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Schutzhund, Part 2

© Deborah J. Myers

Unlike showing or agility, the dog sport of Schutzhund is open only for dogs that qualify to participate. German breeds such as Dobermans, German shepherds, and rottweilers have traditionally been the only accepted breeds because of their Bavarian heritage. Even within these breeds, the dogs possess natural mental and physical abilities that will equip them to excel at Schutzhund.

Dogs must be able to jump a barrier of 39 inches for the first level of the sport (Sch I), five feet for Sch II, and six feet for Sch III. This jumping requirement is for the obedience portion of Schutzhund. As you can tell, a beagle may have some problems with this requirement!

As a working sport, the dog must possess the stamina and drive to perform physical tasks. The dog must have a strong play and prey drive. The play drive helps the animal not take itself—or its training—too seriously. The dog can relax and be “off duty.” The play drive balances out the prey drive.

The prey drive is what helps the animal defend its master in protection and also excel in tracking.

The third necessary drive is the retrieve drive, useful for obedience.

Other psychological attributes include steady nerves. Since protection training will involve fending off a facetious attacker, the dog will need to not shy from confrontations. On the other hand, the dog shouldn’t be too aggressive, either. The dog should be able to grab and hold the “attacker’s” sleeve without grabbing the arm.

The following is a list of Schutzhund levels: International Titles Awarded by USA Judges

SchHA Introduction to Schutzhund work without the tracking Bh Basic companion dog WH Watch Dog test for basic alertness AD Endurance test for fundamental fitness SchH1 The preliminary Schutzhund qualification in tracking, obedience, and protection SchH2 More challenging Schutzhund work in tracking, obedience, and protection SchH3 The competition level of the three phases of Schutzhund. Masters level. FH1 Advanced tracking FH2 Greater tracking challenges. Placement of articles determined by judge. IPO1 International trial rules similar to the Schutzhund test, but with some variations. IPO2 More challenging Schutzhund work in tracking, obedience, and protection. IPO3 The competition level of IPO.

Additional SV Titles Recognized by USA

BpDH1 & 2 Railway Police Dog BIH Blind Leader Dog DH Service Dog DPH Service Police Dog HGH Herding Dog IPO1, 2, 3 International Rules (same as USA) LwH Avalanche Dog PFP1 & PFP2 Police Tracking Dog PH Police Dog

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