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by Erika Butler - Dreibergen Rottweilers |
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Schutzhund/Vielseitigkeitsprüfung (SchH/VPG) was instituted in Germany
in the early 1900s as a temperament test for a dog's suitability for police or military work.
It was designed to assess whether or not a dog possessed the necessary
inherited characteristics so that breeders could evaluate and pick only the highest quality dogs
for their breeding programs. It is a challenging test of the dog’s character. Today this remains
a required test for breed worthiness for all working dog breeds deemed suitable for police work
and also an all breed sport with local, regional and international competitions for all breeds
of dogs with the proper working abilities and temperament for the sport.
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The name of the test was modified from Schutzhund (Protection Dog) to a much more fitting
description of Vielseitigkeitsprüfung which translates to versatility examination for working dogs.
Some of the traits tested are the dog’s desire to work, intelligence, trainability, perseverance
and a strong and proper relationship with the handler. It also tests physical traits such as
strength, endurance and agility.
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The sport is a complicated, three level, three phase test and the performance is evaluated
by qualified judges on a points system. There are three levels of titles and three phases to each
title. A passing score must be achieved in all three phases at a single trial in order to obtain
the title and advance to the next training level. The basic titles are SchH/VPG1, SchH/VPG2 and
SchH/VPG3, the highest and competition level. Obedience is emphasized in all three phases and
any time the judge may dismiss a dog for lack of control or for showing poor temperament, including
fear or aggression.
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Before a dog can compete for a SchH/VPG1, he must pass a temperament test called a BH
(Begleithundprüfung) which translates as traffic-sure companion dog test. The BH tests basic
obedience, on and off leash and sureness around strange people, strange dogs, traffic, bicycles,
joggers and loud noises. A dog that exhibits excessive fear, distractibility, or aggression
cannot pass the BH and so cannot go on to compete in higher levels of the sport.
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Phase 1 - Tracking: In this phase the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using their nose
to find a person's track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Depending
on the level, the tracks vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or
grass. A perfect score is 100 points with a minimum score of 70 points needed to pass. Tracking
not only relies on the dog’s natural scenting ability but also tests mental soundness,
endurance and obedience. |
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Phase 2 - Obedience: The obedience phase involves numerous and demanding exercises which is done
entirely off leash on a soccer sized trial field. The obedience exercises include a gunfire test,
walking through a group of people, motion exercises including a sit, down and stand demonstrated
while the handler remains moving, recalls, a long down under distraction, retrieving while
jumping over a one meter jump and a six foot wall and a directed send away. The set pattern
is demonstrated by the handler from memory. A perfect score is 100 points with a minimum
score of 70 points needed to pass. The dog must demonstrate enthusiasm and teamwork with the handler. |
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Phase 3 - Protection: This phase of training is very intricate, advanced and taught with
absolute control in mind. It should not be confused or compared in any way with "guard dog"
training. The dog must prove to have a reliable temperament and must show tractability as
well as courage to protect himself and his handler and his ability to withstand pressure. A
dog that shows fear, lack of control, or inappropriate aggression is dismissed. The "helper"
as he is known in the sport, always wears protective leather pants and a special sleeve
with a burlap cover. The dog is only allowed to bite this sleeve when either the dog or
the handler is “attacked” by the helper and he must only bite in the correct manner
demonstrating a proper grip without hesitation. On command the dog must release the bite,
a dog will fail if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so. The sport dog is
never permitted to show aggression except under these specific situations it is trained
to face, and even then it must always be under the absolute control of the handler.
A perfect score is 100 points with a minimum score of 70 points needed to pass.
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Competing with a dog in the sport is like preparing for an Olympic event. One must see their
dog as an athlete and learn all of the aspects of conditioning, proper diet and the psychology
of dog training - for oneself as well as the dog.
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Dogs of any breed, even mixes, can compete in in the sport, but the most common breeds are
German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Boxers, Giant Schnauzers,
Bouvier des Flandres, and Dutch Shepherd Dogs.
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The best source of training information is a good sport club. The overwhelming majority of
SchH/VPG training is done by owner/handlers at local clubs. Deutscher Verband der
Gebrauchshundsportvereine (DVG) is an all breed sport club based in Germany with
clubs all over the U.S. The clubs provide formal assistance with tracking and obedience
and provide the specialized resources needed to train the protection phase. The more
experienced members help the novice members however the training director of the club
has the ultimate responsibility to the dog, handler, club, and society to constantly
evaluate every dog and to decline to train any dog with questionable character or
working ability. Training a dog that does not really want to work is stressful and
frustrating for all parties involved. A good club is a necessity for proper sport
training. Clubs regularly hold public trials, providing the opportunity for dogs
to earn titles and for handlers to assess their training progress.
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