GRANDSLAM DOBERMANNS
WELCOME TO MIAMI DOBERMANNS
What is Schutzhund?
Reprinted from the book, "Schutzhund Theory & Training Methods", By S. Barwig & S. Hilliard, Howell.
The word "Schutzhund" exactly translated from German to English means "Protection Dog." This literal translation is somewhat misleading, as there is much more to Schutzhund than just protection.
Today, in the United States, Schutzhund is a fast-growing, competitive sport. In Europe, SchH (the abbreviation for Schutzhund) has been a popular sport since the early 1900's. Schutzhund was originally a test to determine which German Shepherds were quality dogs for breeding purposes in Germany. Today, SchH is that and much, much more. It still gives us the ability to test our dogs to determine if the temperament is correct and to also view their working ability. It is also a highly competitive sport which is maintained by the efforts of teamwork between the handler and his/her dog. Schutzhund is designed for the dogs with working ability. However, it is not restricted to any particular group or breed of dog. The United Schutzhund Clubs of America, primarily a German Shepherd organization, does recognize all breeds capable of doing SchH work.
Schutzhund training and showing involves three phases: Tracking, Obedience and Protection. There are three SchH levels one can achieve with his/her dog: SchH I (considered the novice level), SchH II (the intermediate), and SchH Ill (the advanced level). Each handler and his dog start out in each phase with 100 points. From there, points are to be deducted by the presiding judge according to the point system, providing the dog/handler team errors. A total perfect score is 300. In order for a person and his dog to achieve any one of the SchH degrees, the team together must achieve at least 70 points or better in tracking and obedience and at least 80 points or better in protection. If these minimum scores are not received, a SchH degree cannot be awarded to the participating dog/handler team. The requirements that a dog/handler team must fulfill become progressively more difficult from the SchH I level to the SchH III level.
Tracking is a development of a dog's natural abilities and instincts. It helps to build confidence within the dog. The dog must use his nose in locating a track laid either by his handler or a stranger and also have the ability to discover various articles dropped along the track. The track length, the age of the track, the number of articles and the size of the articles depend on the level of the SchH degree.
Obedience makes a dog a more enjoyable companion and also makes him more reliable in everyday situations. SchH obedience judges a handler and his dog as a team. The team is required to do various exercises, depending on the SchH degree one is attempting to earn.
Protection, as trained for Schutzhund requires that the dog have a reliable temperament and show courage without viciousness. It is an advanced and complex training wherein the dog must make his own decision and use his judgment. The "bad guy," known as the agitator or helper in the sport, is required to wear protective pants and a special sleeve covered with burlap for the dog to bite. The dog must bite correctly or he will lose points. The dog must be trained to release his bite. A dog can fail if he consistently does not release his bite when commanded. 
Many people have the misconception that a family dog will protect. Most family dogs have been imprinted not to show any signs of protection. Also many family dogs that bark at strangers do not have the courage to actually protect when they or their family is threatened.
A dog properly trained in Schutzhund is a very sociable companion. It doesn't regard a person as an enemy until that person shows signs of aggression towards him, his family, or his handler. Schutzhund dogs are trained with compassion and understanding. He and his handler/owner work together as a team. A Schutzhund dog is not dangerous to society. They should never be put in the same category or considered an attack dog.
Due to formal protection training in Schutzhund, the dog becomes very reliable and predicable therefore he is an asset to his handler/owner. A reliable well trained dog is a wonderful family protector and companion. Children are often seen playing with their dogs before and after the dog leaves the Schutzhund field. Schutzhund is a family sport. To the general public this seems contradictory, but this is the product of good breeding and proper training. These dogs make wonderful assets in any family environment, and can serve as a full time security system for your home and family.
