by Suzanne Lavallee

Are you and Fido ready for the ultimate physical and mental challenge? Do you have a competitive spirit and fear not the elements of Mother Nature? Then check out the exciting world of “working dog triathlons” or Schutzhund. Literally meaning “protection dog,” Schutzhund involves three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection, all of which must be completed to earn one of the coveted titles. With its roots in Germany and its playing field worldwide, Schutzhund continues to grow in popularity as both a highly competitive dog sport and as a breed evaluation tool.

The heart of Schutzhund is developing and evaluating characteristics that make dogs more useful and happier companions. It demonstrates the dog’s utility and intelligence, measures the dog’s mental stability, endurance, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability. Watching a highly polished dog and handler team compete is like witnessing the fluidity and grace of yesteryear’s legends of ballroom dancing.

And for those of us who like to get down and dirty with our dogs, it’s a fantastic outlet for energetic, adventure-craving Fido freaks. Rain or shine, mud or dirt, winter chill, or summer sweat, you find yourself outdoors teaching your dog to track (calmly and methodically following human scent) in all sorts of conditions and terrain. Not limited to just your club’s field, you’ll find yourself at every location near and far practicing oodles of obedience exercises. And then with the help of your highly skilled “decoy” (the guy who wears the padded sleeve and takes bites from the dogs) your dog will learn the necessary skills and mindset to happily perform the protection exercises.

Here is the lowdown on each phase as stated by the governing body of Schutzhund in the U.S., United Schutzhund Clubs of America.

Phase 1: Tracking

Tracking includes a temperament test by the overseeing judge to assure the dog’s mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shy or aggressive. The track is laid ahead of time by a person walking normally on a natural surface like dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man-made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 33-foot leash, the handler follows the dog, who is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with the object between his front paws. The tracking phase is intended to test the dog’s trainability, ability to scent, and mental and physical endurance.

Phase 2: Obedience

The obedience phase includes a series of heeling exercises, some closely in and around a group of people. During heeling exercises there is a gun required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The handler also commands the dog to run in a straight direction away from her, and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog’s temperament, structural efficiencies and, very importantly, his or her willingness to serve.

Phase 3: Protection

The protection phase involves testing the dog’s courage, physical strength, and agility. The handler’s control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog must pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The decoy is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind, then later at the decoy’s right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog must stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation. In the final test of courage the handler asks the decoy to come out of a hiding place at the opposite end of the trial field. The handler then sends the dog after the decoy, who threatens the dog with a stick and charges at the handler. All grips during the protection phase must be firmly placed on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to assure the dog possesses the proper temperament for breeding.

Earning titles

The titles that a dog can earn are: SchH I (entry level), SchH II (intermediate), and SchH III (master’s level). Auxiliary titles are offered at advanced levels in tracking (FH 1 and FH 2), basic protection with obedience (WH), and a 12.5-mile endurance test with obedience (AD). A prerequisite to competing in any of these is earning the title BH (pass/fail), a basic temperament and obedience test that involves heeling on and off lead, sits and downs out of motion (heeling off lead and commanding “sit” while continuing to heel) as well as a temperament and traffic test.

The Bay Area is a hotbed for highly talented trainers and seasoned competitors. To tap into local clubs as well as the wide world of schutzhund, visit the United Schutzhund Clubs of America’s official site: www.germanshepherddog. com or www.dvgamerica.com. A note of caution: it’s addictive.