Schutzhund Introduction

I've heard of "Schutzhund," but what exactly is it ? by Jennie Bullock

Early in the twentieth century, a small group of dog owners in Germany, strarted "hundesport," (dog sport), as a test for working dogs. These working dogs had to demonstrate a true working ability and the best were chosen for breeding purposes.
At the time, these dogs were being used for more than just herding purposes. There was a growing need for police training, military and border patrols. More recently, dogs are being used, additionally in customs, arson investigations, search and rescue, therapy, and handicap assistance.
Now people participate just for the sheer enjoyment of seeing if their personal dogs could be trained as effetively as those "professional dogs." Thus, we have Schutzhund.
Schutzhund tests three areas of a dog's training and behavior. Those three areas are first, tracking; second, obedience; and lastly, protection. There are three levels of schutzhund. Each level makes greater demands on the dog and training in all three areas.
In addition to the Schutzhund I, II, and III titles, other titles in advanced tracking and agility work are awarded.

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