sport. In
Europe, SchH (the abbreviation for Schutzhund) has been a popular sport since
the early 1900's. Schutzhund was originally a test to determine which German
Shepherds were quality dogs for breeding purposes in Germany. Today, SchH is
that and much, much more. It still gives us the ability to test our dogs to
determine if the temperament is correct and to also view their working ability.
It is also a highly competitive sport which is maintained by the efforts of
teamwork between the handler and his/her dog. Schutzhund is designed for the
dogs with working ability. However, it is not restricted to any particular group
or breed of dog. The United Schutzhund Clubs of America, primarily a German
Shepherd organization, does recognize all breeds capable of doing SchH work.
Schutzhund training and showing involves three phases: Tracking, Obedience and
Protection. There are three SchH levels one can achieve with his/her dog: SchH I
(considered the novice level), SchH II (the intermediate), and SchH III (the
advanced level). Each handler and his dog start out in each phase with 100
points. From there, points are to be deducted by the presiding judge according
to the point system, providing the dog/handler team errors. A total perfect
score is 300. In order for a person and his dog to achieve any one of the SchH
degrees, the team together must achieve at least 70 points or better in tracking
and obedience and at least 80 points or better in protection. If these minimum
scores are not received, a SchH degree cannot be awarded to the participating
dog/handler team. The requirements that a dog/handler team must fulfill become
progressively more difficult from the SchH I level to the SchH III level.
Tracking is a development of a dog's natural abilities and instincts. It helps
to build confidence within the dog. The dog must use his nose in locating a
track laid either by his handler or a stranger and also have the ability to
discover various articles dropped along the track. The track length, the age of
the track, the number of articles and the size of the articles depend on the
level of the SchH degree.
Obedience makes a dog a more enjoyable companion and also makes him more
reliable in everyday situations. SchH obedience judges a handler and his dog as
a team. The team is required to do various exercises, depending on the SchH
degree one is attempting to earn.
Protection, as trained for Schutzhund requires that the dog have a reliable
temperament and show courage without viciousness. It is an advanced and complex
training wherein the dog must make his own decision and use his judgment. The
"bad guy," known as the agitator or helper in the sport, is required to wear
protective pants and a special sleeve covered with burlap for the dog to bite.
The dog must bite correctly or he will lose points. The dog must be trained to
release his bite. A dog can fail if he consistently does not release his bite
when commanded.
If you are interested in Schutzhund, ask around you! Every handler and owner is
proud of every title his dog has achieved and can tell you what a feeling of
accomplishment it is to earn a Schutzhund title with his/her dog.
Schutzhund Titles
Schutzhund offers three levels of titles, and there are three phases to each
title. One must obtain a passing score in all three phases in order to obtain a
title, and be able to advance to the next training level.
The titles are:
* Sch H I (novice)
* Sch H II (intermediate)
* Sch H III (master level)
There is also an advanced tracking degree offered, FH.
The sport is designated for all athletic dogs with correct working abilities and
is not restricted to a particular group or breed of dog. Schutzhund is now the
fastest growing Dog Sport in North America!
Schutzhund Training Phases
For each of the three titles already discussed above, there are three distinct
phases: tracking, obedience, and protection.
Tracking
In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his/her nose
to find a person's track and discover articles that have been dropped along the
way. Depending upon the title sought, all tracks will vary in length, shape and
age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100
points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.
Obedience
The obedience phase involves numerous and demanding exercises which include
heeling on and off leash, a gunfire test, walking through a group of people,
motion exercises, recall, a 10-20 minute long down, retrieving, and jumping. A
set pattern is demonstrated by the handler from memory (unlike AKC obedience,
where the judge calls the pattern for you). A perfect score is 100 points, with
70 needed to pass.
Protection
This phase of Schutzhund training is very intricate, advanced, and taught with
control in mind. It should not be confused or compared in any way with guard dog
or police protection training. A dog competing in the sport of Schutzhund must
always prove to have a reliable temperament and must show courage without
viciousness. The "bad guy" or "helper" as he is known in the sport always wears
protective leather pants and a special sleeve with a burlap cover. The dog is
allowed to bite this sleeve and he must bite this in the correct manner. On
command, the dog MUST release the bite. A dog will fail if it does not release
the bite when commanded to do so. A perfect score is 100 points, with 80 points
needed to pass.
THE EXERCISES
Many people view the sport of Schutzhund like preparing for an Olympic Event.
One must see their dog as an athlete and learn all the aspects of conditioning,
proper diet, and the psychology of it all -- for one's self as well as for the
dog.
Only dogs that appear healthy can be exhibited in a trial. Before being
permitted to participate in a trial, each dog must pass a test of impartiality
and sureness. The testing is performed prior to the Tracking phase which is the
first phase of the trial. Testing of the self confidence will take place during
the entire trial. Dogs who fail the of self confidence or impartiality are to be
excused from the trial proceedings.
Before any dog can enter a Schutzhund trial and obtain a degree it must pass a (
BH ) . BH = German Companion Dog. The dog must pass this test at an approved
Schutzhund Trial. This test was developed as a preliminary character evaluation.
This test was designed to keep aggressive, sharp, shy, or nervous dogs from
participating in the sport. A dog must have absolutely sound temperament to
compete in a Schutzhund trial.
There are three major degrees awarded: SchH-I, SchH-II, and SchH-III - in order
of increasing difficulty. The traits that make for a good Schutzhund candidate
mostly are innate characteristics that must be bred for. Even among dogs bred
out of Schutzhund bitches and dogs, a minority have the ability to reach even
SchH-I, and a small percentage will have the necessary drive, intelligence and
hardness to achieve a SchH-III title.
