Schutzhund/IPO training is a rigorous, multi-faceted training discipline designed for breeders to measure the working ability of their dogs. The goal is to determine if a dog displays the appropriate traits and characteristics of a proper working dog. In addition, it also tests the strength, endurance, agility, scenting abilities, and temperament of your dog.
Let’s dive deep to understand what Schutzhund / IPO training is.
SUMMARY
- Learn about Schutzhund’s rigorous dog sport training discipline, origins, and purpose for evaluating working dogs.
- The key components—tracking, obedience, and protection—and what each phase tests in a dog’s abilities.
- Understand the advantages of Schutzhund training, including improved dog behavior and suitability for various working roles.
- Clarify misconceptions about Schutzhund training, including its impact on a dog’s behavior around people and its overall effectiveness.
What is Schutzhund
Schutzhund / IPO is a challenging 3 part sport (obedience, tracking, and protection). It was originally designed as a breed test for the German Shepherd in the early 1900s and was quickly adopted for use by other working breeds like Malinois and Rottweiler. Schutzhund evaluates
- temperament
- character
- trainability
- willingness
- mental & physical wellness
to select and use only the highest quality dogs for breeding programs. In Germany, German Shepherds are still not bred without acquiring a Schutzhund title, a breed survey, conformation rating, hip x-rays, and a certificate of endurance.
A Schutzhund title is a pre-requisite for the German Shepherd Breed Survey or Koerung. As a sport, several countries hold
- Regional and national competitions
- Annual World Competition (WUSV) under FCI international rules
In addition to its value as a reliable breeding tool, Schutzhund / IPO training is an exciting sport and training challenge. Many call it “stylized police training,” and it is the foundation for training many imported police dogs before they go on to specialized protection training on the street.
Schutzhund is a three-phase working dog sport that offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dogs and compete with each other for recognition of both handlers’ and dog’s abilities. The sport is enjoyed thoroughly, and people of all ages and from all different conditions of life join Schutzhund.
Three Phases of Schutzhund Trail
Schutzhund/IPO training is divided into three distinct phases, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a dog’s capabilities and behavior. These phases provide a comprehensive assessment of a dog’s skills in tracking, obedience, and protection.
1. Tracking
The tracking phase is the test of temperament and the ability to find a person’s track using their nose. To ensure the dog’s mental soundness, the judges approach the loose-leash dog; they should act shyly or aggressively.
Then, it’s time for the nose test; the track is laid by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. It includes a number of turns and objects left behind by the person. The handler follows the dog, and at the end, the dog is expected to scent the track and indicate the object’s location by lying in front of it. The phase tests the dog’s trainability, ability to scent, and mental and physical endurance.
The scores are awarded based on the precision of the dog’s performance. A perfect score is 100 points, and a minimum of 70 is required to pass.
2. Obedience
The obedience test has various helping exercises that are usually performed in and around a group of people. The phase is focused on the dog’s inherent joy in the work balanced with precision and control.
The exercises include heeling on and off the leash, walking through a group of people, running straight and lying down on command, retrieving dumbbells, and staying in a lying down position while other dogs complete the exercises. The dog is expected to follow the IPO dog training commands and show obedience despite a ton of distractions at the other end. The test also includes a fire test, in which two blank shots are fired during the healing and long down. The dog must not act adversely and stay calm.
All the obedience exercises test the dog’s temperament, structural efficiencies, and willingness to serve the handlers.
3. Protection
The protection phase is the strongest training of the dog’s temperament, character, courage, physical strength, and agility. The dog competing in Schutzhund must show courage without viciousness. The dogs are rated in self-confidence, toughness, resilience, ability to work under pressure, willingness to take directions, and responsiveness to handler.
The Protection test included a bunch of exercises, like finding a hidden decoy until the handler approaches. They are expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to help the grip firmly. The test also includes a part where a decoy attacks the handler, and the dog has to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation.
All the bites during the test are expected to be firmly placed on the padded sleeve and stopped on command or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The tests are intended to ensure that the dog is neither a coward nor a criminal menace.
Schutzhund / IPO Training Titles
Schutzhund has three levels of titles. A dog must obtain a passing score in all three phases at one trial in order to get a title and be able to advance to the next training level.
