What is a Schutzhund Trial?

There is nothing like a Schutzhund competition. The typical Schutzhund trial will feature a number of dogs trying for the BH (the basic obedience test), or for their tri-phase SchH1, SchH2, or SchH3 title. The endurance test, the Ausdauerprüfung, is often offered early in the morning and is a critical part of the breed suitability requirements dogs must meet prior to participating in a breed survey (Korüng). The FH1 or FH2 are advanced tracking titles. Dog/handler teams may also compete for the Obedience 1, 2, and 3 degree and/or the Tracking 1, 2 or 3 degree. Adog may also compete for the Schutzhund A degree and combines only the obedience and protection phases of the sport.

A Schutzhund trial usually begins with the tracking phase done normally early in the morning to minimize wind interference. Tracking can be on grass, sod, plowed earth, or across different surfaces, depending on the level of the test. Immediately after all of the dogs complete their tracking phase, the judge critiques and scores their performance. Obedience is the second phase and is conducted on the trial field. Again, the judge will evaluate each dog's performance and provide a verbal formal critique of the dog/handler team.

The third and final phase, protection, is often the most fun to watch. This phase is about the control and discipline of the dog, as well as its desire to engage the "bad guy". There are three segments to the protection phase: the hold and bark, the attack on handler, and the courage test. After this phase is completed, the judge calculates the teams' score and critiques the dog and handler. The score for each phase is recorded in the Trial Scorebook for each dog and the total cumlulative score for each phase must be a mimimum of 70 points for success.

If you have never seen a Schutzhund trial, you are missing something. Each USA club is required to hold at least one trial annually. Often clubs hold more than one each year, and/or a seminar about the sport and may also hold a conformation show. For futher information about Schutzhund, check with the USA or with the Colorado Alpine Schutzhund Club. We hope to see you at a trial soon. Better yet, consider coming out to join us!

(Adapted from the United Schutzhund Clubs of America web site)

Here Thor is tested by German Hans Jurgen Frietag in Fall 1999

Thor tracking Summer 2000