Schutzhund Titles

Schutzhund offers three levels of titles, and there are three phases to each title. One must obtain a passing score in all three phases in order to obtain a title, and be able to advance to the next training level.

The titles are:

• Sch H I (novice)
• Sch H II (intermediate)
• Sch H III (master level)

There is also an advanced tracking degree offered, FH.

The sport is designated for all athletic dogs with correct working abilities and is not restricted to a particular group or breed of dog. Schutzhund is now the fasted growing Dog Sport in North America!

Schutzhund Training Phases

For each of the three titles already discussed above, there are three distinct phases: tracking, obedience, and protection.

Tracking

In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his/her nose to find a person's track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Depending upon the title sought, all tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100 points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.

Obedience

The obedience phase involves numerous and demanding exercises which include heeling on and off leash, a gunfire test, walking through a group of people, motion exercises, recall, a 10-20 minute long down, retrieving, and jumping. A set pattern is demonstrated by the handler from memory (unlike AKC obedience, where the judge calls the pattern for you). A perfect score is 100 points, with 70 needed to pass.

Protection

This phase of Schutzhund training is very intricate, advanced, and taught with control in mind. It should not be confused or compared in any way with guard dog or police protection training. A dog competing in the sport of Schutzhund must always prove to have a reliable temperament and must show courage without viciousness. The "bad guy" or "helper" as he is known in the sport always wears protective leather pants and a special sleeve with a burlap cover. The dog is allowed to bite this sleeve and he must bite this in the correct manner. On command, the dog MUST release the bite. A dog will fail if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so. A perfect score is 100 points, with 80 points needed to pass.

Many people view the sport of Schutzhund like preparing for an Olympic Event. One must see their dog as an athlete and learn all the aspects of conditioning, proper diet, and the psychology of it all -- for one's self as well as for the dog.

RATINGS
U	(Ungenügend) Insuffient
M	(Mangelhaft) Faulty Show or Performance Rating
A	(Ausreichend) Sufficient Show or Performance Rating
G	(Gut) Good Show or Performance Rating
SG	(Sehr Gut) Very Good Show or Performance Rating
V	(Vorzuglich) Excellent Show or Performance Rating
VA	(Vorzuglich Aulese) Excellent Select Show or Performance Rating, Awarded at Sieger Show, Highest attainable Award
SIEGER	1st Place Champion Male of National Show
SIEGERIN	1st Place Champion Female of the National Show
KOERKLASSE	(KKL1) Breed Examination, Recommended for Breeding, Must be Titled Sch
	(KKL2) Breed Examination, Suitable for Breeding, Must be Titled Sch
HIP RATINGS	("a normal")(A1) Normal=OFA Excellent to OFA Good
	("a fast normal")(A2) Nearly Normal=OFA Good to OFA Fair
	("noch zugelassen")(A3) Mild Hip Dysplasia=Only OFAs Occasionally