CAB1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 
Internationally Recognized Working Titles (SV/FCI)
SchHA Novice Schutzhund obedience and protection Bh Basic companion dog - traffic sureness WH Watch Dog AD Endurance SchH1 Novice Schutzhund qualification in tracking, obedience, and protection SchH2 Intermediate Schutzhund qualification in tracking, obedience, and protection SchH3 Masters level of Schutzhund tracking, obedience, and protection. FH1 Advanced tracking FH2 Superior tracking qualification. IPO1 International Novice Schutzhund trial qualification. IPO2 International Intermediate Schutzhund IPO3 International Masters level Schutzhund BpDH1 2 Railroad Police Dog BIH Blind Leader Dog DH Service Dog DPH Service Police Dog HGH Herding Dog LwH Avalanche Dog PFP1 PFP2 Police Tracking Dog PH Police Dog (obtained through the Danish Politihundeforeningen, a police dog association open to civilians) PSP1, 2 3 Police Guard Dog RtH Rescue Dog ZFH Customs Tracking Dog ZH1, 2 3 Customs Dog Africa IWT 1, 2, Austria SchH1, 2 3 and FHA 1, 2, 3 Belgium Cereco1, IWR1, 2 3 equivalent to IPO1, 2 3 Czech Republic ZVV1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 Denmark BHP1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 and SPH equivalent to FH England PD (Police Dog) Finland SK1 equivalent to IPO1 Holland VH1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 and SPH equivalent to FH Hungary SZL1, 2 3 also ZVV1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 Italy Brevetto 1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 Poland ZVV1, 2 3 equivalent to SchH1, 2 3 Switzerland SchH, SchHB, SchHC; CHD1 equivalent to SchH1 Yugoslavia
AD - Agility Dog
AD - Endurance Test
AAD - Advanced Agility Dog
AX - Agility Excellence - A Title conferred on dogs for qualifying the requisite number of times in the Agility Excellent class at AKC agility trials.
Angekort - Awarded to a dog which has passed a Korung conformation test.
B or BH - This is a requirement for Schutzhund or Tracking. The dogs perform several obedience exercises and show that they have good temperament around other dogs, people, under distraction etc.
BFL - Bred for Longevity
BISS CH - At a Specialty Show, the only dog left undefeated at the end of all judging on that day.
BIS CH - At an all-breed show, the only dog left undefeated at the end of all judging on that day.
BdSg Bundessieger - A very prestigious title awarded in Europe, to the winner of an important statewide conformation competition.
CAC - Certificato di Attitudine al Campionato
CACIB - Certificato di Attitudine al Campionato Internazionale di Bellezza Certificate of achievement of International Championship in conformation. Several are required to obtain the CH title.
CH - Champion
CD - Companion Dog
CDX - Companion Dog Excellence
CGC - Canine Good Citizen
CT - Champion Tracker
DVSG - Dobermann Verein Sieger - German Dobermann Club Winner, a dog which has defeated all other entries at a Dobermann-only conformation show in Germany.
Euro-CH - European Champion
EURO-SG - Europa Sieger - A dog which has won over all other entries at a large Europe-wide conformation show.
FH - Fahrtenhund - The title awarded at a Schutzhund trial to a dog successfully performing advanced tracking exercises.
DUT-CH - Dutch Champion
GER-CH - German Champion
IDC-SGR - International Dobermann Club Sieger A dog which has beat each of the other entries at an International Dobermann Club conformation show.
IPOI IPOII IPOIII - Internationale Prufungsordnung Much the same as the Schutzhund, awarded to dogs successfully competing in the Tracking, Obedience and Protection phases of the event. Three levels of difficulty are offered, with III being the highest.
Int'l CH - International Champion - Championship awarded to dogs having competed and earned championship certificates under several European judges at International conformation shows.
KKL I AND II - Korklasse I and II - Highest level and the most prestigious conformation title awarded in Europe to dogs which meet strict conformation and temperament tests along with other requirements.
Korung - Korung testing is used in Germany is to set standards for Dobermans. They test character, performance, anatomical characteristics for maintaining and improving the breed. Dogs must be at least 2 years of age, have SchH1 or IPO1. Proof of AD test (endurance), have a-stamp or OFA of hips and have a show rating of at least good(SG). Your dog can be tested at two years of age or older for the first time with the above qualifications, then after first breed survey they have two year to get deferred or get there second breed survey done for life or they must start over, this rules are set by the SV in Germany. KKL1 or KKl2, KKL1 is the very best Korung rating.
