Sunday, October 17, 2010

An Interesting Look At Schutzhund Training Equipment And How It Is Used For Training Dogs

By Fritz Adler

When talking about schutzhund training equipment and how it is used for training, it might be a good idea to know exactly what it is. The name Schutzhund, means "protection dog". It's a German word and it encompasses a great deal of areas in training German Shepherds to be exceptional working dogs.

Three titles can be achieved in this sport. The titles are given in Schutzhund one, two and three. There is also an advanced degree that can be earned in FH, but the dog must first complete level three in order to try for this title. In each level, tests of Obedience, protection, and tracking are given. The first level is the easiest. The second becomes a bit more difficult, and the third is the most difficult of them all.

Many kinds of dogs are allowed to compete for these titles today. It's not just for German Shepherds anymore, but in Germany this breed of dog still must pass the test in order to be bred there. In North America, several types of breeds can be seen trying to master this complex test. It's become one of the fastest growing dog sports in the United States. It's not an easy test, but with the correct training and equipment, it can be a bit easier to earn one of the coveted titles. See some participants in this free Schutzhund training video HERE.

There are many kinds of equipment that are used in training these animals. From leashes and dumbbells, to protective suits and ramps. Even guns are part of the training.

These dogs must also undergo a temperament test. When asked to bite the sleeve they must do so on command, and also must let go when the command is given to release. The dogs are used in a variety of different working fields, from police work to helping the blind and other persons with disabilities. They must be brave and willing to put themselves in danger, but also must have an easy going temperament.

Protective suits are used in the protection area of training. The use of these suits are required as a way to protect the humans from the attacks the dogs are asked to perform. Sleeves are just what they sound like, sleeves made out of protective material used on the arm that the dogs are wanted to attack. These are often used alone without the protective suit. Blinds are what the trainers/decoys stand behind in an attempt to hide from the dog being trained. Whips and guns are also used in the protection area of training.

Many items are used for the dogs to sniff out, during the tracking part of training. These objects will be hidden along a course and the dog must use all of it's senses in order to find them. They must also heel on command, on and off the leashes. A lot of the tests also require the dog to use it's memory in order to succeed.

schutzhund training equipment and how it is used for training, is a matter of debate among some people. The methods used for Schutzhund training are considered by outsiders to be pretty harsh. In actuality the best trainers use both reward and compulsion forms of training to achieve the goal. The training is strict and difficult, but there is still a lot of love that goes into creating a dog worthy of a Schutzhund title.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Blog Archive