Schutzhund for Dummies - An Insightful Look into Hundesport

Schutzhund. No, it's not some newfangled kitchen gadget or a part for your pickup. It's a stunning sport between man and canine that if the picture of grace, elegance, power and control.

A little background regarding Schutzhund is in order. Schutzhund, also known as "hundesport" or dog sport, started in the early 1900's as a way to determine whether dogs, most often German Shepherds, were suited to be bred, and to test their working ability. There was a demand at the time for excellent working dogs, and the need to select only the best stock shaped the formation of the modern day Schutzhund trial.

Schutzhund is comprised of three testing phases; a tracking phase, an obedience phase, and a personal protection phase.

The tracking phase is a true test of the dog's scent-tracking abilities. A helper lays a track over various types of terrain, which can range from dry grass to deep snow, depending on the condition of the tracking field. The track is laid in a certain pattern, with articles dropped along the track that the dog must point out. The tracking phase is often completed in less than ideal weather conditions, which further serves to test the dog's focus and accuracy.

The second phase of the Schutzhund trial is the obedience phase. The dog and handler run through a specific series of moves set forth by the judge, and are graded on how well they do. Sits, downs, and turns are all involved in the obedience pattern, and accuracy and skill are of utmost importance during this phase of the trial.

The final phase of the Schutzhund trial is the protection phase. This phase is often the most focused on phase, as it strongly relies on the relationship between dog and handler. The dog goes through a short series of holds and bites upon the helper, and is judged on how well the said actions are performed.

Many people fear Schutzhund dogs, as they think that they are attack dogs, out there going crazy biting people. Nothing could be further from the truth. Schutzhund trained dogs are trained to focus their bites on the sleeve, a protective device that goes over the helper's arm. The dog sees this sleeve as the ultimate reward; bite the sleeve well, rewarded with the sleeve. It's not about the helper at all; the dog is focused on the sleeve and the reward that comes from a successful bite on the sleeve.

A well-trained Schutzhund dog is a picture of stability, control and precision. Dog and handler engage in a dance of grace and beauty on their way to the High in Trial, and it's a wondrous sight to behold.