LC - Longevity Certificate
NOR-CH - Norwegian Champion
MAD - Master Agility Dog
MX - Master Agility Excellent
OFA - Orthopedic Foundation For Animals
OTCH - Obedience Trial Champion - AKC title, dogs which have attained the highest title in obedience competition, as well as having continued to compete until accumulating 100 points by placing first or second at obedience trials.
SAR - Search and Rescue
Sch I SchII SchIII - Schutzhund - Awarded to dogs who successfully competing in all 3 phases of a Schutzhund. Tracking, Obedience and Protection.
SWED-CH - Swedish Champion
TD - Tracking Dog
TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent
ThD - Therapy Dog Test
TT - Temperament Test
UD - Utility Dog
UDX - Utility Dog Excellence
UDTD (UDT) - Utility Dog Tracking Dog
UDTDX - Utility Dog Tracking Dog Excellent
UDXTDX - Utility Dog Excellent Tracking Dog Excellent
UDVST - Utility Dog Variable Surface Tracking
UDXVST - Utility Dog Excellent Variable Surface Tracking
V-Rated - Vorzuglich Rated Highest rating awarded to dogs in the conformation evaluation at European or International shows.
V-1 - Vorzuglich Dog receiving the highest conformation rating and placing first in his class.
V-B - Verkehrssicherer Begleithund Similar to BH with more demanding Traffic sureness requirements.
VDH-CH - Verein des Deutschen Hundewesens Champion The Championship awarded by the German All Breed Kennel Club.
VDH-SGR - Verein des Deutschen Hundewesens Sieger The Dog placing above all other entries at a German Kennel Club All Breed conformation show.
WELT-SGR - Welt Sieger Winner of highest honors, beating all other entries at a World-wide all-breed conformation show.
WAC - Working Aptitude Certificate A US title, issued by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America. The test consists of several testing situations, including reaction to a peculiar and threatening stranger, changes in footing, crowds of people, etc. Similiar to the CKC CGC test.
WAE - Working Aptitude Evaluation
ZTP - Fit for Breeding testing
AKC - American Kennel Club - American All-Breed Purebred dog registry.
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club - The Canadian Kennel Club is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada.
FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale - Based in Belgium, FCI licenses international shows in its 72 member countries, including the well-known annual World Show. FCI maintains breed standards for all its 341 recognized breeds. It does not operate a registry but accepts pedigrees for show purposes from the registries of its member countries. FCI has a reciprocal agreement with the AKC, the Canadian Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club (England), which are not members.
NADSR - North American Dog Sports and Registry was founded with the idea of promoting obedience, workability, health, and the owner/canine relationship. NADSR offers an alternative to other registries because we supply the owners and their dogs with the opportunities and tools to build a strong respectful relationship.
UKC - The United Kennel Club, the second oldest purebred dog registry in the US. UKC was founded in 1898 by Chauncey Bennett, a dog fancier who wanted a registry that concentrated on the working ability of dogs as well as their adherence to a physical standard.
. Freqently asked questions Q. Does this training make the dog dangerous ? Q. If a Schutzhund trained dog saw a person wearing a coat or glove similar in colour to a padded sleeve wouldn't it be likely to attack that person? Q. What happens to the "half trained dogs or rejects?" Q. Does this training change the dog's character? Q. How do I go about training or getting a dog to participate in this sport? Q. What is involved in this activity? Q. What if a dog gets out of control? Q. Why do you teach a dog to bite? Q. What about aggressive dogs participating in this sport? Q. What if the dog won't let go of the sleeve? Q. Could this training lead dogs to attack people carrying umbrellas or walking sticks? Q. Why do you hit the dog with a stick? Q. Is teaching a dog to scale a 6 feet A-frame dangerous, in that he may escape from his yard? 
