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There are three schutzhund titles: Schutzhund 1 (SchH1), Schutzhund 2 (SchH2), and Schutzhund 3 (SchH3).
SchH1 is the first title and SchH3 is the most advanced. Additionally, before a dog can compete for a SchH1, he must pass
a temperament test called a B or BH (Begleithundprüfung, which translates as "traffic-sure companion dog test"). The
B tests basic obedience and sureness around strange people, strange dogs, traffic, and loud noises. A dog that exhibits excessive
fear, distractibility, or aggression cannot pass the B and so cannot go on to schutzhund.
The Schutzhund test has changed over the years. Modern Schutzhund consists of three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection. A dog must pass all three phases in one trial to be awarded a schutzhund title. Each phase is judged
on a 100-point scale. The minimum passing score is 70 for the tracking and obedience phases and 80 for the protection phase.
At any time the judge may dismiss a dog for showing poor temperament, including fear or aggression.
| Phase |
Description |
| Tracking |
The tracking phase tests not only the dogs scenting ability, but also its mental soundness and physical
endurance. In the tracking phase, a track layer walks across a field, dropping several small articles along the way. After
a period of time, the dog is directed to follow the track while being followed by the handler on a 33 foot leash. When the
dog finds each article he indicates it, usually by lying down with the article between his front paws. The dog is scored on
how intently and carefully he follows the track and indicates the articles. The length, complexity, number of articles, and
age of the track varies for each title. |
| Obedience |
The obedience phase is done in a large field, with the dogs working in pairs. One dog is placed in
a down position on the side of the field and his handler leaves him while the other dog works in the field. Then the dogs
switch places. In the field, there are several heeling exercises, including heeling through a group of people. There are two
or three gunshots during the heeling to test the dog's reaction to loud noises. There are one or two recalls, three retrieves
(flat, jump and A-frame), and a send out where the dog is directed to run away from the handler straight and fast and then
lie down on command. Obedience is judged on the dog's accuracy and attitude. The dog must show enthusiasm. A dog that is uninterested
or cowering scores poorly. |
| Protection |
In the protection phase, the judge has an assistant, called the "decoy", who helps him test the dog's
courage to protect himself and his handler and his ability to be controlled while doing so. The decoy wears a heavily padded
sleeve on one arm. There are several blinds, placed where the decoy can hide, on the field. The dog is directed to search
the blinds for the decoy. When he finds the decoy, he indicates this by barking. The dog must guard the decoy to prevent him
from moving until recalled by his handler. There follows a series of exercises similar to police work where the handler searches
the decoy and transports him to the judge. At specified points, the decoy either attacks the dog or the handler or attempts
to escape. The dog must stop the attack or the escape by biting the padded sleeve. When the attack or escape stops, the dog
is commanded to "out," or release the sleeve. The dog must out or he is dismissed. At all times the dog must show the courage
to engage the decoy and the temperament to obey his handler while in this high state of drive. Again, the dog must show enthusiasm.
A dog that shows fear, lack of control, or inappropriate aggression is dismissed. |
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