Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club
Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club: Elevating Canine Potential
The Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club was founded by Jason Lake nearly 15 years ago. My goal was to bring the sport of Schutzhund to Southern Oregon and the entire Rogue Valley. Our members are enthusiastic, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who train and title their dogs in the sport of IGP/Schutzhund/IPO. We welcome all ages and breeds of dogs, from puppies to previously titled champions. Training is focused around a positive relationship between dog and handler, with the goal of developing each handler/canine team to their fullest potential.
What is Schutzhund?
Schutzhund is a German word meaning “protection dog.” It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners. Schutzhund work concentrates on three parts: tracking, obedience, and protection. Many are familiar with the obedience work of the American Kennel Club’s affiliates, and they will recognize the first two parts. This sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dogs and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler’s ability to train and the dog’s ability to perform as required.
The Three Phases of Schutzhund
Tracking: This phase tests the dog’s ability to use its nose to follow a scent trail. It’s amazing to watch a dog with its nose to the ground, following a trail that we can’t even see.
Obedience: This phase is similar to what you might see in an AKC competition. It includes heeling on and off-leash, recalls, sits, downs, and retrieves. The dog must demonstrate precision and enthusiasm in its work.
Protection: This is the phase that sets Schutzhund apart from other dog sports. It tests the dog’s courage, strength, and agility. The dog must protect its handler by chasing and holding a “bad guy” (a decoy wearing a protective sleeve) on command. It’s both thrilling and impressive to see a well-trained dog in action during this phase.
A Sport for All
Schutzhund is a sport enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, the camaraderie and mutual interest in working with dogs bring people together. Even those with significant disabilities enjoy Schutzhund as a sport. It’s a family-friendly activity that anyone can participate in and enjoy.
The standards for the protection phase are similar to those for dogs in police work. While dogs of many breeds are actively involved in Schutzhund, this breed evaluation test was originally developed for the German Shepherd Dog. It is intended to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence and utility, measuring mental stability, endurance, structural efficiency, scent ability, willingness to work, courage, and trainability.
A Bit of History
The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901 to emphasize the correct working temperament and ability in the German Shepherd breed. Originally herding dogs, German Shepherds were promoted for police and military work as Germany industrialized. The Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), the parent club, developed the Schutzhund test to prevent careless breeding and undesirable traits such as mental instability.
Why Dogs Love Schutzhund
Do dogs enjoy Schutzhund? Absolutely! If trained correctly, dogs love working. Attend a Schutzhund competition, and you’ll see wagging tails, sounds of excitement, and dogs pulling eagerly on their leashes, ready to perform. Schutzhund training helps develop a dog’s natural instincts to a high level, making them happy, confident dogs.
Join Us at the Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club
If you’re interested in competing in the sport of Schutzhund and live in Southern Oregon, the Rogue Valley, or Medford, Oregon, you are cordially invited to come to a free training day with the Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club. We train every Tuesday afternoon and every Saturday from 9 AM – 2 PM.
Feel free to contact us today at 541-944-6419 or visit rvschutzhund.com.