Schutzhund Training?

[applesmom]

If they find regular obedience hard, then this sport will feel like " marine boot camp"... I am not trying to discourage you- as you know- I am just showing the other end of the street.. Its hard work on the people and the dogs and takes major consistancy..

That's what I was thinking! If they couldn't get a Golden through Open A, they wouldn't be candidates to train a dog for schutzhund!

In the meantime they can do their research, talk to breeders, attend events and meet other competitors.

Another question. What can anyone tell me about the AKC WDS titles? Aren't they somewhat similar to the shutzhund? Or are they like the AKC Master Hunter titles as opposed to the AKC Field Champion titles? The MH is an individual test. The dog does not compete against other dogs, they are judged by a performance standard. To gain the title of FC the dog is also judged by a performance standard but must actually be pronounced the winner over competition.

[borzoimom]

That's what I was thinking! If they couldn't get a Golden through Open A, they wouldn't be candidates to train a dog for schutzhund!

In the meantime they can do their research, talk to breeders, attend events and meet other competitors.

Another question. What can anyone tell me about the AKC WDS titles? Aren't they somewhat similar to the shutzhund? Or are they like the AKC Master Hunter titles as opposed to the AKC Field Champion titles? The MH is an individual test. The dog does not compete against other dogs, they are judged by a performance standard. To gain the title of FC the dog is also judged by a performance standard but must actually be pronounced the winner over competition.

No they are different.. The Schuzhound title is more of a balenced trail- meaning - its not just sending your dog out- the dog has to determine when its necessary to bite. Its more police oriented- meaning- the dog can break off from going to "hold" and be called back. Just like the Master trails are different so are these.
Actually the people I know only compete in Schuzhound- no other trails exists in our minds.. lol.. Sch. is like qualifying- and judged on their own merit not against each other in many ways. Yes as in Obedience- there is a high in trail- but its not the same to get that as to finish..

[applesmom]

I'd love to know more about the sport.

Are there as many schutzhund events as there are dog shows, obedience and agilty competitions?

Are they held all over the country?

What is the average time to train a dog for the first level?

What organization puts on these events?

Do diehard competitors concentrate on one dog at a time or do they have several dogs in various stages of training at once?

What do they do with the dogs that wash out?

On an average, how many puppies in a litter can be expected to make the grade for potential training?

Once a dog has gone as high as they can go--what's next for them?

Do any of them go on to police work?

Do they have just one judge or a panel of judges?

Whew! That's enough questions for now.

[borzoimom]

I'd love to know more about the sport.

Are there as many schutzhund events as there are dog shows, obedience and agilty competitions?

Are they held all over the country?

What is the average time to train a dog for the first level?

What organization puts on these events?

Do diehard competitors concentrate on one dog at a time or do they have several dogs in various stages of training at once?

What do they do with the dogs that wash out?

On an average, how many puppies in a litter can be expected to make the grade for potential training?

Once a dog has gone as high as they can go--what's next for them?

Do any of them go on to police work?

Do they have just one judge or a panel of judges?

Whew! That's enough questions for now.

Are there as many schutzhund events as there are dog shows, obedience and agilty competitions? This sport is held seperate almost all the time than regular dog show shows, and obedience events or agility. The reason is the set up, types of dogs etc and the disruption in the events like " the aggressor event" when the person antagonizes the dog etc.

Are they held all over the country? Yes

What is the average time to train a dog for the first level? Depends on if the pup started in training early or not. While a pups typically start at a year old or 18 months, all the prelimary work such as basic obedience, and taking a baton or sleeve and holding on, is taught early. ( I only encourage tug of war until the pup is at least 9 months old because of the fear stages a pup can go through..I want confidence- not fear..)

What organization puts on these events? Usually sponsered by the Sch. clubs. Not sure about some of the names of yours in Arizona. While we use to get competators from all over the country- I am not sure of the name that is local for you in your state..

Do diehard competitors concentrate on one dog at a time or do they have several dogs in various stages of training at once? Because of the amount of time and dedication it takes- usually one dog or two. The other reason is that as I said with a young dog in training- its better to have one already far along before starting another one.

What do they do with the dogs that wash out? Wash out as in can not complete? Spay or neuter and remain pets with the thier owners. You have to remember- this is a highly trained dog and its not custom for people to place these dogs in another home. There are several stages of of this. First through 3rd- and just because the dog gains a SCH 1 doesnt mean it can not continue to compete at that level. ( unlike obedience where as when you get a CD you have to move on - not competing anymore in CD level..)

On an average, how many puppies in a litter can be expected to make the grade for potential training? Depends on the breeding- I had a few litters most of the pups out of the litter made it- I had other litters there might be only 1 or two. In shepherds, if you want more sch. pups- its better to go german because they have continued that this sport is very popular.

Once a dog has gone as high as they can go--what's next for them? I have never found a level the dog could not do something more.

Do any of them go on to police work? They can- but its hard to pass the police test. YOu have to remember- the dog has developed a serious relationship with you because of this training- and usually people do not transfer or sell their dogs unless the dog is under 2. The police to pick up their pups from me at 10 months to a year. The dog would remain in the police force until retirement. If the dog " washed out " at two- the officer the dog was working with can keep the dog, or the dog use to be returned to me. I only had one come back.. One-..

Do they have just one judge or a panel of judges? Usually there is one judge- but "stewards" can observe the dog as well for comments. This is because of the distance in some of the exercises.. Depending on the club, this "steward" name can be called " several different" titles. You usually have 3 other poeple in the area, other than you, the dog, and the hidden " bad guy" is usualy hiding. Also- you are NOT to be near the area until it is your time. This keeps the dogs from getting to worked up in observing what is going on with previous competitors. In advanced competitions you can have as many as 4 judges in the area..
Some larger kennels may sell advanced dogs. However- I would raise an eyebrow at that one. Why would you part with a winning dog unless there was a health reason or training problems. Even older dogs that are spayed or neutered, they might be placed as they are no longer in their breeding program. However remember what I said about that bond between the dog and owner. I have seen ads where they will sell- but its usually for breeding reasons- meaning they trained the dogs, may have others of that same litter- However- these dogs are extremely expensive.. Extremely..