I am just getting into Schutzhund with one of my dogs and I was wondering what equipment everyone uses. What length and width of leash? I could not find much on this forum or the web that describes length of leash, not for tracking, but rather for the initial obedience work, etc... Also, how important is width, ie 1" or 3/4"... I currently use 4'x1" Double ply nylon and 6'x1" double ply nylon leashes for obedience. Any thing else you can think of is appreciated.

Thanks!

All you will need is a good quality leather leash. The leashes I have are ¾” to 1” and I have all lengths from tabs (my favorite and what gets used the most) to 6’. Your handling style and your dog will dictate the length you need.

The nylon will likely go in storage quickly if you are training with a club. It tends to slip through your fingers/hand and can cause burns pretty easily. Also double ply is thick, and has no “feel” to it (single ply also has no "feel" but for too floppy reasons, not too stiff reasons...). It is hard to describe it, but once you use a good leather leash, you will know. Don’t go get the pet store variety either. 99% are too thin and floppy and give you the opposite problem of the nylon leashes, too weak. The good leather leash should almost seem too thick and stiff and very heavy. It will likely need to be oiled and worked in, but it will last you a life time (or at least a dog’s lifetime, but I have a 30 year old leash that was given to me and it still feels great) if well cared for.

Other than that, all you need for obedience is a fur saver (not a choke) and a tug/toy that motivates the dog.

Thanks Jessica! I am just getting started with a club this weekend. I will probably order a leash from here, but have found two leashes at a friend's store here, one is flat latigo leather with only stitching (no riveting) and does feel stiff. Another one is braided latigo leather also with stitching at the braids on the handle and near the brass clip. Have you found stitching only to be sufficient or do you think riveting is necessary. What about the braiding, I know it is for looks, but do you think this would be too weak, the quality is also very stiff.

For the collar, I have him on a prong collar, should I switch to Fur Saver for the obedience or is the prong okay?

Thanks again!

If the stitching is done REALLY well, riveting may not be needed. A judgment call that depends on your dog as much as the quality. As for the braiding, I’d pass it up in a heartbeat. It does look nice, but will be a little weaker and may cause blisters on your hand. Many wear gloves anyway, but there are so many great options without the braids, why bother with the braids. I have seen some nice ones, but I will admire from their hands.

As for the collar, you are starting an adult dog, no? If that is what you typically work him in, then go for it, but know that a prong is not allowed in competition, so the dog will need to work without it. The training should be fun and prey based, so the prong should not be needed by most dogs, but there comes a time in most dogs training that it has to be introduced. Let your TD decide what your dog needs, but know that my 110 lb Rott works in a fur saver and he is a big, strong, tough dog…

It is not uncommon for a dog to wear a fur saver and a prong at the same time with a tab on the prong and the leash on the other. That way you can bring it into play if needed, but are not using it solely. I would have both in the car, just in case…

BTW, have fun! It is a blast and will build a bond that is tough to rival between you and your dog.

He is an adult dog. I have used the prong for training, but will switch to the fur saver for schutzhund, it is allowed in competition correct? Any recommendations for sizing a fur saver?

It is all you can use, maybe a flat leather collar...? I don’t know… But definitely not a prong.

Don’t toss it yet, if that is how the dog has been trained, you may need to keep it around, you never know. Training should be fun, and serious corrections should not be needed, especially early on. Bring them both and ask the TD what s/he thinks your dog needs. Be as open and flexible as you can, while keeping your dog safe, obedient and happy.

A fur saver is sized similarly to a choke collar. Measure around the thickest part of the head and ears, and make it fairly snug, but obviously the collar needs to slide over the head and ears both ways. It is measured in inches, and if you are between sizes, go up.

Thanks Jessica!! Anyone else have anything to add?

Thanks!

33 foot tracking lead. I believe it is required for trials.

I prefer a harness for protection work (bought mine here at leerburg and am very happy with it http://leerburg.com/799.htm) but an agitation collar is nice too http://leerburg.com/1062.htm if you don't go for a harness. Whatever you use for agitation work, make sure it has secure metal buckles, as the plastic ones can break easily.

Edit: (just reread your post, and see you are only interested in obedience equipment for schutzhund. oh well, I'm leaving the previous info up. lol)

I am interested in equipment for all three phases of schutzhund, I just put it in the first category in the forum. Thanks for your post, anything else anyone recommends for now? I am assuming I will see more of what I need Saturday.

Thanks!