The sport of Schutzhund includes three phases; tracking, obedience and protection. In competition, the dog must pass all three phases to receive a title. Schutzhund training begins when the dog is quite young. Drive building is a major factor in training as are genetics and temperament. More information coming soon.

Nirro is my first German Shepherd and first schutzhund dog He purchased for me by my friend Robert. Robert had been involved in the sport since the 1980's and wanted me to be able to train and compete in schutzhund along with him. When Robert went to pick out a puppy, all I asked for was a dog that was correct in structure and didn't look like the typical black and tan, Rin-Tin-Tin. Nirro was not exactly an attractive pup, but he has matured into a large, handsome, impressive dog with a wonderful temperament and powerful, deep grips. Sadly we never received his registration papers from the breeder despite many requests.

                                                             4 months                                        6 months                                            9 months

Schutzhund/Working Dog Links
DerHundesport Performance Klub
United Schutzhund Club of America
USCA Clubs by Region
USCA Southwest Region Web Site
United Schutzhund Clubs of America Events
Ot Vitosha Malinois - Ivan Balabanov
DVG America
FCI
North American Police Work Dog Association
North American Ring Association

Training & Trial Links
United Schutzhund Clubs of America Club Events
Dr. P's Training Commands in Several Languages
Trial Handling Tips 2004 by Ann Marie Chaffin
Training the Dumbbell Retrieve by Ann Marie Chaffin
Pre Trialitis (dealing with pre-trial nerves) by David Deleissegues
Working Dogs Cyberzine
LeerburgVideo and Kennel - Over 3500 pages of dog training articles and videos, interactive discussion board.
 

German Shepherd Links
German Shepherd Links Page
German Working Dogs Photo Gallery