I just put this in the Sports challenge, as it is a dog sport, but thought those who enjoy dogs might enjoy seeing it here. :smile:
This is the dog sport of Schutzhund. It was developed by Max von Stephanitz as a breed test for the Deutsch Schafferhund (German shepherd dog). The dog is put through a series of temperament tests, including a portion on tracking (following scent through a field), obedience work, and finally protection work.
During the protection phase, the dog is only allowed to bite when under a direct threat from the helper. Otherwise, he must find and guard. There is also an extreme amount of control and obedience in this phase of the work. Overall, the dog's willingness to take on danger/threat, his courage and his "heart" are all being tested. This sport is NOT about making dogs "viscious" or into "attack dogs." Many SchH titled dogs are active therapy dogs who absolutely adore anyone they meet. It's all about correct temperament. :smile:
These photos were taken at the United States Rottweiler Club's national conformation show this past weekend down in PA.
Please excuse the watermarks, they're there b/c of unscrupulous dog people (not these dog's owners, but other nitwits trying to sell their trash breedings).
The search of the blinds to find the helper (aka bad guy). The handler is telling her which blind to search next.
Bark and hold, out in the field
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The catch after the courage test. Dog is sent the length of a football field, helper is at other end. Just like catching a fast ball, when one catches a fast dog, one must "give" with the dog, and often, this results in the helper rotating around with the dog in mid-air. (Yes, that cut off foot drives me nuts!):smile:
View attachment 92509
Driving the dog across the field, while delivering two hits with a padded, flexible, "stick." Again, this tests the dog's courage and nerve. It is the dogs of weak nerve who are fear biters and are often the ones who make the horrific media stories. :frown:
View attachment 92510
This is the dog sport of Schutzhund. It was developed by Max von Stephanitz as a breed test for the Deutsch Schafferhund (German shepherd dog). The dog is put through a series of temperament tests, including a portion on tracking (following scent through a field), obedience work, and finally protection work.
During the protection phase, the dog is only allowed to bite when under a direct threat from the helper. Otherwise, he must find and guard. There is also an extreme amount of control and obedience in this phase of the work. Overall, the dog's willingness to take on danger/threat, his courage and his "heart" are all being tested. This sport is NOT about making dogs "viscious" or into "attack dogs." Many SchH titled dogs are active therapy dogs who absolutely adore anyone they meet. It's all about correct temperament. :smile:
These photos were taken at the United States Rottweiler Club's national conformation show this past weekend down in PA.
Please excuse the watermarks, they're there b/c of unscrupulous dog people (not these dog's owners, but other nitwits trying to sell their trash breedings).
The search of the blinds to find the helper (aka bad guy). The handler is telling her which blind to search next.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
Bark and hold, out in the field
View attachment 92508
The catch after the courage test. Dog is sent the length of a football field, helper is at other end. Just like catching a fast ball, when one catches a fast dog, one must "give" with the dog, and often, this results in the helper rotating around with the dog in mid-air. (Yes, that cut off foot drives me nuts!):smile:
View attachment 92509
Driving the dog across the field, while delivering two hits with a padded, flexible, "stick." Again, this tests the dog's courage and nerve. It is the dogs of weak nerve who are fear biters and are often the ones who make the horrific media stories. :frown:
View attachment 92510
) We herd sheep with lots of Rotties.
