Sport
Many people are familiar with the sport of Schutzhund, but most are misinformed. Schutzhund is a great sport where a team competes against a standard. You, your Doberman and your helper make up the team. Contrary to what most people think, Schutzhund is about obedience first, followed by tracking and finally by protection. It is not about "guard dogs" "mean dogs" or aggression at all. It is a sport where you and your Doberman will be very bonded and learn how to read each other very well. A sport you will fall in love with if you ever begin up that path. If you choose Schutzhund, there are many great clubs around to help and support you. to win at this sport takes not only dedication, lot's of practice and training, but a very special Doberman. We have spent our life's savings importing the very best European Doberman Pinschers to have just such dogs. Our Doberman puppies have what it takes. The number one competitors on the world stage seek these lines for their dogs.
Other sports include Rally, Obedience, and agility. These sports also require a Doberman with exceptional athletic ability, solid nerves and focused minds. The Doberman needs to know when to "turn it on or off." They still have to be well behaved, quiet and gentle in the house, but on the competition field they have to light up with energy and enthusiasm.
We believe we have the best Doberman Pinschers available for sport.
So what is a SCH-I or an IPO-I title?
What is Schutzhund?
Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog". It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners.
Schutzhund is a dog training and breeding regimen developed originally in the 20's by the Deutsches Shaeferhund Verein (German Shepherd Dog Club), or SV, in order to maintain the working ability of the breed. While the term Schutzhund means literally "protection dog", the training involves work equally in tracking, obedience and protection. In order to get a Schutzhund degree a dog must pass all three phases of the work. Also, a working title (at least a SchH I) is required for breed survey purposes, and in order to register an approved litter.
The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901 to emphasize the correct working temperament and ability in the German Shepherd breed. SV, the parent club of the breed, developed the Schutzhund test as a way of maintaining reliable dogs with traits suitable for breeding.
Many countries and working dog organizations have also adopted Schutzhund as a sport and test of working performance. International rules have been established by the Verein fuer Deutsche Hundesport (VDH). The first SchH trial in the U.S. was held in California in 1970. In 1987 the U.S.A. alone sanctioned nearly 300 trials with a total entry of 1,800 dog/handler teams.
Many breeds now participate in addition to GSDs. While there may be individual dogs of a particular breed that may be suitable for the work, the following are most consistently able to perform: GSDs, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinscher, Bouvier des Flandres, Rottweiler, Tervuren, Boxer, Giant Schnauzer, etc. Generally, these are larger working breeds with strong prey and defense drives, and temperaments suitable for the tasks of the training.
There are three major degrees awarded - SchH I, SchH II, and SchH III -- in order of increasing difficulty. SchH I (IPO I) is the apprentice test. A SchH III dog must demonstrate a high level of performance, ability and courage.
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 Sch III title. In addition to breeding, early development is important. The young pup should not be subjected to strong corrections or experience being dominated by another dog, and all training and play should end on a positive note, with the pup "winning."
The IPO (International Pruefungsordnung) rules, under the auspices of the FCI (Federation Internationale Cynologique), are similar to the Schutzhund rules and the trials are run in the same manner, with the exception that no evaluation of the fighting instincts, courage or hardness of an IPO entrant is performed during the protection phase of the trial.
(The following information on degrees and requirements is from the United Schutzhund Clubs of America)
Degree Min Age
BH Begleithunde 15 months
(Companion Dog)
FH Faehrtenhundpruefung 16 months
(Advanced Tracking Dog Test)
AD Ausdauerpruefung 16 months
(Endurance Test)
SchH A Schutzhund Examination A 18 months
SchH I Schutzhund Examination I 18 months
SchH II Schutzhund Examination II 19 months
SchH III Schutzhund Examination III 20 months
The maximum score in each of the three phases shall be 100 points. Therefore, the highest possible score in a trial is 300 points. A degree shall be awarded only if a dog achieves at least 70 points in Tracking and Obedience, and at least 80 points in Protection.
