Welcome..... Although the title incorporates the sport of Schutzhund, this page is about me and all of my dogs. I compete in AAC agility, Schutzhund, and I have recently tried CKC obedience. I would like to continue in CKC obedience, as well as try CKC agility. Dog sports are fun, challenging, and enhance the bond between you and your dog.
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The German Shepherd Dog - The Difference
Just a short time ago, I was really unaware of the differences between the various lines in the GSD. They were all just "German Shepherds" to me... Trying to explain the difference to someone who is unfamiliar with the different lines can be a bit overwhelming. This site is by far the best description, complete with excellent photos, of the various lines in today's GSD. The explanation at the top of the page is particularly enlightening, as the author reminds us that all of those "spin off" breeds that claim to be "better" in some way than the true GSD fall short of this breed's true capabilities.
BECAUSEit doesn't take anything away from a human to be kind to an animal. BECAUSE wincing at animal suffering speaks well of our humanity. BECAUSE animals feel pain. BECAUSE a tradition of eating animals "for traditions sake" should be replaced ... with better traditions.
"Change - When one door closes, another opens but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
"Take this trouble for me: Make sure my Shepherd Dog remains a working dog, for I have struggled all my life long for that aim."
-Rittmeister Captain Max Von Stephanitz 1864-1936
Cavalry Captain Max von Stehpahitz is considered to be the "father of the breed". In 1899, the SV (Schaferhunde Verein / German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany) was formed, with Stephanitz as the president. He was very much concerned with the German Shepherd's ability to work. "An attractive morphology is desirable, but must not put into question the utilitarian aptitude of the breed". Those who follow Stephanitz's vision today ensure only dogs with stable temperaments and good working abilities are bred. Breeders of Stephanitz's time, and of today, follow his recommendations based on one determining factor, "The breeding and selection of the German Shepherd are, above all, those of a working dog."
Schutzhund
Schutzhund is a dog sport that originated in Germany. It involves the dog performing in 3 disciplines; tracking, obedience, and protection. It is open to all breeds of dogs who can do the work. There is widespread misconception about the sport of schutzhund in the general public, mainly due to the protection phase. Others have never even heard of this dynamic and challenging sport. For more detailed information, please see the German Shepherd Shutzhund Club of Canada website.
Agility
Agility is a dog sport that originated in England. It started as a show to entertain the public during the big "Crufts" dog show, and was modeled after show horse jumping. Agility has blossomed, and is now a world wide sport. It involves the dog and handler working as a team, with the handler directing the dog through an obstacle course predetermined by the judge. Speed and accuracy are desired, but more importantly, agility is about having FUN with your dog! Agility is addictive, and dogs LOVE agility. The great thing about agility is that ANY dog can do agility. You don't have to have a dog with certain drives or temperament, you just need a dog that wants to have fun with his or her owner, and you have an agility dog!
What is a Title?
What is a title really? Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honour the dog, the ultimate memorial. It will remain in record and memory, for as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard. And though the dog itself doesn't know or care that it's achievements have been noted, a title says many things in this world of humans, where such things count. A title says that your dog was intelligent, and adaptable and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that pleased you, however crazy they may have seemed. And a title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with it because it was a good dog, that you believed in it enough to give it another chance when it failed, and that in the end, your faith was justified. A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in this world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved and loved greatly in return. A title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, and permanently recorded.
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