Has anyone done schutzhund with their boxers? I would like to do it with mine, but I some of the training aspects I heard i didn't like (constant crating, low feed, etc). Has anyone found a different method of training schutzhund? I saw by the date that this seemed to be an old topic, I hope people are still checking in.
Anyone do schutzhund?
- Thread starter jabboxers
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jabboxers said:
I'm raising my 3rd schutzhund boxer right now. When I
first got involved in schutzhund I ran across a bumper
sticker that said "the only thing two trainers agree on is
what the third is doing wrong"
Do you have any specific questions I could maybe answer?
have fun
What type of training techniques have you used? Have you noticed that it makes a difference in the boxers if you get one from "conformation lines" or "working lines"? I've read it where even with the other breeds used they are saying the two lines don't cross the divide well. I was thinking that my girls would do it if they thought it was another fun "game." Besides, I want my line of boxers to be successful in all areas (conformation, agility, obedience, etc). I've seen a few websites where others are doing it successfully, just not much boxer in schutzhund information.
I did drive development with Allegro untill he was a year old which basicly consisted of fighting with him over toys. At 12mo I started his heeling and by 14 months he was attentive, energetic and the envy of club members (he acted like I was doing him a favor allowing him to heel beside me)
For tracking, the first month I had him he tracked for each meal (2x dialy). Tracks were 5 - 15 paces with food in each foot step;
(if you feed at the same times each day your dog will be hungery/motivated at the same time each day).
Re: working vs conformation; for an AKC championship a boxer doesn't
need evidence of working ability, an FCI championship a boxer has
to have proven it has at least adequate working ability. When you
don't select *for* traits when breeding then you may or may not have those traits
in the progeny. Breeders make trade offs and currently as far as an
AKC championship is concerned its more important that a breeding partner is flashy than if it can pass the temperment part of a ZPT.
The short answer is it makes a difference; the AKC registers
more boxers in a month than the german boxer club does in a
year (where a schutzhund title is required) but reviewing 10 years
of schutzhund trial results in the USA, boxers are imports
or the off spring of imports. Some american showline boxers
have achieved Sch 1-3 titles but it appears that these dogs are
not being bread or there progeny are are not being placed in working homes. May you prosper in your endevors
For tracking, the first month I had him he tracked for each meal (2x dialy). Tracks were 5 - 15 paces with food in each foot step;
(if you feed at the same times each day your dog will be hungery/motivated at the same time each day).
Re: working vs conformation; for an AKC championship a boxer doesn't
need evidence of working ability, an FCI championship a boxer has
to have proven it has at least adequate working ability. When you
don't select *for* traits when breeding then you may or may not have those traits
in the progeny. Breeders make trade offs and currently as far as an
AKC championship is concerned its more important that a breeding partner is flashy than if it can pass the temperment part of a ZPT.
The short answer is it makes a difference; the AKC registers
more boxers in a month than the german boxer club does in a
year (where a schutzhund title is required) but reviewing 10 years
of schutzhund trial results in the USA, boxers are imports
or the off spring of imports. Some american showline boxers
have achieved Sch 1-3 titles but it appears that these dogs are
not being bread or there progeny are are not being placed in working homes. May you prosper in your endevors
Thanks for the info, it was very helpful. Our pup is almost 4 1/2 months old. Her mom is almost 5, but I've been "fighting" with her over toys and wrestling dince she was 8 weeks. She comes over to start wrestling matches with me! A little rusty on the heeling, but that should come back quickly. I guess I'll have my work cut out for me on the breeding for conformation and working ability. What made you decide to try the sport with a boxer?
LilygirlCO
Boxer Insane
We're planning on making our next Boxer puppy into a Shutzhund Boxer 
I can't wait because it is the ultimate working dog competition.
I can't wait because it is the ultimate working dog competition.
Checkers
Boxer Insane
I love to see pictures of a boxer doing schutzhund. The third one down is my fav. They all show so much determination and power!
http://members.aol.com/schutzboxr2/protection.html
http://members.aol.com/schutzboxr2/protection.html
StormKatz
Super Boxer
We will be doing Schutzhund with Donte as well. We have already begun drive development, & basic food tracking as well as basic obedience. We did Bite Work, & Basic tracking (amongst other things) with my Johnny & people are still amazed at how well mannered & sweet a "working trained" dog can be.
I'm very excited about our new guy!! Good luck everyone, keep us posted!!
I'm very excited about our new guy!! Good luck everyone, keep us posted!!
Wow! It is exciting to hear from other people who are or going to do schutzhund. We still haven't found out about a club close to us, but at least we can begin tracking and the basic obedience training. I can't wait to find out if my 5 year, Mazie, will still learn how to track. What about the equipment for shutzhund training (bite arm, etc)? I've seen a couple sites where you can buy it, but I think that will get very expensive quickly! Has anyone found a method of buying used or building your own? Please keep me updated on your progress and success.
StormKatz
Super Boxer
jabboxers said:Wow! It is exciting to hear from other people who are or going to do schutzhund. We still haven't found out about a club close to us, but at least we can begin tracking and the basic obedience training. I can't wait to find out if my 5 year, Mazie, will still learn how to track. What about the equipment for shutzhund training (bite arm, etc)? I've seen a couple sites where you can buy it, but I think that will get very expensive quickly! Has anyone found a method of buying used or building your own? Please keep me updated on your progress and success.
Schutzund dogs are owner handled NOT owner trained. The last thing you want to do is sling or aggitate your own dog... You'd be training him/her to bite YOU. A novice trained Schuntzund or guard work dog is dangerous.
Schutzund training should be done by a VERY experienced trainer (or team of trainers), & catching them is not nearly as easy as it looks. First off it takes a tremendous amount of power & knowledge to be able to "catch" them. My husband has been slinging dogs for the last two years, & even he has to be careful not to loose his footing (he's 6'5 & 275lbs).
There are also considerations for injury to the dog. In short it takes of experience, knowledge, & a very special dog. If it's truly something your serious about, you need to locate an experienced trainer, not try & do it yourself.
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