Working Dog Club - More than just the Basics!
All Breeds and Goals Welcome
Welcome to Canine CoPilots Working Dog Club, the ultimate community for working dog enthusiasts of all breeds and ages. Whether you have a seasoned protector, a young tracker in training, or a seasoned obedience champion, our club is the perfect place to foster your dog's skills and bond. We embrace all breeds, from the agile German Shepherd to the determined Belgian Malinois, the clever Border Collie, and beyond.
Our members range from puppies just beginning their journey to experienced working dogs excelling in tracking, obedience, and protection work. With expert trainers and a passion for helping both dogs and handlers reach their full potential, our club offers a supportive environment to learn, grow, and compete.
Join us to sharpen your dog's abilities, whether it’s mastering the art of tracking, honing precise obedience, or preparing for high-level protection work. Whatever your goal, Canine CoPilots is dedicated to helping you and your dog thrive!
At this time our group is mainly focused around preparing for titles in USCA (IGP/ Schutzhund) and American Schutzhund, but also offers a lot of experience and expertise in AKC obedience or Tracking, Rally, or simply higher level hobby training.
Private one on one training is also offered in Tracking, Obedience, or Schutzhund style Protection.
What is Schutzhund?
The Ultimate Dog Sport!
What is Schutzhund?
Schutzhund, also known as IPO (International Prufungs-Ordnung) or IGP (International Gebrauchshunde Prufung), is a German dog sport that tests a dog's abilities in three core areas: Tracking, Obedience, and Protection. Initially developed in Germany as a test of working dogs, particularly German Shepherds, Schutzhund has become an internationally recognized discipline for dogs of all breeds.
The sport showcases the bond between handler and dog, and emphasizes the importance of mental and physical skills, discipline, and precision. Schutzhund training and competitions not only assess a dog's working aptitude but also contribute to the improvement of behavior and communication between dogs and their handlers.
The Three Phases of Schutzhund
Schutzhund trials are divided into three main phases, each designed to test specific skills that contribute to a well-rounded, capable working dog:
1. **Tracking**
In this phase, the dog is tasked with following a scent trail that has been left on the ground by a person walking through the terrain. The track can vary in age (from a few minutes to several hours old) and includes various turns and obstacles. The dog must demonstrate focus, determination, and precision while tracking the scent to locate the hidden objects or person. Tracking tests a dog’s ability to concentrate and its natural scenting abilities.
2. **Obedience**
Obedience exercises test the dog’s responsiveness and willingness to follow commands from the handler. This phase includes basic commands like sit, down, and heel, as well as more advanced tasks, such as retrieving objects and demonstrating control in different environments. A Schutzhund dog must show exemplary discipline, calmness, and focus while performing these exercises in a variety of situations, sometimes even in the presence of distractions. The obedience phase evaluates both the dog's behavior and the handler's ability to communicate effectively.
3. **Protection**
Protection work is what Schutzhund is perhaps most well-known for. In this phase, the dog must display courage, confidence, and an instinct to protect its handler. The dog works with a decoy (also called a "helper") who attempts to "attack" or threaten the handler. The dog is trained to intervene and defend the handler when necessary. Protection exercises include the dog's ability to apprehend a fleeing suspect, neutralize a threat, and show control during an attack. This phase evaluates the dog’s nerve, power, and training to react appropriately under pressure.
The Benefits of Schutzhund Training
While Schutzhund is often seen as a competitive sport, it offers many benefits beyond just winning titles:
- **Mental Stimulation:** The complex tasks involved in Schutzhund help to keep a dog mentally sharp, engaged, and challenged.
- **Improved Obedience:** The structured training process fosters a high level of obedience and self-control, which can translate into better behavior in everyday life.
- **Stronger Handler-Dog Bond:** The communication required between handler and dog in Schutzhund is crucial. The sport strengthens the partnership, creating a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
- **Physical Fitness:** The physical requirements of tracking and protection work ensure the dog stays in top condition, both physically and emotionally.
- **Confidence Building:** Schutzhund helps to build a dog’s confidence, especially in protection work where the dog learns to face challenging and intimidating scenarios.
Schutzhund for All Breeds
Although Schutzhund has its roots in German Shepherds, it is open to any breed with the right temperament and drive. Many other breeds, such as Belgian Malinois, Dobermans, Border Collies, Rottweilers, and even mixed breeds, have excelled in Schutzhund competitions. The sport is ideal for dogs with high energy, intelligence, and a strong desire to work.
Getting Started with Schutzhund
If you’re interested in introducing your dog to Schutzhund, it's important to start with a solid foundation in obedience and ensure that your dog has the right temperament for the sport. Joining a reputable Schutzhund training club or working with an experienced trainer can be a great way to get started.
Whether you're training for fun or aiming for competition, Schutzhund offers an exciting and rewarding journey for both dog and handler. It’s a fantastic way to bond with your dog, improve their skills, and challenge both of you in new and exciting ways.
**Ready to Get Started? Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our trainers!**
