Inexperienced young dog being worked in Protection.  The helper’s job is to build the dog’s self-confidence and technique.  Notice how the helper avoids direct eye contact, which can be disconcerting for an immature or inexperienced dog.

Another young dog, but more experienced and with a lot of natural courage.  In this case, the helper’s demeanor and body language are much more assertive, to match the dog’s temperament and training.

Jack Attack!

Learning the Hold & Bark, Prevention of Escape, and Attack out of Motion (Courage Test) exercises.

Jack is a 2 year-old Australian Cattle Dog who was turned over to a rescue group for having too much energy for his owners.  Shelly saw him in the rescue group and recognized his natural talent for Schutzhund.  Because of his maturity and self-confidence, his training can and has progressed somewhat faster than with a puppy.

Mature dog , Schutzhund (VPG) 1 Exercises:- Search for Helper, Hold & Bark, Prevention of Escape

The dog runs to and searches blinds at the direction of the handler.  When the dog finds a helper (decoy), he barks vigorously at, but may not touch, the helper.

In the prevention of escape exercise, the dog remains in a down position until the helper moves. Without command, the dog chases and catches the helper.

Dancing with Dogs

Schutzhund (VPG) 1 Exercises:  Hold & Bark, Prevention of Escape, Defense Against Attack, Side Transport

After the dog catches the escaping helper, the helper stops and the dog lets go but continues to guard the helper.  The instant the helper moves to attack the dog, the dog bites again and holds on while the helper “drives” him.  After another stop, the handler comes up and escorts the helper to the judge with the dog heeling but focused on the helper.