Schutzhund dog training is tough training for any dog. In fact, some people consider it the most difficult. As such, not all dogs can perform this training. Find out what Schutzhund dog training is all about and see if your Jack Russell terrier has the characteristics to undertake this training.
Schutzhund dog training originated in Germany in the early 20th century as a canine sport. As you may have guessed, Schutzhund is a German word and means “protection dog”. At the time, law enforcement authorities in Germany predominantly used German shepherd dogs for police work. However, after having some trouble with their dogs, they decided it was better to test their German Shepherd dogs first to see if they had the necessary traits for that type of work rather than judging their dogs based on their appearance. Then they came up with the Schutzhund training and used competitions to make the selections and judgments.
Originally, only German Shepherd dogs could participate in Schutzhund competitions because Schutzhund training can be quite demanding for a dog. Therefore, not many breeds or dogs lived up to the training or were able to pass it successfully. Fortunately, many breeds, including those in the terrier family, have the traits that can allow them to pass the test, and as time went on, many other breeds were allowed to compete. Once a dog passes the test, it will generally become suitable for the type of compliance work, including odor detection (for example, drugs), search and rescue, and many others.
As such, unless they are enthusiastic about this type of specialized dog training or are in the law enforcement business, most Jack Russell Terrier owners are not interested in Schutzhund training their dog. This is due to the amount of discipline, work, time and energy that both the dog and the owner must put into this training for their dog to pass the test successfully.
However, if you are still interested in having your terrier undergo Schutzhund training, here is an initial checklist list to see if your terrier has the necessary traits suitable for Schutzhund dog training:
* Is your terrier willing to be trained or subjected to harsh training?
* Does your terrier give up easily when it encounters problems?
* Is your terrier brave?
* Does your terrier have the desire to work hard and is he willing to work hard?
* Is your terrier intelligent and can he make the right decisions?
* Is your terrier able to bond strongly with the handler?
* Is your terrier patient?
* Does your terrier have a protective instinct?
Review the list above and then you can decide for yourself if your dog is suitable for training. This is because to undergo Schutzhund training, a dog is generally expected to have the traits listed above. In addition to that, he must also have other physical characteristics such as agility, endurance, strength, and a keen sense of smell. Although the demands can be high, the great thing about Schutzhund dog training is that after your dog goes through it, all of these capabilities are further enhanced and sharpened in your dog.
If you think your Jack Russell terrier can go through Schutzhund training after going through the initial roster, I suggest you join a Schutzhund club that is located across the country. Membership with a Schutzhund club is necessary because the club will also examine your terrier’s requirements and will inform you accordingly if your terrier is suitable for training.
This is because Schutzhund is very tough training and not all dogs can measure up. If you force your dog to undergo training when he is unwilling, you may be subjecting your dog and many people, including yourself, to stress and frustration.