What is Schutzhund Training for Dogs?

by Kate Barrington

Published: November 1st, 2016

You may not have heard of it, but chances are you’ve seen it in action. Schutzhund training is used for police and military training, but your dog may also benefit from it.

When it comes to dog training there are a wide variety of programs out there, many of them developed for specific breeds. Schutzhund training is a type of training that was designed for the German Shepherd breed, though it is also used for other protection breeds like the Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, American Bulldog, and the Boxer.

The Three Phases of Schutzhund Training

The name Schutzhund is actually the German word for “protection dog” and it refers to a sport that focuses on the development and evaluation of three key traits – tracking, obedience, and protection. This type of training was developed during the 1900s as a breed test for the German Shepherd but it has since developed into a dog sport. Schutzhund training is also known as IPO and it is a dog sport that consists of three distinct phases which are reviewed below:

Tracking: This phase of Schutzhund training is designed to test a dog’s scenting ability as well as his physical endurance and mental soundness. During this phase the track layer will walk across a field, dropping small articles along the way. After a certain period of time, the dog is released to follow the track – each time he locates an article he must indicate by lying down with the article between his front paws. Each dog is scored based on how intently and correctly he follows the track and indicates the articles.

Obedience: During this phase, dogs work in pairs in a large field. One dog is left in a down position at one end of the field while the handler works with another dog in the field, completing various heeling exercises. There are also multiple gunshots throughout the duration of the event to test the dog’s reaction to loud noises. Each dog is evaluated based on his accuracy and attitude during the event – the dog is also scored on his enthusiasm.
Protection: In this phase the dog’s protection skills are tested with the help of a judging assistant. During the test, the assistant wears a padded sleeve on one arm and the dog is directed to search the course for the assistant and, when he finds him, to indicate by barking. The dog must then guard the assistant, keeping him from moving away until he is recalled by the handler. Throughout the exercise the assistant will attack the dog or the handler, testing the dog’s reaction and his ability to stop the assistant by biting his padded sleeve.

While Schutzhund training was originally developed for the German Shepherd breed, any dog can participate in the sport as long as it has certain traits. A strong desire to work, great courage, intelligence, trainability, perseverance, a strong sense of smell, natural protective instincts, and a strong bond with the handler are the most important traits for Schutzhund training. There are different levels of difficulty during Schutzhund competitions so a dog can progress and the highest level of competition is very difficult – so difficult that few dogs actually pass.

If you think that Schutzhund training might be a good choice for your dog, your best bet is to get started early. When you are ready to begin training, consult the United Schutzhund Clubs of America website for training guides and information about competitions.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Cat in Heat: Signs and What to Do

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Enigmatic Respiratory Illness Targets Dogs – These Are The Symptoms

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Scientists May Have Found a Better Way To Trim a Cat’s Nails

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What to Know About Cat Reproduction

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What Is Dog Folliculitis and How to Treat It?

Folliculitis in dogs is a disease which causes infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is one of the more common skin diseases amongst dogs and is caused by bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritations, or  parasites. What is more, it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, so if it happens to your four-legged friend unexpectedly, it is best to know how to treat this pesky skin issue.What Is Dog Folliculitis?The symptoms and causes of dog folliculitis can vary. In most cases, the healthy follicle is “compromised”, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that are otherwise normally found on your pet’s skin. The end result is great discomfort for your dog, and it should be treated as quickly as possible. But how will you know that it is dog folliculitis and not some other health issue? Well, one of the foremost symptoms to look out for is red and inflamed skin. This condition causes excessive redness and even swelling in certain areas of the skin. This should be a telltale sign that something is amiss. Together with this, you could notice pimples, also known as pustules. They are small raised bumps and often contain pus. Of course, your dog will show signs of discomfort as well. They will try to itch and  lick the affected areas, in hopes of relieving the discomfort and making themselves more comfortable. This can all be accompanied by hair loss, mostly in the directly affected areas of your dog’s coat and skin. Ultimately, in the most severe cases, open sores, scabs, and skin lesions may appear. At this point, veterinary care is needed immediately.If you suspect your dog has folliculitis, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to identify the specific cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is crucial that you do not attempt any solution on your own. Self-diagnosis and do-it-yourself treatment can lead to complications or ineffective outcomes, so professional guidance is essential. Based on the evaluation, your vet can introduce a number of treatments and solutions – here’s what to expect.How Is Dog Folliculitis Treated?Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams are the most common treatment options. They are applied directly to the affected areas and are most efficient in early and moderate cases of dog folliculitis. Of course, if the case with your dog is more serious, your vet could propose an oral treatment. This consists of special medications that work to eliminate the infection at the core. Another possible solution is using special medicated shampoos that work to heal the follicles through gentle washing. 

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Can Cats Suffer From Depression?

Does your otherwise playful and friendly cat no longer seem interested in their favorite toys? It’s natural to worry when you notice a change in your best friend’s behavior. Changes in your cat’s mood or activity level may signal that something more serious is happening. We often watch for the warning signs of physical illness, but what about depression? Did you know that your cat can also struggle with their mental health? This article will examine the very real risk of feline depression, including the warning signs, what to do if you suspect your cat may be struggling, and prevention tips. Discover helpful strategies to boost your cat’s mental health and help them get back to their usual playful, purring self today. Can Cats Get Depressed? Cats are known for their independence and aloof attitude, but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel things – sometimes very intensely. Just like people, your cat can suffer from mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Not only does depression impact them mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect their physical health and well-being. This is why it’s important for us to acknowledge the risks, identify signs that something is “off,” and seek help for our cats when needed. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? We all know cats are masters of hiding when they aren’t feeling well. This is why physical illnesses and sicknesses can be so difficult to spot. The same is true for cats who are facing challenges with their mental health. The signs are often subtle, meaning we, as cat parents, must be hyper-vigilant. Some of the more common warning signs to watch out for include: Increased vocalization (constant meowing, yowling)Loss of appetite Unexplained weight loss Sleeping more than usual or at times they’d typically be active Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyedDecreased grooming or attention to hygieneDull, matted coat No longer seeking attention or interaction Out-of-character aggression or irritability Hiding or isolating themselves Many of these signs can also be associated with physical illnesses or diseases. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any physical health problems before discussing recommendations to help manage your cat’s mental health.

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