The titles are
- SchH1 (Novice)
- SchH2 (Intermediate)
- SchH2 (Advanced)
Benefits of Schutzhund IPO Training
Schutzhund offers many benefits for dogs and dog owners. The training is an excellent way for
1. Enhanced Physical Fitness
Schutzhund training involves intense physical activities, including running, jumping, and climbing. This rigorous physical exercise ensures that German Shepherds maintain excellent physical condition, improving their strength, agility, and overall fitness.
Your German Shepherd will enjoy a healthier lifestyle, reducing the risk of obesity, joint issues, and other health-related problems. This sustained physical fitness also contributes to a longer, more vibrant life for your canine companion.
2. Improved Mental Stimulation
Schutzhund IPO training provides significant mental challenges that are essential for stimulating a German Shepherd’s intellect. This type of training requires the dog to think critically, solve problems, and make quick decisions.
Mental engagement helps prevent boredom and the associated destructive behaviors that can arise from mental under-stimulation. By continuously challenging your German Shepherd’s cognitive abilities, you ensure they remain mentally sharp, engaged, and fulfilled, leading to a happier and more balanced pet.
3. Strengthened Bond with Owner
Participating in Schutzhund IPO training creates a unique and powerful opportunity to strengthen the bond between a German Shepherd and its owner. The extensive time spent together during training sessions fosters a deep sense of trust and communication.
As you work side-by-side, overcoming challenges and achieving goals, a deeper, more connected relationship is formed. This strengthened bond not only enhances your dog’s loyalty and affection but also improves your ability to understand and respond to each other’s needs and signals, resulting in a harmonious partnership.
4. Refined Obedience and Discipline
Schutzhund IPO training is renowned for its rigorous and highly structured approach, which fosters exceptional obedience and discipline in German Shepherds. Through consistent commands, precise routines, and repetitive practice, your dog will learn to respond promptly and accurately to various cues.
This heightened level of obedience not only makes everyday interactions smoother and more enjoyable but also ensures your German Shepherd can be trusted in diverse environments and situations, enhancing their safety and your peace of mind.
5. Increased Confidence and Stability
German Shepherds undergoing Schutzhund IPO training often exhibit noticeable increases in confidence and emotional stability. The structured environment and clear expectations provided by the training help them feel secure and self-assured.
This reduction in anxiety and fearfulness translates into a more balanced and composed dog capable of handling various situations with poise. The confidence gained through successful training experiences empowers your German Shepherd to face new challenges and environments with a calm and assured demeanor.
6. Practical Skills for Real-Life Situations
The skills learned in Schutzhund IPO training are highly practical and can be applied to real-life situations, making them incredibly valuable for both the dog and the owner. From tracking scents to protecting their owners and responding to commands in high-stress situations, German Shepherds trained in Schutzhund IPO are well-prepared to handle a wide array of scenarios.
These practical skills ensure your dog is a well-behaved companion and a reliable and capable partner in various aspects of everyday life, including home security, search and rescue, and assistance roles.
German Shepherd Schutzhund training prepares the dogs for many jobs, including herding, search and rescue, and other services. Moreover, dogs are ideal for police and military work.
How Do I See Schutzhund Training?
For me, it is interesting to house train a dog in a sport where we use aggression; most dog owners try to avoid aggression at all costs, particularly in our litigious society where dogs are becoming less tolerated, particularly if they behave like dogs! When properly trained, Schutzhund provides an arena where you can learn about aggression and how your dog reacts to stressful situations.
- Learning About Aggression: Schutzhund allows you to understand how your dog reacts to stressful situations and how you manage and control aggression effectively.
- Improved Behavior: Proper training helps dogs learn to control their drive and obey commands even when excited, resulting in a well-behaved and disciplined dog.
- Bonding Experience: The duration and depth of Schutzhund’s training foster a strong bond between the dog and the handler.
People worry that IPO training will make their dogs aggressive towards people. In my experience, dogs that have not been aggressive towards people beforehand do not suddenly become aggressive after Schutzhund training.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some people who like to avoid aggression try to train Schutzhund protection as an obedience exercise, where the dog learns to bark to “ask for a reward” and gets the sleeve or “prey object” as this reward. They argue that Schutzhund is a game and their dogs will only bite a sleeve. This may be a good way to relieve their conscience when asked if they train their dogs to bite.
