Training Regulations /Procedures/Handler Info

Training Fees: 

Members: $5 per dog

Non Members, Member applicants, Guests:  $15 per dog

Helper Fee:   The club brings in a helper for protection and his fee is $25 per dog.   This protection only session is scheduled monthly.  

Practices:  Notices of practices are posted monthly through e mail and include dates/times/location.   Please contact our club secretary to be included in our e list.    We cover all three phases of schutzhund (tracking, obed, protection) at each practice.

Training Order:  The training order is determined based on the following.   Members dogs will be given priority followed by member applicants, and finally guests.   

General Rules and Etiquette:  The following rules are in place for the safety of all dogs and handlers.  Failure to comply with these requests will result in the termination of privileges to train at the club grounds.  

1)      The training director and assistant director have full discretion regarding training.

2)      Arrive on time and please stay until the end of practice to make sure all set up, tear down, and storage of equipment is done properly.    We all have busy lives and may not be able to attend every practice and stay for the full time but please make it a priority to give as much time to the club as you can. This sport is a commitment to training and your fellow members rely on you to make the club a success. 

3)      Abusive practices or excessive force will not be tolerated.  

4)      All dogs must be secured in a crate when not working on the field.   This is a must.  There is a zero tolerance policy in effect for loose dogs.  It is up to you to properly secure your dog and IT MUST BE CRATED!!   Soft sided crates are not allowed!  It must be a secure wire crate or airline kennel capable of securing your dog.  

5)      Do not allow your dog to nuisance bark, if you have a dog that is reactive to passerbys do not park where others have the right of way to walk past.   Place your vehicle in a location in which your dog will not harass others and face it away from the field to keep your dog calm.  

6)      Your dog will be kept on leash at all times while on the training grounds except when actively training on the field.    Do not let your dog go up to other dogs to “say hello” as dogs who are working are in fact working and may not receive your dogs gestures well.  

7)      Make certain to always ask permission before attempting to pet anyone’s dog.   If the handler says no, they are not being unfriendly; there is a good reason as to why they do not want you to touch their dog.  

8)      If your dog potties on the grounds you must dispose of it immediately.    Make sure to clean up all trash and or dog hair from grooming; do not leave it on the grounds.

9)      All handlers are responsible for having the proper equipment for training.  See header labeled WHAT I NEED so that you are prepared for training. 

10)  Be respectful of each other and if the training director is addressing someone with training advice do not interrupt or interject your own “ideas”.    There are many ways to train a dog but the handler will need to concentrate on one method at a time and as each team needs to be treated as an individual the advice given may be much different  than what was used to work your dog.     You will learn much about this sport from observation so please keep side conversations to a minimum so that members can learn from what is happening on the field. 

WHAT DO I NEED FOR SCHUTZHUND TRAINING AND WHERE DO I GET IT?  Most SchH equipment is avail online from various working and police K9 companies.    It is best to buy a large duffle bag for all your training and handling gear.   If you thought hockey required a lot of gear wait until you see what you need for Schutzhund!   Make sure your dog is comfortable in both hot and cold weather in your vehicle.   Crate fans, shade cloths, cooling coats etc for hot and blankets for cold weather.  A HUMAN AND CANINE FIRST AID KIT IS A MUST!  KEEP ONE IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES.  

The official rule book for schutzhund is available from United Schutzhund Clubs of America.   It is up to the handler to obtain, read, and understand the rules for the sport.   You need to read the rules then train your dog so you know exactly what you should be teaching.    The rule book changes often (every couple of years) so make certain to request the most current copies of the rules.   Next rule change due Jan 2011.  

TRACKING WHAT DO I NEED?

1)      You will need food (lots of it)   Do not feed your dog before you track.   You may use his kibble or other small pieces of food.  Make sure your dog LIKES the food you decide to use.    Chicken, Cheese, Liver etc can all be used in addition to kibble.  

2)      Proper tracking equipment for your dog.   Harness or fur saver (read the rule book to see what you’re allowed to use on your dog for tracking) if you have specific questions ask a club member to show you some examples of what to get.  

