American Schutzhund a new/old/evolving organization
I have recently begun my involvement with a new sport dog association, American Schutzhund.
I have great hopes for this organization to succeed. It fills a gap that the warring factions of United Schutzhund Clubs of America, GSDCA-SV, and AWDF have created during their never ending feuds. That is, to allow the dog enthusiast who really doesn’t care about International competition a place to have fun and show off their dog.
You can go to their Facebook page and see how it is progressing. It is at
https://www.facebook.com/American-Schutzhund-1250764118411242/
The organization seeks to provide an Americanized version of Schutzhund and will replace tracking with scentwork. Since the number one complaint in much of the US is difficult to access tracking fields or non-existant tracking fields this really makes sense.
The judging will venture into a more broadly workable standard.
The judge will view the teams performance through technical expertise, expression of drive, and team harmony in the performance.
The BH will be replaced with a Behavior and Temperament evaluation. This will include gunfire, and various environmental tests as well as basic obedience. The very first test will be a test for dog aggression. Overt aggression to another dog will be grounds for permanent dismissal of the dog from AS.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys the German style dogsports to explore American Schutzhund!
If they end up with trials closer to the Midwest, I may get back into a dog sport! Club politics and abusive training got me out 10 years ago.
I sincerely hope this works. I had a 20 year membership pin to Schutzhund back in the early 2000’s. I gave up my membership because of corruption in the leadership. From stories I hear that corruption still exists. It is very sad especially for those who simply want to enjoy the sport for what it is – something fun to do with their dog.