Schutzhund with Hovawarts
Schutzhund began as a test for working dogs and its original purpose was to help determine which dogs should be used for breeding with working ability in mind. It tested the dog's mental stability, endurance, structural build, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability, highlighting the character of the dog through training, identifying dogs that did or did not have the required character traits. Breeders could then use the insights gained to help determine whether or not to use the dog in producing the next generation. The Schutzhund (German for "protection dog") test has evolved over the years, and the modern sport of Schutzhund training consists of three elements: tracking, obedience, and protection. The sport of schutzhund now places less emphasis on protection training and offers owners the chance to have fun and "show off" the skills of their dog in obedience whilst at the same time determining and discovering their dogs other character traits and abilities. A Strong desire to work, courageousness and intelligence together with trainability and a strong bond to the handler are emphasised and are very important factors in the sport.
There are three schutzhund titles: Schutzhund 1 (SchH1), Schutzhund 2 (SchH2), and Schutzhund 3 (SchH3).
SchH1 is the first title and SchH3 is the most advanced. But even before a dog can compete for a SchH1 title, he must pass a temperament test called a B or BH (Begleithundprüfung ). The B tests basic obedience, sureness around strange people, strange dogs, traffic, and loud noises. A dog that shows too much fear or aggression cannot pass the B test and so cannot go on to earn schutzhund titles. Additonally there are minimum age requirements to enter your dog for the various titles. It may take up to 2 years to become ready to trial in schutzhund, especially if you are starting with a young hovawart puppy. Apparently one of the most difficult things is to find the correct dog to work with in the first place. It takes a very sound animal in both mind and body to compete. A dog must pass all three elements in one trial in order to be awarded a schutzhund title. Each element is judged on points scale, with a minimum passing score of around 70% in each element, and at any time the judge may exclude a dog for showing a poor temperament, including fear or aggression.
The elements - the working abilities of the Hovawart
In the tracking element, a track layer walks across a field, dropping several small articles along the way. After a period of time, the dog is directed to follow the track, and when the dog finds each article, he must indicate it, usually by lying down with the article between his front paws. The dog is scored on how intently and carefully he follows the track and indicates the articles. The length, complexity, and age of the track varies for each title.
The obedience element is carried out in a large field, often with the dogs working in pairs. One dog is placed in a down position on the side of the field and his owner leaves him while the other dog works in the field. Later the dogs change places. In the field, there are several heeling exercises, including walking to heel through a group of people. There are two or three gunshots during the heeling , to test the dog's reaction to loud noises. There are one or two recalls, two or three retrieves, and a send away where the dog is directed to run away from the owner straight and fast and then lie down on command. Obedience is judged on the dog's accuracy and attitude. The dog needs to show enthusiasm, one that seems uninterested or cowering will score poorly.
In the protection element, the judge has an assistant, sometimes called the "helper", who helps him test the dog's courage to protect himself, his owner and his ability to be controlled while doing so. The helper wears a heavily padded sleeve on one arm. There are several screens placed where the helper can hide on the field. The dog is directed to search the screens for the helper. When he finds the helper, he should indicate this by barking. The dog must guard the helper to prevent him from moving until recalled by his handler. There then follows a series of exercises similar to police work where the handler searches the helper and transports him to the judge. At specified points, the helper either "attacks" the dog or the handler or attempts to escape. The dog must show courage and stop the "attack" by engaging the helper, biting the padded sleeve. When the "attack" or escape stops, the dog is commanded to "out," or "leave" and release the sleeve. The dog must respond and let go of the sleeve even though he is in an "excited" state of mind. Again, the dog must show enthusiasm, one that shows fear, a lack of control, or inappropriate aggression is excluded.
Although schutzhund training does include some elements of protection work, a clear distinction should be made between the sport of schutzhund and guard dog or attack training, they are not the same. An important aspect of schutzhund protection work is that the dog is safe and under complete control at all times. It is therefore generally rcommended that dogs should only be trained in protection work if they are around two and a half years old and have had a very solid foundation in obedience. Starting protection work at this later age helps to minimize any training conflicts that may arise for the dog; and it also helps to ensure that the dog will be both confident and under control in any of the situations that could arise during protection work training. "Hard core" schutzhund competitors may find the Hovawart "lacking" the fast and hard performance of a high class GSD or Belgian shepherd Malinois for example. Hovawarts work in different way, working with you rather than for you, and the difference in temperament may need to be reflected in training practices.
The modern sport of Schutzhund, or Schutzhund training
is yet another avenue and outlet for the extraordinary capabilities of the hovawart. The sport has developed and lost some of its more negatively stereotypical images. The elements involved highlight the abilities that a hovawart possesses, they test courageousness and intelligence together with trainability and the strength of the bond between you. You may have little interest or desire to particpate in the protection side of the sport, but remember that the hovawart is a natural guard dog. The other elements should compensate for any doubts and will serve to strenghten the bonds between you, since the hovawart loves to do things with his owner, the experiences should hopefully prove to be educational and enjoyable for both of you.
The internet has a plethera of sites and information about Schutzhund training and clubs. If you are interested, find a club locally and go and see for yourself. Be sure to ask lots questions, get a feel for the attitude of the trainers, and do not be afraid to ask probing questions designed to eliminate any concerns that you may have. The modern trainer should welcome your interest
