The literal translation from German to English of the word "Schutzhund" is "protection dog".
It is a "tri-athalon" of sorts with the three phases being tracking, obedience and protection.
Schutzhund is an exciting world wide recognized competitive program and training challenge, which has been in existence for over 100 years.
The program offers three levels of titles. One must obtain a passing score in all three phases at one trial 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 (advanced)
Two advanced tracking degrees are also offered: FH and FH2.
Before titling for a SchH I you must first pass a written test and a BH or Begleithunde (obedience/traffic sureness test).
To obtain a title, the dog and handler must pass three distinct phases at a trial with a score of 70 points out of a possible 100.
PHASE A: Tracking
The dog must find a person's track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Unlike search & rescue or police work where the dog relies primarily on 'air-scenting', Schutzhund tracking is very focused on the footsteps, and is scored largely on the precision of the dog's performance. Depending upon the title sought, tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done on dirt or on grass.
PHASE B: Obedience
The obedience phase showcases the dog's inherent joy in the work balanced with precision and control. The exercises include heeling on and off leash, walking through a group of people, sit, down and/or stand while moving, recall, a 15+ minute long down while another dog is working on the field, retrieving, and jumping. Two shots are fired from a blank gun during the heeling and long down, and the dog must not react adversely.
PHASE C: Protection
This phase of Schutzhund training is the strongest test of the dog's basic temperament and character, with an emphasis on control. He is rated on self-confidence, ability to work under pressure, toughness and resilience, steadfast nerves, well-balanced drives and willingness to take directions and be responsive to the handler. Obedience and control are demonstrated throughout the protection phase through off-lead exercises and through guarding without biting. On command, the dog MUST release the bite. A dog will fail if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so.
Throughout all three phases the dog's temperament is constantly being evaluated by the judge(s).
Aggressive dogs and those that lack obedience and control will be failed for faulty temperament.
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Ring Sport originated in Europe, also in existance for over a hundred years.
You'll see awesome jumping, complex obedience, and a hair-raising duel of speed, courage and wits between decoy and dog.
The sport also offers three levels of titles, and it is a two phase sport consisting of Obedience and Protection work, and similarly to Schutzhund: French Ring has an entry level called the Brevet, which must be passed before one can challenge for the titles.
The Brevet demonstrates temperament, control and obedience prior to challenging the titles.
The Titles are:
*FR I (novice)
*FR II (intermediate)
*FR III (advanced)
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Either of these programs require dedication and demand commitment.
Puppies (8 weeks) to adult dogs (physically capable and temperamentally balanced for the programs) are welcomed.
If you believe; you and your dog has the abilities to persue either of these disciplines give Longwoods Working Dogs an email and we can set things up for a free evaluation of your dog/puppy.
Whether it be Schutzhund or French Ring; if you decided to follow either of this training, it will be a rewarding and exciting journey that will provide you a lifetime of memories
