In every breed, the pedigree is the key to knowing the potential of the puppy. The sport of Schutzhund/IPO revolves around working lines—generations of dogs that have proven themselves and produced similar characteristics in their offspring. These characteristics include not only the physical structure of the dog, but also its temperament. Selecting the bloodlines from which you want your puppy may require advice from reputable and experienced Schutzhund handlers or enthusiasts, or further research. If you’re looking for a puppy that may be well suited for Schutzhund/IPO, you’re in the right place, as Wüstenberger-Land K9s all come from elite bloodlines.
If possible, take the opportunity to observe the dog’s parents, specifically the mother (dam). The dam will be the main influence on the young puppy for the first six weeks of its life. If the dam is nervous or unsure, chances are this uncertainty will be transferred to the offspring. That is why we carefully select the dogs we breed to be Schutzhund/IPO titleholders with good physical traits and a strong temperament.
When it comes to the puppy itself, a puppy well fit for Schutzhund/IPO should be adventurous and active, playing with toys shown to it by someone in an enclosure. It should also be independent enough to take that toy and go off on its own. Independence and confidence, combined with the positive contact with the pack leader (the dam, at this time) will develop into the traits of trainability that you need.