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Schutzhund is a German word
translates as "protection dog". It is a sport that mainly
focuses on developing and evaluating those unique traits in dogs
that make them more functional and happier companions to their
owners. It also builds a positive character and confident in the
dog.
Schutzhund is a dog training and
breeding sport developed originally in the 1920's by the
Deutsches Shaeferhund Verein (German Shepherd Dog Club), or SV,
in order to maintain the working ability and the quality of the
breed. Schutzhund means literally "protection dog", the training
involves work equally in tracking, obedience and protection. In
order to get a Schutzhund degree a dog must pass all three
phases of the work. Also, a working title (at least a SchH I) is
required for breed survey purposes (by a breed warden) in order
to register an approved "correctly bred" litter.
The first Schutzhund trial was
held in Germany in 1901. These steps were taken to point out the
correct working temperament and ability in the German Shepherd
breed. SV (Germany), the parent club of the breed, developed the
Schutzhund trial as a way of improving and maintaining a
reliable dog with the intention that would be suitable for
breeding.
There are three major degrees
awarded - SchH I, SchH II, and SchH III. Each level being more
difficult to achieve. SchH I (IPO I) is the apprentice test. A
SchH III dog must validate a superior level of performance,
ability and courage.
The special and unique traits
that make a good Schutzhund dog are mostly inherent
characteristics that must be bred. Even among dogs bred out of
Schutzhund litters, only few have the ability to reach SchH I. A
small percentage will have the necessary drive, intelligence and
mostly the desire to achieve a title of SchH III.
Breeding a schutzhund puppy is
not sufficient if the early development is not handled
correctly. A young schutzhund puppy should not be handled with a
firm corrections. It is equally important that he/she should
never be dominated by another dog. The training and play should
have a positive ending with results equally satisfying both to
the dog and the trainer/owner. | 
Tracking: The first, tracking, requires the dog to track footsteps over mixed terrain, change direction and show absolute accuracy and commitment to finding the track.
The
second phase is obedience. Those who are familiar with AKC obedience will
feel more comfortable in this area, as many of the exercises are similar to
those in Open and Utility. There is heeling, both on and off lead. 
The
final test is the most misunderstood by the general public. This is
protection. The most important point to understand when watching a
protection routine, is the relationship between dog and handler. The dog
must never bite the trial helper, unless either the dog or the handler is
attacked. 
