Schutzhund is a three-part dog sport that heightens a German Shepherd’s tracking, obedience, and protection skills. Although developed for German Shepherds, this breed evaluation test allows dogs of any breed to participate in trials. The working practice measures a dog’s endurance, structural efficiencies, scent tracking, and courage.
Safety
Schutzhund, or International German Shepherd Protection, training is a three-part dog sport that heightens obedience, tracking, and protection skills. It’s a great way to hone a dog’s instincts and bring out the best in them. Self-confident dogs that perform the work for which they’re trained are happy. They can move quickly and effectively, hunt prey or defend their flocks, and will eagerly and accurately respond to commands.
Finding the right Schutzhund dog training equipment is essential to getting the most out of the sport. The quality of the items you choose will significantly impact how much your training sessions and club membership cost.
Various items can be helpful during your training, from high-quality collars and harnesses to durable toys built to last. You may only need some of them at a time, but you’ll want to have these items ready as your training progresses. For example, a crate or rain gear will allow you to continue your training sessions even in bad weather conditions.
Efficiency
A dog well-trained for Schutzhund is a self-confident, firm, and eager companion. Its obedience, tracking, and protection work perfectly illustrate the natural partnership between humans and dogs that goes back thousands of years. It’s a relationship that was designed to be mutually beneficial; for example, dogs could move quickly and hunt for food, herd livestock, protect flocks from predators, and perform labor, while humans provided shelter from the elements, protection from large predators, and care for injured animals and human offspring.
The standard for Schutzhund was initially designed to evaluate the working ability of German Shepherd dogs and ensure that those selected for breeding would have high intelligence, good nerves, excellent endurance, great strength, and structural efficiencies for long, hard work. Schutzhund training also helps ensure that puppies born to Schutzhund dams and sires are healthy, with stable temperaments and good working abilities.
As you might expect, training a dog for Schutzhund is costly. The main costs of preparing for IGP trials are club membership, training sessions, and fuel. However, investing in quality Schutzhund equipment can help to reduce these expenses. For example, many tools are designed to be used throughout your Schutzhund training. These include a variety of bite sleeves explicitly made for pups at the beginning of their Schutzhund careers and Schutzhund jumps that are durable and practical.
Comfort
Schutzhund is a long and arduous journey for both dog and handler. There will be days when you feel frustrated and want to give up but don’t. Your patience will pay off when you finally see a breakthrough in your training.
The right equipment will help you and your dog feel comfortable throughout training sessions. This is especially important for young dogs that have shorter attention spans. Also, using toys your dog enjoys will keep them focused during sessions and make them more likely to retain the commands you teach.
Schutzhund is an expensive sport, requiring significant money and time. However, the costs are worth the enjoyment and fulfillment you and your dog will experience from participating in this great working dog sport. If you’re ready to commit, stop hesitating and begin becoming a successful IGP handler. Start by making suitable investments in your equipment, and find a club to join! Then, you can focus on your dog’s progress without worrying about the financial implications of doing so.
Versatility
Schutzhund training requires a significant financial investment. In addition to club membership, training sessions, and fuel, you might need equipment like a dog collar, tracking harness, crate, and protective gear. Thus, purchasing own equipment is a big help to cut expenses. Some of these items can be purchased at regular pet stores, but other Schutzhund equipment should be sourced from a specialty dog supplier.
Schutzhund, also known as International Prufungorden (IPO) training, is a popular three-part sport that heightens a dog’s tracking, obedience, and protection skills. These honed abilities equate to a near-perfectly trained dog.
Schutzhund can help handlers bond with their dogs and improve communication and control.
A Schutzhund barrier is a valuable tool to invest in because it helps train a dog to jump over obstacles. It is lightweight and durable so it can withstand repeated use. Its metal spikes and polymer fabric provide excellent stability and can be used in any weather. These features make it a versatile and valuable tool for any trainer.
Durability
Schutzhund is an expensive sport, with the average handler spending $4,000 before they can compete in trials. This includes club membership fees, training sessions, and fuel.
To help you cut costs, investing in quality equipment that will last is essential. This is especially true for the dog toys and tugs you use to build, drive, and reinforce bite work with your pup. Suppliers carry durable Schutzhund toys and tugs made with jute, leather, and French linen to ensure your dog will continue to train for as long as possible.
The Schutzhund jumping barrier is another item that will last you a long time. This training obstacle is incredibly durable and can be used at any location with a safe height adjustment for different dogs.
You may also need a crate for transport or to hold your dog during breaks in training. We also sell various crate accessories to make exercise more comfortable for you and your dog. These include a hanging bowl, pads, a fan, and more.
