FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS

Schutzhund originated in Germany as a breeding suitability test for the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund was designed to test the natural instincts of the breed and provide breeders with a method to evaluate temperament, character, trainability, willingness, and mental / physical stability. Schutzhund standards help breed dogs of the highest quality. You can learn more about Schutzhund on our Schutzhund FAQ page, found by clicking here.

Schutzhund is a very precise sport and the dogs learn their sit, stand, and down in a very unique way. The trainers build a foundation for fast and precise behaviors that eventually are part of a trial routine. Because the trials are graded by points, we train with points in mind to get the the most points possible for the behaviors that our dogs display.

Puppies can start as early as 8 weeks with short and positive reinforcement for all learning phases. Foundational training is very important for success as the puppy becomes a dog. We recommend starting training as soon as possible.

While dogs of a specific genetic composition have more aptitude for the work that Schutzhund requires, all dogs can benefit in some way from training. If you’re interested, bring your dog to the club and our trainers and handlers can do an evaluation. We’ll look at temperament, stability, and other specific qualities for the sport.

Most of our new members come to group training once or twice a week and take private sessions with trainers based around their work schedules. This is a great way to work on specific issues that your dog may have and also to teach you to work with your dog at home with exercises that will coincide with the training and help you dog excel.

As long as your dog has the temperament for the work and is motivated by food, toy, tug, or ball our trainers will work to transition your dog to Schutzhund. It may take a bit more time to fix other behaviors that your dog has learned along the way, but we will work for as long as it takes for your dog to succeed.

Being a member of a club provides you with support from other members as well as professional trainers that come and train at the club. Additionally, the sport provides workshops and seminars and trials that you can enter for titles. The club also provides an experienced helper so you and your dog are kept safe, and your dog is progressing.

Prospective members should come and attend several club training sessions, work their dogs, and/or actively receive working instruction with our trainers before considering becoming a member of Maine Schutzhund Club. Be sure that you are committed to the sport as well as our training program, and learn more about our club here.