Schutzhund Dog Training

Schutzhund (protection dog) Dog Training (SDT) refers to a form training and evaluation originally designed for German Shepherds. The training focuses on three main areas; tracking, obedience, and protection. 

German Shepard, Danica, gazes up at her master during a SDT seminar on the 19th of July 2014 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The dog must sit next to their master facing the same direction but without looking away from her. ©Jamie Tucker

A trainee SDT trainer puts a German Shepard through a biting and protection exercise on the 19th of July 2014, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The dogs are trained to aggressively bark at the ‘attacker’ (the trainer) and only to bite when the ‘attacker’ makes a sudden movement. ©Jamie Tucker

A trainee SDT trainer puts a German Shepard through a biting and protection exercise on the 19th of July 2014, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Sticks and whips are used to try and agitate or provoke the dogs that are expected to ignore it. ©Jamie Tucker

Craig Le Roux holds his German Shepard, Drïgon, up by his harness during a SDT biting and protection exercise on the 17th of July 2014 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The dog is held in this way until it releases the padded arm guard used in the exercise. ©Jamie Tucker

Craig Le Roux walks ahead of his German Shepard, Drïgon, during a SDT obedience exercise on the 17th of July 2014 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The dog is expected to keep his muzzle touched to the palm of his master's hand as they walk together. ©Jamie Tucker