The Schutzhund-Trained Dog in the Home

Since Schutzhund is the demonstration of a dog's most desirable characteristics, dogs well trained in Schutzhund are usually excellent companions in the home. They possess mental stability, have trust and confidence in themselves, allowing them to be at peace with their surroundings.

In addition to mental stability and sound structural efficiencies for long, arduous work, a well-trained Schutzhund dog must possess a willingness to work. The dog should be approachable, quietly standing its ground, showing confidence and a willingness to meet overtures without itself necessarily making them. It should be generally calm, but eager and alert when the situation warrants. It should be fearless, but also good with children.

A Schutzhund dog should not be timid or react nervously to unusual sounds or sights. A dog that is overly aggressive because of its overall fears of people and events can be extremely dangerous. The Schutzhund sport was designed to identify and eliminate such dogs from breeding stock. Because Schutzhund training gives the owner a great deal of control over the dog, the owner is able to let the dog have more fun. Not only is Schutzhund training itself enjoyable for the dog, but the Schutzhund trained dog knows how to please its owners, creating a stronger bond between dog and owners.