Schutzhund Dog Training
What is ‘Shutzhund’? Shutzhund is dog training at the highest level. This goes past just sit and shake. This training started in Germany, and takes both the human and the dog working together to produce a result. Any breed can do Shutzhund, but they do have to already be well versed in the more simple commands and directions. Shutzhund focuses on three areas of behavior: tracking, obedience, and protection. Tracking means being able to follow a trail and stay focused on it. Obedience is about being able to follow through on commands. In protection, dogs must be able to demonstrate they can ‘bark and hold’.
Step 1: Schutzhund Training
In the world of dog training, basic obedience training is like graduating from high school. But, if you want your dog to get his PhD, check out Schutzhund. Schutzhund is training at the highest level. The practice started in Germany, and is considered a sport, where human and dog work together to perform complex commands.
Step 2: It's Enjoyable
It's a wonderful, wonderful thing to get you out, and to have your dog enjoy with you. Any breed is open to Schutzhund, from your beagle to your Shelty. But, the most important thing is getting your BH. It's the first level for obedience and temperment, and it's essential.
Step 3: Tracking, obedience and protection
Schutzhund focuses on three areas of training; tracking, obedience and protection. Tracking involves following a scent, over difficult terrain. The dog must follow a trail with accuracy and determination. Most dogs can instinctively follow a track. Even a Pomeranian can do it, with a little training. Obedience is extremely important in a Schutzhund dog. Along with traditional commands, the dogs must be able to follow complex orders. One test involves the retrieval of a dumb bell over obstacles. The third part of Schutzhund is protection. Dogs must demonstrate they can bark and hold. If the subject moves, the dog will restrain with a bite and hold.
Step 4: Training creates a safer dog.
A Schutzhund dog is much less likely to attack someone, on an unprovoked attack. They understand their limits, and the only times they're allowed to do anything. Schutzhund is an amazing example of the partnership between human and dog. And remember a Schutzhund trained dog is a safer dog.
For the Pet Report, I'm Mitch Wilder.