[For the purposes of illustration, I have included the rules for SchH I trials]
SCHUTZHUND A
The Schutzhund A Examination is composed of phases B and C of the SchH I Examination. The conduct of the examination is the same except that the tracking phase is omitted, and the maximum possible score is 200 points. This training degree is not accepted under the rules for conformation shows, breeding requirements or breed surveys.
SCHUTZHUND I
Phase A - Tracking
Tracking a 350-400 pace long trail at least 20 minutes old with two articles on a 10 meter tracking lead, or tracking without a lead. The track has two 90 degree turns. The handler lays the track as indicated by the judge, placing the first article in the middle of the first or second leg without interrupting the pace or changing the stride. The second article is deposited at the end of the track.
The handler reports to the judge with the dog, and indicates whether the articles will be picked up or pointed out. The dog and handler proceed to the scent pad at the beginning of the track. Prior to tracking, and during the entire tracking phase, all force or pressure is to be avoided. At the start, the dog must be given sufficient time to absorb the scent.
The dog must begin quietly and pick up the scent with a deep nose. As soon as the dog begins to track, the handler must stop and let the length of the 10 meter leash slip through his/her hands. The handler now follows at the distance of 10 meters, whether tracking with a lead or without.
Immediately upon finding an article, the dog must convincingly stop, stand, sit, or pick up the article, or return it to the handler. If pointing out, the dog must lie, sit or stay. By lifting the article high in the air, the handler indicates to the judge that it has been found. The tracking leash is loosely held as the dog and handler continue on the track. The articles are presented to the presiding judge after completion of the track.
A faulty start, excessive circling on corners, continued praise, faulty picking up or pointing of the articles, dropping articles, pronounced quartering, high nose, urinating or defecating on the track, or hunting mice, etc. will be penalized.
Phase B - Obedience
Heeling on Leash and Impartiality - 15 Points
Starting from the basic heeling position, the dog and handler proceed for 40 paces without stopping. A turnabout is performed, and after 10-15 paces a running heel followed by a slow heel, each of about 10 paces, are demonstrated. During a normal pace at least one left turn, one right turn, and one left turnabout must be performed. A halt must be performed after the turns and while the handler is moving straight. A voice command is permitted only when starting the exercise, or when changing pace. The judge will direct the handler through a group of at least 4 people, amd the handler is required to stop at least once in the group. The group is expected to mingle about.
Heeling off Leash - 20 Points
When requested by the judge, the leash will be removed while in the basic position. The handler moves through the group with the dog freely heeling. After demonstrating ar least one halt, the handler and dog leave the group and perform the heeling exercises that were performed on leash. While the dog and handler are performing the off-leash exercises, at least 2 gun shots (6 - 9 mm) are to be fired (not while moving in the group) and the dog must remain indifferent to the noise. Special emphasis is placed on indifference to the gun. If the judge deems the dog to be insecure or should the dog run from the shot, the judge may excuse the dog from further participation.
Sit Exercise - 10 Points
From the basic heeling position the handler and free heeling dog proceed in a straight line. After at least ten paces, the handler issues the voice command to sit - the dog should quickly come to a sit position. The handler shall continue for at least 30 paces without interrupting pace or direction, then stop and turn around to face the dog. At the direction of the judge, the handler returns to the right side of the dog.
Down with Recall - 10 Points
From the basic heeling position the handler and free heeling dog proceed in a straight line. After at least ten paces, the handler issues the voice command to down - the dog should quickly come to a down position. The handler shall continue for at least 30 paces without interrupting pace or direction, then stop and turn around to face the dog. At the direction of the judge, the handler shall recall the dog. The dog should come to the handler with a spirited and swift motion and sit close in front. Upon a "heel" command, the dog should quickly come to a sit position next to the handler.
Retrieving an Article belonging to the Handler on Level Ground - 10 Points
The dog sitting freely next to the handler should, when given the voice command, quickly move toward the article tossed approximately 10 paces away. The dog must immediately and quickly bring the article back to the handler, and sit close in front. The dog must hold the article until, after a brief pause, the handler issues the command to let go. After the command to heel, the dog should come quickly to the heel position. In place of an article belonging to the handler, a dumbbell can be used -- however, balls, toys, etc. are not considered personal articles.