German Commands
Achtung - Watch Komm - Come Aus - Let Go Kriech - Crawl Bei Fuss - Heel Nein - No Bleib - Stay Nimm - Take it Bleib sitzen - Stay sitting Pass auf - Watch out Bringen - Fetch Platz - Down Fass - Attack Setz - Sit Geh weiter - Go on Such - Search Gib Laut - Speak Voraus - Go out Halten - Halt Zur Spur - Trail Hopp - Jump Zur Wache - Guard 
A. Refer to attached article "Is there a Difference between a Sport dog and Service, Protection or Guard dogs?" by John MacDonald & Luc Cendak. This will in part answer this question. Evidence indicates that a trained dog is a safe dog. Refer to attached article "Who are the killer dogs?" by Ed Weiss & Tom Rose. Many thousands of dogs undergo this form of training in countries which have much higher density living than Australia and there has been no cause or reason for prohibition of this training in those countries. In fact, dogs trained in this activity are entitled to receive reduced registration fees. As demonstrated, the dog is only interested in the padded sleeve.
A. Quite simply, NO. The training equipment, i.e.the padded sleeve, is very distinctive and the dog has the ability to distinguish between a jacket and a sleeve. If one doubts this, this can be amply demonstrated but we would ask you .... "Is a trained seeing eye dog likely to mistake a swimming pool for a puddle of water?" NO!
A. At no stage in the training of the dog is the dog ever a danger to a human but again we reiterate, a trained dog is a safe dog.
A. Yes, it gives the dog a purpose for existence by utilising inherent behavioural instincts, makes the dog controllable in pressure situations, sociable, and an asset to the community.
A. You can join a recognised Schutzhund Club for training. You could purchase a puppy or older dog from a breeder. You could purchase a trained dog from overseas, or you could purchase a dog which resides in this country.
A. To be successful in this activity requires a commitment of around 10 hours per week but that varies from competitor to competitor, dog to dog, trainer to trainer.
A. We pose the questions ..... What is out of control? Does a field and game dog get out of control and hunt and kill?
A. We don't teach a dog to bite, we teach where, how and when to grip a padded sleeve in a controlled environment.
A. Some of these dogs will become controlled and disciplined members of the community. Schutzhund training does not create this unacceptable behaviour, it identifies and weeds out these unacceptable dogs. The knowledgeable trainer, in the majority of cases, identifies the generating cause of the behaviour and prescribes the corrective measures needed.
A. Letting go of the sleeve when commanded is a "learned behaviour" not instinctive. If the dog does not let go when commanded, the learned behavioural response has not been completely established.
A. We pose the question ... In teaching a dog to fetch a stick or a wooden retrieving article, could this lead a dog to attack a person with a walking stick or umbrella?
A. We don't hit the dog with a stick. We use a thin rubber tube covered with foam rubber encased in soft leather. This is used to stimulate the dog's nerves and apply pressure to the nervous system thus testing the nervous system in a combat between the helper and the dog over the padded sleeve. This has no adverse physical or mental effect on the dog.
A. No. The dog associates the command and does the behavioural response of jumping to the command. Does training a horse to jump fences lead him to escape his paddock and run free onto the road? 
What benefits does Schutzhund/Dogsport bring to both society and the dog?
A. This lies in two parts. Firstly to society, statistical data shows that trained dogs are safer than untrained dogs. The dog learns to live and learn with people. He also learns the command, the action and to obey. This promotes not only his own well being but also his acceptance in society. Dog training also educates the owner of his responsibilities to his/her dog and his/her social responsibilities of dog ownership. Further it enhances their cynological education. It practically teaches them to understand canine communication to like and unlike species. It then gives them, if they choose to breed their dogs, the ability to select appropriate breeding partners and to pass factual knowledge onto the purchasers of their stock.
Secondly, the benefit of Schutzhund sport to the dog is thus. In the past the areas in which dogs were used was greater. These animals were able, due to their use as guard, hunting and drover dogs, to live out their species related natural drives. Today it is very restricted or not at all possible to use the family and companion dog for this kind of work. Long walks are mainly the only possibility to balance the deficit of their activity. A similar problem was encountered with horses and thus the development of equestrian and horse racing type activities. Alternatively, the Schutzhund/Dogsport work offers the opportunity to release excessive energy and the accumulation of other drives and this should not be under estimated.
The further well being of the dog is enhanced through training by the physical activity and mental stimulation that is produced.
