Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog". It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluation those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions.

Schutzhund work concentrates on three parts. Many familiar with the obedience work of the American Kennel Clubs affiliates will recognize the first two parts, tracking and obedience. The Schutzhund standards for the third part, protection work, are similar to those for dogs in police work.

While dogs of other breeds are also admitted to schutzhund trials, this breed evaluation test was developed specifically for the German Shepherd dog. Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog's intelligence and utility. As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog's mental stability, endurance, structual efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability.

THE TRACKING PHASE includes a temperament test by the overseeing to ensure the dog's mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid either by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man-made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 30 foot leash the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of other objects.

THE OBEDIENCE PHASE includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbells of various weight, the dog is required to retreive on a flat surface, over a one meter hurdle, and over a 6 foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises.

PROTECTION PHASE tests the dog's courage, physical strength and agility. The handlers control of the dog is absolute essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person ( acting as a human decoy) and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and hold the grip firmly. The decoy is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind the latter at the decoy's right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation. The final test of courage occurs when the decoy is asked to come out of a hiding place by the the dog's handler from the opposite end of the field. The dog is sent after the decoy when he attempts to run away. Just when the dog is about to catch the decoy, the judge signals the decoy to turn about and run at the dog, threatening the dog with a stick. All bites during the protection phase are expected to be firmly placed on the padded sleeve and stop on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to insure that the dog is neither a coward or a criminal menace.

There are 3 levels of Schutzhund tests. For Schutzhund 1 the dog must at least 14 months old. For Schutzhund II the dog must be at least 16 months old and must have already earned its Schutzhund I degree. For Schutzhund III, the MasterÕs degree, the dog must be at least 18 months old and must have earned both the Sch I and II titles.

At all three stages-SchH I, II, III- each of the 3 phases is worth 100 points for a total of 300 points. The dog must receive a minimum of 70% of the points in tracking and obedience and 80% of the points in protection. In every event, the judge is looking for an eager, concentrating, accurate working dog. High ratings and scores are given to the animal that displays a strong willingness and ability to work for its human handler.

For more information about Schutzhund contact:
Peter K. Burmeister (trainer of dogs for 50 years)
310 547-2146
West Coast K-9
Schutzhund Club Inc.