From: janicki@gblaut.enet.dec.com (Victoria Janicki)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Schutzhund Training
Date: 19 Nov 92 16:00:04 GMT
Reply-To: janicki@tuxedo.enet.dec.com
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation, Littleton,MA


In article <lfarrell.2.722123361@lfarrell.src.utah.edu>, lfarrell@lfarrell.src.utah.edu (Laura Farrell) writes:
|
|>Is anyone out there familiar with this kind of dog?
|>

Whether or not a breed can participate in Schutzhund can get a
bit controversial. Basically, many breeds can participate in
Schutzhund - certain breeds more naturally take to the training
because they have been bred for the specific instincts/drives
to do Schutzhund work.

The breeds developed from the "bull" stock can be successful
in Schutzhund. I am not familiar with the American Bulldog 
and I haven't seen any dogs of that breed getting Schutzhund titles
(which doesn't mean they haven't). However, I seen Am. Staffs,
and Pit Bulls competing. The larger Mastiffs don't tend to have
enough drive to work in all three phases of the sport (obedience,
tracking and protection).

If you are interested in trying Schutzhund with such a dog,
I think that is great and would encourage you to explore. You 
will need to find a club/trainer who is willing to work with
a non-traditional breed. Some clubs/trainers just won't work with
non-traditional breeds,or won't spend the time to work with a dog
that is different. I'd recommend you find a DVG affiliated club.
DVG is a organization for Schutzhund vs. a club for a breed that
promotes Schutzhund as a breeding tool.

If someone very seriously wants to participate in Schuthzund,
I would strongly recommend that they get a dog from a breed
that traditionally participates in Schutzhund. It is alot less
frustrating. For example, one breeder of Am. Staffs who has titled
several Am. Staffs in Schutzund and AKC, decided to get a German
Shepherd. 

|>What are some opinions of Schutzhund trained dogs, especially
|>regarding their interaction with kids and people in general?
|>
|>Thanks in advance
|>

A Schutzhund trained dog should be a balanced, obedient dog that 
is reliable around children and adults. I have found this to be
true with only a couple of exceptions. Remember, a dog with a 
balanced temperament before Schutzhund training will still have
the same temperament during/after Schutzhund training. The breeder
I work has up to 6 Schutzhund titled dogs at a time in her house
with her 2 1/2 year old, and various nieces and nephews.

The Schutzhund test is a test of temperament. A dog may be
immediately failed at any time if it shows any signs of nervousness,
insecurity, or inappropriate aggression. The dog is given a test
of impartiality also in which the judge determines if the dog 
has a proper temperament to be around people. Part of the obedience
routine is to heel around a group of people. In addition, in order
to compete for a Schutzhund I (first level test), a dog must now
pass the B exam. The B degree like a CD combined with the Canine
Good Citzenship test.

And alot depends on the owner, if the owner allows their dogs to
be jerk and doesn't socialize the dog with children and people 
when young, that dog may not behave appropriately around people.
That dog will also most likely not pass a Schuthzund test.

Hope that helps!
--
Victoria Janicki
Digital Equipment Corporation
Littleton,MA
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