3)      A tracking line:   The line can be made out of mountain cord, leather, synthetic etc.   You want to make sure the line is regulation length for trials (33 feet).

4)      A six foot lead for beginners

5)      Tracking flags:   You must have your own flags and they can be purchased at home improvement stores and typically come in bundles of 100.   Ask for surveyors flags.

6)      Articles:   Articles for tracking can be made or purchased from SchH supply companies.   Make sure to read the rule book if making your own articles so that they are of correct size.    Small glad or Ziploc containers can be used as articles for dogs who need value building in the early stages of training.

7)      A water sprayer to aid in scenting.   For more info learn about HITT tracking

8)      Waterproof clothes and shoes.   We train in all weather and the field grass gets tall between cuttings.   Insect repellent for you as well as a flea/tick protocol for your dog is suggested. 

OBEDIENCE WHAT DO I NEED?

1)      A Training vest is a good investment.   A jacket with ample pockets is a good substitute. 

2)      Motivational objects/rewards.  You will need food, tugs, toys to use as rewards for your

3)      Retrieve Dumbbells.   There are 3 sizes of DB’s for SchH, you will want to buy yourself a set.

4)      A target for send away training.   This can be a small piece of cloth or plastic approx the size of a lid off of a standard sized can of dog food.  

5)      Proper training collar.   A fur saver collar (large link choke chain).     Specialized training collars are allowed on the field but must be used humanely (ie electric/prong etc)

6)      A long line of 20-30 feet for control work

7)      A leash 3 or 4 feet long for training.

PROTECTION WHAT DO I NEED? SAFETY FIRST HERE!!!!! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NOT GET TO TRAIN THAT DAY.  

1)      Secure shoes for the handler:  Soccer Cleats work great.  

2)      A 6 foot long strong agitation lead 1 Inch thick with at least a ¾ inch bolt.   Your dog is going to pull hard!    Leather or synthetic.  

3)      Gloves for your hands (batting gloves) if you need help gripping your leash or long line. 

4)      Agitation long line that will not stretch (20 feet long 1 inch wide) Leather is recommended as it is easiest to hang onto.

5)      Agitation collar 1-2 inches wide with strong hardware.    These collars are not avail in pet stores, you must purchase from a SchH supply company. 

6)      Agitation harness recommended for adult dogs.  

7)      Training collars such as fur saver.   Specialized training collars such as nylon/cotton chokes, prong collars, e collars etc may be used humanely. 

EXTRA HELP AND TRAINING BEYOND CLUB PRACTICE

Due to the complexity of Schutzhund training the new exhibitor will need to seek out additional training beyond practices to work on building both handling and training skills.  There are many great resources avail to schutzhund newcomers.    Your training director is avail for group and private lessons in any of the three phases.    You may contact Rebecca to set up lessons through  her business website at www.rcadogsports.com

At this time the following publications, sites, and DVD’s are helpful in providing additional training guidance for those that prefer media in addition to one on one help.  

Leerburg Productions:  Michael Ellis DVD’s  The power of training with food,  How to play tug with your dog, Competition Heeling.

Ivan Balabanov:  www.trainperview.com  You may rent lessons in obed, protection, and tracking. 

Canine Training Systems:  Ivan Balabanov Series:   Schutzhund book and 4 training DVD’s  Obedience with Out Conflict Series:   Clear Communication and The Game are a must. 

Armin Winkler:  www.schutzhundvillage.com   Some wonderful articles on tracking as well as protection.

www.germanshepherddog.com  This website is useful for information regarding the sport and the GSD.

American Working Dog Federation: Upcoming rule changes will be announced through this organization. 

WELCOME TO SCHUTZHUND YOU ARE CHOOSING TO TRAIN IN ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF DOG SPORTS DUE TO THE DEMANDS OF TRAINING THREE PHASES OF SPORT.    YOUR COMMITMENT TO TRAINING WILL PAY OFF HUGE AS YOU PROVIDE YOUR DOG WITH A CHANCE TO SHOWCASE HIS GENETICS AND DISPLAY YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS A TEAM.