Schutzhund/IPO training provides a bonding opportunity between a German shepherd and its handler. The training process is not easy, but provides a great sense of reward for both the dog and the handler. There are many reasons one might choose to Schutzhund/IPO train their dog, including discipline and temperament, value for breeding, and love of the sport.
Temperament of Schutzhund/IPO-Trained Dog
Throughout the steps of the training process, a German shepherd must be able to pass a basic companion-dog test, in which they must obey commands, perform certain tasks, and be able to encounter other people, dogs, and more. The process of training a dog for the basic obedience test (also known as BH), as well as the rest of the Schutzhund/IPO training process, provides dogs with discipline. Schutzhund/IPO training provides dogs with core skills, such as:
- Ability to identify a threat – Dogs who are Schutzhund/IPO-trained are able to discriminate between someone who poses a threat and someone who does not.
- Self-control – Schutzhund/IPO-trained dogs are able to exhibit composure, even while under pressure or while excited.
- Focus – Dogs exhibit ability to focus on commands of owner, despite any potential distractions.
- Obedience – Schutzhund/IPO-trained dogs are able to complete both basic and advanced commands, and obedience is necessary to succeed in Schutzhund/IPO.
The Value of Schutzhund/IPO for Breeding
Any registered German shepherd that has earned a Schutzhund degree has demonstrated sufficient ability as a working dog to qualify for breed evaluation. The breed evaluation (called a Koerung) is a very detailed examination of the dog’s structure, temperament, and pedigree and requires both a certification of good hip joints and sufficient performance on an endurance test (the AD). Dogs that do well in the breed evaluation receive a Koerklasse I or Koerklasse II rating. This is a recommendation and evaluation by a trained and recognized judge regarding the worthiness of the dog for breeding. Dogs given a Koerklasse rating are recommended for breeding.
A Koerklasse rating encompasses a “blueprint” for each dog. It is a stamped certification by the German SV. It covers bloodlines, temperament, courage of fight drive, correct structure and soundness of hips, elbows, and spine. By screening dogs in order to select the suitable specimens for breeding, Schutzhund helps to maintain the quality of the breed at a very high level. Thus, there is a very high level of assurance that puppies born to Schutzhund dams and sired by Schutzhund dogs are more likely to be of reliable temperament, high intelligence, steady nerves, extreme endurance, great strength, and sound structures.
Will Schutzhund/IPO Training Make My Dog Aggressive?
Dogs’ basic character, socialization, and training affect whether they will be aggressive towards people, and dogs’ genetics define whether they will have the protective instincts and courage to protect their family. Schutzhund training will not change this basic nature but will give the owner some idea of how their dog might react, and also enable dogs to remain under the control of their handlers. As far as home and family protection; in general, just the presence of a German shepherd will deter any would-be attackers or thieves. As long as your dog is trained properly and is from good bloodlines, you do not need to worry about aggression as a result of Schutzhund/IPO training.
To purchase a German shepherd for Schutzhund/IPO, or to purchase a German shepherd that already holds Schutzhund/IPO titles, contact Wüstenberger-Land online or call us at (661) 904-4737.