In the early 1900s, dog breeders needed a standardized method for measuring the working ability of their dogs. The dogs participate is a variety of activities, and breeders would compile the data and determine the strengths and weaknesses of their animals. With the data, they could then mate the appropriate dogs to optimize the physical and psychological genetics of the ensuing litter of pups. The sporting competition became known as Schutzhund, literally translating to be “protection dog“, and consists of three parts – obedience, tracking, and protection.

The obedience phase tests a dog’s ability to obey in stressful and extraordinary circumstances. One test involves the dog’s reaction to a gunshot fire while heeling – well- trained German Shepherds will not react and remain heeled. They also perform a variety of retrieval tasks involving hurdling objects and walls.

The tracking portion of the sport  involves testing the ability of the dog to track the path of a person in an irregular pattern. Objects are laid in the path, and the dog is expected to pick up the scent and locate other objects left by the person on the path. There is also a temperament test, where the dog’s reaction to a stranger closely approaching it (while the dog is on a loose leash) is observed. The dog should neither be cowardly nor aggressive to such an occurrence.

The protection phase displays the handler’s control of the dog and its ability to find a “hidden person” (a dog trainer acting as such) and guarding him while the handler approaches. The hidden person attempts an escape, and the dog is expected to firmly grip the escapee. When the handler arrives, the hidden person attacks the handler and the dog is expected to stop the attack without hesitation.

The sport has become extremely popular in Europe and competition is high among dog breeders and trainers to earn the distinction of their animals as top Schutzhund performers. Our dogs at Germanshpherdwatchdogs.com are selected from among the finest Schutzhund dogs available in Europe.