The sport of Schutzhund

Thank you for this fascinating glimpse into a whole different world! Your photos are wonderful and your explanations outstanding! I had heard the term "Schutzhund" before but wasn't sure what it meant. This was most educational -- thank you!

 

A very good friend of mine is a veterinarian and so I've learned a lot from her about the various breeds and about misconceptions around some breeds, etc. One thing which has stood out for me is the importance of good breeding and good training. Thing is, even within a particular breed or particular kennel line, each dog or ***** is going to have its own unique personality and it's very important to work with that from the very get-go. Even the best-tempered dog or *****, though, is just not going to succeed without thorough and appropriate training.

I'll be seeing my friend this weekend and if we're near the computer I'll pull up this thread to show her, as I know she'll enjoy seeing these images!

 

WOW! Gretchen these are completely awsome! Thanks for showing us such a wonderful short documentary about dog training! Seeing these makes me miss my "Sandy" sooooo very much! He was my first German Shepard and my best friend! Awsome shots!

 

Gretchen, I have seen shutzhund trials/pictures with German Shepherd Dogs. Never have I seen something like your photo #3! Totally awesome!

I have just one GSD left having downsized to PWC ) We herd sheep with lots of Rotties.

 

Hey! My friend to whom I alluded in my post has bred PWC! Now she has just one left, Chloe, and I was privileged enough to be present at the birth of several of Chloe's puppies -- recording everything with my Coolpix 995! Chloe had given birth to I think it was five puppies when it was obvious that she was worn out and struggling, so we loaded her into the car and headed off to the vet clinic. Pam, who is a vet herself, would not do the c-section but had one of her vet friends handle that. On the way to the clinic I was sitting in the back seat with the basket full of newborns and Chloe at my feet. Suddenly she shifted position and plopped her head on my feet. I looked down...looked at her rear and saw something dark and glistening. Took me moment to realize that it was a sac containing another puppy. I yelled, Pam pulled the car over and she tried to rescusitate the wee one.... We got back on the road to the vet clinic and there, Chloe had two more puppies via a C-section. For me that was just the most amazing experience!

Pam eventually sold the puppies --ah, that was a sad day! -- but kept Chloe and one of the pups for a while, but eventually sold him, too. I've forgotten now what the kennel name is, but Chloe came from champions out of a breeder in Maryland....

 

Awsome

Gretchen,
Compelling and Dramatic photos here, great explanation.
But more to the point, your photos are riviting, great work here.
Ciao,

 

Great action shots. Sorry about the cut off foot but it's still a great shot.

 

Awesome shots. When we were looking for a new Doberman puppy, we visited several Shutzhund shows and trainings. Dogs that compete in this kind of event are well mannered, have even temperment, and are physically "correct" (dog owners will know what I mean there). This event requires extreme discipline on both the owner's and dog's part. It is truly amazing to watch. Well done Gretchen.

 

great series well done

 

Wonderful images and education
Thank You

 

Awesome shots....

 

As a canine handle myself I can really appriciate this. Awesome shots!

 

Great shots Gretchen. I have a friend in New York who has Dobermans that are involved in Schutzhund and I worked with a GSD breeder in Texas who had all imported Schutzhund trained dogs so I have a lot of respect for this sport. I wouldn't want to be on the other end of all that power.

 

Very cool commentary and pictures, Gretchen. Photos 3 & 4 are outstanding. I'm guessing the first time someone serves as a helper, the courage test doesn't test only the dog.  

 

Very interesting and informative post Gretchen and excellent images. I agree with Dave on the courage of the 'bad guy'.   :smile:

 

XLNT SHOTS!
Looks scary.:Smoking:
Are these dogs good with kids???
Like a loaded gun, one would`nt want them go off in the wrong places.
Your dedication to training this animal must keep you well in tune with his moods and nuances. Its great to have friends.:redface:
My best friend Iggy, alias "Ludwig von Tailwag", is a Standard Schnauzer.
The mad kings a lover, not a fighter....:smile: