Schutzhund

[bk_blue]

What does everyone think about Schutzhund? Not that I am planning to do it, but I think it is a good thing for the right dog to do.
Here is a link ot two if you'd like to understand more about how schutzhund works:

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/activities/schutzhund.html

http://ehschutzhund.hypermart.net/

Please note it's in no way aggression training, the dog MUST pass rigorous temperament tests before being admitted for training.

[Guest Anonymous]

I think it can be great for the right dog and the right owner, and the owner must be a person devoted to their dog and devoted to this type of training.

It is not for everyone, but I do think they are able to "weed out" unsavory owners who are not in it for the right reasons. All of the dogs I've seen using this training are in complete control by their owners.

[Guest Anonymous]

Got to this kinda late, but...

I actually trained Toby in the obedience portion(up to SchH 2 level) and part of the tracking(SchH 1 level). I didn't do anything with the protection part(I couldn't do something like that myself, and I couldn't get my parents to drive me about three hours every few days to the nearest SchH club to learn :)). I've been to one once and it was so great. The dogs were so friendly and the people were great! I missed the tracking part(we got there late), but I got to see the obedience, protection, and the BH. Before the dogs can compete in an actual SchH event, they have to pass the BH, which is like a basic AKC obedience trial(same comands), and a temperment test. They're tethered to something, their owner walks out of sight, and another dog is walked by. The dog shouldn't show aggressiveness or shyness, etc. Then the dog is put in a group of people and is expected to stay wary, but friendly. Then there's the traffic part where the dog and handler are walking on a sidewalk and a car drives by honking, then a bicycle drives by... So these dogs' temperments are tested a lot! I wish there was one around here!!! I think Toby would love it! So would I! :)

[bk_blue]

That's great Nikki, it would have been a fantastic experience. Schutzhund is something I would like to do one day but I have to have the right dog with the right temperament first, and that probably won't be for at least 5 years. I think there is only one club in my state but luckily it's in my city (though on the other side of town, and I don't have a car anymore). I am thinking of going down there and checking it out and having a chat to the schutzhund people. :)