Retrieving an Article belonging to the Handler over a 1 Meter High and 1.5 Meter Wide Brush Hurdle - 15 Points
The handler assumes a position at an acceptable distance in front of the hurdle while the dog sits freely next to the handler. The article is tossed over the hurdle. Upon voice command, the dog shall clear the hurdle without touching it, pick up the article, return over the jump and sit closely in front of the handler. The article must be held by the dog until the handler removes it with the command to let go.
Go Ahead and Down - 10 Points
When requested by the judge, the handler and freely heeling dog proceed a few paces in the designated direction. The command to "go out" should be executed by simultaneously stopping and lifting the arm to indicate direction. The dog must move at a fast pace at least 25 paces. The dog must lay down quickly upon voice command. At the request of the judge, the handler proceeds to pick up the dog by moving to the right side of the dog, commanding the dog to sit, and then putting on the leash.
Long Down Under Distraction
Prior to the start of the obedience exercises of another dog, the handler commands the dog into a down position at a spot designated by the judge. The handler moves approximately 40 paces away within sight of the dog. The handler remains quiet with his back to the dog. The dog must remain in the down position without additional influences from the handler until the other dog concludes the first 6 exercises. The finish will be like the Go Ahead and Down, above.
Phase C - Protection
Search for the Helper - 5 Points
The helper is hidden in a position 40 paces away so that the dog must make searching passes to the right and left, or vice versa. The handler and dog must be out of sight when the helper moves into the hiding place. At the request of the judge, the handler releases the dog and gives the command to search towards the empty hiding place, then towards the helper. The command "here" and the dog's name may be used.
Hold and Bark - 10 Points
When the dog reaches the helper it should immediately and continuously bark. The dog should not bother the helper by gripping or bumping. The handler is to remain at a distance of approximately 25 paces. When the judge indicates, the handler will pick up the dog and hold it securely so that the helper can leave the hiding place.
Attack - 35 Points
A helper is directed to proceed to another hiding place at least 50 paces away. Upon directions from the judge, the handler will proceed with a free heeling dog towards the hiding place. The handler is now attacked from the front by the helper, who suddenly comes out of the hiding place. No contact is permitted between the handler and helper. The dog must immediately attack and demonstrate a firm grip. The dog will be struck with a flexible, padded stick -- two blows will be given on the flanks, thighs, or withers. Encouragement may be given via vocal command. When requested by the judge, the helper stops the aggression. The dog must independently release, or release his grip upon receiving the command to "out". After receiving the command from the judge, the handler will hold the dog by the collar.
Pursuit and Hold - 50 Points
The helper makes threatening gestures and runs away. After he has gone about 50 paces, the handler sends the dog toward the helper and remains standing still. The judge will instruct the helper to turn around and run toward the dog when the dog is about 30 paces away. Using aggressive and threatening motions, the helper will run toward the dog. When the dog has taken a firm grip, the helper will press the dog briefly without applying the stick, then cease resistance. The dog must release, either independently, or after receiving the command to "out". After the dog has let go, the handler will remain standing without influencing the dog. Upon a signal from the judge, the handler will approach the dog and helper at a normal pace. The handler will order the helper to step back from the dog, and order the dog to lay down. The helper will be searched and disarmed before transport to the judge. The dog will be on leash during transport. The handler will leave the area with the dog on leash.
The fighting drive, including courage and hardness, is to be scrutinized during the entire protection phase. This will be rated as pronounced, sufficient, or insufficient.
Only energetic fighting and a firm grip will allow a full score. A dog that does not release after one command to let go, or who is not under control of the handler, or who fails any exercise of the protection phase cannot pass the test. If a dog fails a single exercise, it will be excused from the remainder of the phase. No deductions are made for a dog that alertly circles the helper.
Information provided by Steve Parsons courtesy of www.familydobes.com