The above degrees were difficult enough, but to make it even more demanding,
they all happen in one day during competitions that are held all over the
country. These trials are held by local clubs or in regional and national
championships. Each dog is judged by a complex point system that then determines
the winner of the trial.
Schutzhund training is very time consuming and requires a lot of commitment from
the handler. The length of time it takes to get a Schutzhund title varies
greatly depending upon the dogs abilities, the time spent training, and the
quality of the training.
This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog
and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler's ability to
train and the dog's ability to perform as required.
Schutzhund as a sport is
enjoyed by persons of varied ages, professions and life styles.
Schutzhund is an active sport that has a lot to offer. It's held outdoors. It's
a physical sport. It's mentally stimulating. Schutzhund is a demanding
recreational sport that is both fun and very rewarding.
Degree Levels - Minimum Age Requirements
|
FH |
|
16 months |
|
SchH A |
|
14 months |
|
SchH I |
|
14 months |
|
SchH II |
|
16 months |
|
SchH III |
|
18 months |
Ratings and Point Scores
|
N |
- |
Not Acceptable |
|
0 - 109 points |
|
U |
- |
Unsatisfactory |
|
110 - 219 points |
|
S |
- |
Satisfactory |
|
220 - 239 points |
|
G |
- |
Good |
|
240 - 269 points |
|
SG |
- |
Very Good |
|
270 - 285 points |
|
V |
- |
Excellent |
|
286 - 300 points |
Awards for Combativeness including Courage and Hardness are:
|
P |
- |
Pronounced |
|
( Ausgepraegt ) |
|
S |
- |
Satisfactory |
|
( Vorhanden ) |
|
I |
- |
Insufficient |
|
( Nicht Genugend ) |
SchH I
Part A
Tracking (100 Points)
Search for articles on a track from 400-500 paces long, 20 minutes old, laid by
the handler.
Part B
Obedience (100 Points)
1- Heeling on Lead (15 Points)
2- Heeling off Lead (15 Points)
3- Walking Sit (10 Points)
4- Walking down with Recall (10 Points)
5- Retrieve on Flat Ground (10 Points)
6- Retrieving an Object over a Hurdle 1 Meter High (39 Inches) and 1.5 Meters
Wide (59 Inches) (20 Points)
7- Go out with Down (10 Points)
8- Down Under Distraction (10 Points)
Part C
Protection (100 Points)
1- Hold and Bark (5 Points)
2- Attack on the Handler (30 Points)
3- Follow and Hold (Courage Test) (55 Points)
4- Fighting Instinct (Includes Courage and Hardness) (10 Points)
SchH II
Part A
Tracking (100 Points)
Search for articles on a track from 600-700 paces long, 30 minutes old, laid by
a stranger.
Part B
Obedience (100 Points)
1- Heeling on Lead (10 Points)
2- Heeling off Lead (15 Points)
3- Walking Sit (5 Points)
4- Walking Down with Recall (10 Points)
5- Retrieving a 1 Kilogram (2 lb. 3 oz.) Dumbbell on Flat Ground (10 Points)
6- Retrieving a 650 gram ( 1 lb. 7 oz.) over a Hurdle 1 Meter High (39 inches)
and 1.5 Meters Wide (59 inches) (15 Points)
7- Climbing Jump over a Scaling Wall 1.8 Meters (5 ft. 11 inches) and 1.3 Meters
Broad (51 inches) Retrieving an Object (15 Points)
8- Go Out with Down (10 Points)
9- Down Under Distraction (10 Points)
Part C
Protection (100 Points)
1- Searching for the Helper (5 Points)
2- Hold and Bark (5 and 5, 10 Points)
3- Escape and Defense ( Escape 10 Points, Defense 30 Points )
4- Escort (5 Points)
5- Surprise Attack, Courage Test and Fighting Instinct (40 Points)
A- Surprise Attack and Courage Test (30 Points)
B- Fighting Instinct (Includes Courage and Hardness) (10 Points)
SchH III
Part A
Tracking (100 Points)
Search for articles on a track from 1200-1400 paces long, 50 minutes old, laid
by a stranger.
Part B
Obedience (100 Points)
1- Heeling off Lead (10 Points)
2- Walking Sit (5 Points)
3- Running Down with Recall (10 Points)
4- Walking Stand-Stay (5 Points)
5- Running Stand-Stay (10 Points)
6- Retrieving a 2 Kilogram (4 lb. 6 oz.) Dumbbell on Flat Ground (10 Points)
7- Retrieving a 650 gram ( 1 lb. 7 oz.) over a Hurdle 1 Meter High (39 inches)
and 1.5 Meters Wide (59 inches) (15 Points)
8- Climbing Jump over a Scaling Wall 1.8 Meters (5 ft. 11 inches) and 1.3 Meters
Broad (51 inches) Retrieving an Object (15 Points)
9- Go Out with Down (10 Points)
10- Down Under Distraction (10 Points)
Part C
Protection (100 Points)
1- Searching for the Helper (5 Points)
2- Hold and Bark (5 and 5, 10 Points)
3- Escape and Defense ( Escape 10 Points, Defense 20 Points )
4- Escort (5 Points)
5- Attack, Courage Test and Re-attack (10 plus 10 plus 20, 40 Points)
6- Fighting Instinct (Includes Courage and Hardness) (10 Points)
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