Those who are familiar with AKC obedience will feel more comfortable in this area, as many of the exercises are similar to those in Open and Utility. There is heeling. The sit, down and stand are also done, except when the dog is moving. Schutzhund applies its own style to this work. Instead of a forty foot ring, the handler and dog work on a soccer sized trial field.
Some exercises require the dog to work under the noise of a firing gun.
Down stays and a long send away conclude the test. The final test is the most misunderstood by the general public. The most important point to understand when watching a protection routine is the relationship between dog and handler. The dog must never bite the trial helper, unless either the dog or the handler is attacked. Then it must attack fully and without hesitation.