Schutzhund offers three levels of titles, and there are three phases to each title. One must obtain a passing score in all three phases in order to obtain a title, and be able to advance to the next training level.

The titles are:

* Sch H I (novice)
* Sch H II (intermediate)
* Sch H III (master level)

There is also an advanced tracking degree offered, FH.

The sport is designated for all athletic dogs with correct working abilities and is not restricted to a particular group or breed of dog. Schutzhund is now the fastest growing Dog Sport in North America!

Schutzhund Training Phases

For each of the three titles already discussed above, there are three distinct phases: tracking, obedience, and protection.

Schutzhund Tracking

In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his/her nose to find a person’s track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Depending upon the title sought, all tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100 points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.

Schutzhund Obedience

The obedience phase involves numerous and demanding exercises which include heeling on and off leash, a gunfire test, walking through a group of people, motion exercises, recall, a 10-20 minute long down, retrieving, and jumping. A set pattern is demonstrated by the handler from memory (unlike AKC obedience, where the judge calls the pattern for you). A perfect score is 100 points, with 70 needed to pass.

Schutzhund Protection

This phase of Schutzhund training is very intricate, advanced, and taught with control in mind. It should not be confused or compared in any way with guard dog or police protection training. A dog competing in the sport of Schutzhund must always prove to have a reliable temperament and must show courage without viciousness. The “bad guy” or “helper” as he is known in the sport always wears protective leather pants and a special sleeve with a burlap cover. The dog is allowed to bite this sleeve and he must bite this in the correct manner. On command, the dog MUST release the bite. A dog will fail if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so. A perfect score is 100 points, with 80 points needed to pass.

Schutzhund Excercises

Many people view the sport of Schutzhund like preparing for an Olympic Event. One must see their dog as an athlete and learn all the aspects of conditioning, proper diet, and the psychology of it all — for one’s self as well as for the dog.

Only dogs that appear healthy can be exhibited in a trial. Before being permitted to participate in a trial, each dog must pass a test of impartiality and sureness. The testing is performed prior to the Tracking phase which is the first phase of the trial. Testing of the self confidence will take place during the entire trial. Dogs who fail the of self confidence or impartiality are to be excused from the trial proceedings.

Before any dog can enter a Schutzhund trial and obtain a degree it must pass a ( BH ) . BH = German Companion Dog. The dog must pass this test at an approved Schutzhund Trial. This test was developed as a preliminary character evaluation. This test was designed to keep aggressive, sharp, shy, or nervous dogs from participating in the sport. A dog must have absolutely sound temperament to compete in a Schutzhund trial.

There are three major degrees awarded: SchH-I, SchH-II, and SchH-III – in order of increasing difficulty. 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 SchH-III title.

The above degrees were difficult enough, but to make it even more demanding, they all happen in one day during competitions that are held all over the country. These trials are held by local clubs or in regional and national championships. Each dog is judged by a complex point system that then determines the winner of the trial.

Schutzhund training is very time consuming and requires a lot of commitment from the handler. The length of time it takes to get a Schutzhund title varies greatly depending upon the dogs abilities, the time spent training, and the quality of the training.

This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler’s ability to train and the dog’s ability to perform as required.

Schutzhund as a sport is enjoyed by persons of varied ages, professions and life styles.

Schutzhund is an active sport that has a lot to offer.  It’s held outdoors.  It’s a physical sport.  It’s mentally stimulating.  Schutzhund is a demanding recreational sport that is both fun and very rewarding.

Degree Levels – Minimum Age Requirements

FH                      16 months
SchH A             14 months
SchH I               14 months
SchH II             16 months
SchH III            18 months

Ratings and Point Scores

N     -     Not Acceptable             0 – 109 points
U     -     Unsatisfactory             110 – 219 points
S     -     Satisfactory  ?%A

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