WORKING TITLES

You will see many references to “Schutzhund” training with which you may not be familiar.  While the word “Shutzhund” is the German word that refers to a “protection dog” there are several titles and disciplines that the term has come to encompass. 

A BH-Traffic Companion Dog Title judges the ability of a dog to perform under a myriad of busy and possibly frenetic traffic situations.  It involves extensive visual and auditory stimulation in heavily congested traffic and crowd situations to confirm any indication of incompetence, insecurity or nervousness.  In order for any dog to compete in a Schutzhund competition it must first pass this test.  The test is pass or fail with no mitigation.

The test is similar to the B degree (Begleithunde-Companion Dog) given by the IPO (International Pruefungsordnung) rules that operate under the sponsorship of the FCI (Federation Internationale Cynologique). 

The AD-Endurance Title ensures that the dog has no physical defects by having to trot at a fixed and steady pace for a predetermined amount of time.  The test is performed in four mile intervals to checkpoints where judges shall observe and rate obedience and conditioning.  The trainer rides a bicycle next to the dog during this exercise.  The endurance test encompasses twelve miles in total and only three stops at four mile intervals are permitted.  This test is pass or fail as well and is similar to the AD-Ausdauerpruefung (Endurance Test) given by the IPO under the FCI referenced above.

The Schutzhund I Title (IPOI) is the first and most basic of the Schutzhund levels.  The fact that it is the first may be misleading.  A dog that has made it to the first level has already attained a level of training far in excess of that required by a “pet” owner.  This competition will encompass obedience as well as tracking and protection.  The obedience portion will include the usual come, heel, sit, down and stay and are given both on and off the leash.  The trial will include carrying weighted objects and retrieval over jumps and the dog is judged on both ability to respond to trainer commands, mindset and speed.

While this test is quite diverse in its requirements, obedience and psychological stability is paramount.  The last phase of this trial will involve “protection” and controlled reaction to commands is the principal objective.  A dog that exhibits either uncontrolled ferocity or reluctance to engage shall be deemed unworthy and disqualified.  The line between “controlled” and uncontrolled” is the determining factor for a Schutzhund I Title.  The protection dog must exhibit the ability to bite the “subject decoy” firmly and hold until released by the trainer.  The dog must be able to find the subject “bad guy” when hidden and hold him at bay.  The dog will be judged on his ability to hold a subject and only bite if movement occurs or the trainer commands.

The Schutzhund II Title (IPOII) is a more demanding, challenging, complex and complicated version of the Schutzhund I Title.  Many of the same challenges will be incorporated into this level but at a considerably more difficult level.  The tracking will be more intricate, the scent older, and the ground cover more diverse and complicated.  As in all Schutzhund disciplines, the cohesion between trainer and dog is vital and there exists no margin for error.

Very few dogs will ever succeed in achieving a Schutzhund III Title.  Once again, this test is a longer, more diverse and more complicated version of the previous two.  This is the equivalent of the Olympic gold Medal for dogs and the challenges are demanding and absolute.  The trainer and dog must be impeccably attuned to one another and response time must be immediate.  The inclusion of an unknown third party to lay tracks will further confuse the issue and the time and terrain will be extensive.  The integrity of the dog will be determined most during this phase of testing.  The goal is not to have a “mean” uncontrolled machine, but a disciplined and instinctive dog who exhibits steely resolve and complete trust in the trainer/owner.

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The V, SG and G Ratings

V-Vorzuglich is the German word meaning “excellent.” 

SG-Sehr Gut Rated-Sehr Gut is the German word for “Very Good”

G-Gut Rated-Gut is the German word for “Good”

Koerklasse I and II-is largely a determination of both stature and manner.  It judges the approachability and manner of the dog as well as the general confirmation.