Training Dogs for the Sport of Schutzhund
Schutzhund is a judged dog sport in which highly training dogs of the working breed class perform a series of tasks in the fields of tracking, obedience and protection. These dogs are judged on each of these categories are titles are given to dogs that score highly in all three. The sport of Schutzhund is extremely demanding and only top notch dogs with quality natural attributes and proper training will succeed. In order to train a successful Schutzhund dog, a handler must look for an individual dog from the many working breeds with a blend of physical and temperamental traits. Schutzhund dogs must have natural strength, speed, endurance and agility physically, but they also must have the temperament features of intelligence and trainability. These attributes must be present in a dog that also naturally features a strong sense of smell and a desire to protect their human counterparts. This is why the most common working breeds chosen for the sport of Schutzhund are German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers and Airedale Terriers just to name a few. A training program for Schutzhund must be consistent and structured. A dog handler and their trainee must build a strong rapport to be successful. The first and original training method for Schutzhund was developed by Col. Conrad Most. This training technique is rarely used today as it is considered to be abusive and cruel, but many of the underlying techniques are still used as the basis of many training methods. Most trainers now follow a program developed by Susan Barwig and Stewart Hilliard in 1991, which uses similar but less abusive methods. Schutzhund training methods vary by trainers, but the major underlying themes involve obedience and techniques that control and enhance dog’s natural instincts to protect and track. Basic yard training and obedience skills are key to building a training program. Dogs must look to their handlers for direction and be under control. Basic obedience is important for all three categories of Schutzhund training. Certain techniques are then employed to enhance the dog’s natural scenting ability. The dog must learn to search for scents when commanded to, and then to signal to the handler when these are found. They must also be trained to avoid distractions and follow commands promptly. The obedience portion of the testing process looks specifically for this. Heeling, sitting and moving accurately on command are vital. Most handlers and trainers will begin their training process with small obedience steps as puppies and then use consistency to improve the range of tasks that the dog can perform. Again these training techniques are extremely structured and consistent. Training a Schutzhund dog for protection requires time and skill. During the protection portion of the test, a dog must track, find and attack a decoy human. The dog must follow instructions while searching and release the decoy during the attack promptly when commanded to do so. This type of training serves to enhance and use the dog’s natural protection abilities, but requires extreme obedience and trust between the handler and the dog. An out of control protection dog may be dangerous. Schutzhund training uses a variety of techniques that encourage the dog to perform the desired tasks. Trainers use long check cords to control the dog’s actions over longer distances as well as a series of specific training toys meant to create enthusiasm and motivation. Praise and affection as well as treats are common motivational tools for Schutzhund trainers. While many styles and specific techniques of Schutzhund training differ, they are all based on the principles of obedience and structure built on consistent teaching methods and a strong bond between the handler and the dog.