Schutzhund is, however, supposed to be a test; a dog should show aggression in the protection phase, the decoy, helper or bad guy, should be a worthy adversary, and the dog’s courage should be tested. The protection phase at a trial should be more like a boxing match, not a choreographed movie fight. All dogs of any breed will bite if they feel that they are being threatened or cannot escape. So, dogs do not need to be trained to bite!
How Do We Train Elite German Shepherds for Schutzhund Trails?
When we are training protection, we build the dog’s confidence and encourage him to enjoy the fight. We often let him win by carrying off the sleeve; we also work on control and teach the dog when and where it is OK to bite and when it’s not.
A dog’s essential character, socialization, and training affect whether he will be aggressive towards people. A dog’s genetics will define whether he has the protective instincts and courage to protect his family. Schutzhund / IPO training will not change this basic nature but will give the owner some idea of how their dog might react and enable the dog to remain under the control of his handler. Regarding home and family protection, in general, the presence of a German Shepherd will deter any would-be attackers or thieves.
Explore: Schutzhund Titled German Shepherd Dogs
FAQs
Are Schutzhund dogs good family pets?
Absolutely, a good Schutzhund dog makes a great family pet. They are confident, well-trained, and obedient.
Do I have to have a German Shepherd or Rottweiler to participate in Schutzhund?
The sport caters to all athletic dogs with the right working abilities and is not restricted to any specific breed or group. The dog must be physically fit, capable of jumping one meter, holding a dumbbell, and performing other tasks. But the dog must be physically fit, able to jump one meter, hold a dumbbell, and much more. So, it is better to thoroughly understand the sport before choosing a dog breed.
Is it true that training my dog in Schutzhund will make it unreliable around children and visitors?
It is totally wrong. Schutzhund training is designed to make it more obedient and stable. Yes, Schutzhund’s training focuses on protection, but the main goal is to make them more confident, secure, and less bothered around unusual circumstances.
Many of our clients have children, and the elite Schutzhund German Shepherd stays in the house most of the time.
What age can I start training my dog for Schutzhund?
We start training puppies as soon as they come home. The babies quickly learn that targeting helps with go-outs and blind searches. You can also teach them commands like sit, stand, focus, come fast, and pay attention. Moreover, after 8 weeks, you can start playing the tug game.
Through the young puppy lifecycle, we socialize them with people, loud voices, and other dogs and give them exposure to different places, slick floors, noises, and more.
How much does IPO training cost?
IPO training is expensive, and competitive grade training can cost between $1000 to $3500, depending on the working capabilities of the dog.
Can a 3-year-old GSD be trained for IPO?
Yes, you can effectively train a 3-year-old German Shepherd for Schutzhund. German Shepherd dogs are highly trainable; when they start early, you get a chance to better shape and mold the dog’s personality and develop a strong relationship early. Moreover, younger puppies are relatively easier to train.
What is standard IPO dog training equipment?
Schutzhund and IPO dog training equipment include.
- Bite Suits and Sleeves
- Dumbbells
- Harnesses and Vests
- Leashes
- Jump Hurdles
- Tugs
- Protection blinds
Conclusion
Schutzhund is a wonderful sport. It’s fun, challenging, and rewarding for the dog and trainer. The trials evaluate the dogs in an exciting three-phase format. For dog owners, Schutzhund is more than just a sport. It is the best way to test a dog’s temperament. The trails tell us a lot about the dogs and are the best tool to evaluate breeding stock.
In the initial phases, the dogs demonstrate their training, guide ability, self-confidence, courage, nerve soundness, and more. The dog should be confident, powerful, active, and obedient to protection. By the time the dog reaches SchH3, the countless hours of training, repetition, stress-problem solving, and mistake handling take over. The dog learns to control his drive and urges through obedience. It emerges strong and confident, displaying joy in the work while remaining controlled and precise.
Do you have questions about starting Schutzhund training? Drop them in the comments below or contact us.
