Protection Dog or IPO training

 IPO/ Schutzhund is a challenging 3 part sport (obedience, tracking and protection) which was originally designed as a breed test for the German Shepherd, and has grown in to a popular sport, as well as continuing to function as a breed test. A Schutzhund title is a pre-requisite for the German Shepherd Breed Survey or Koerung. As a sport, several countries hold regional and national competitions. In Germany, the big trial each year is the BSP or Bundessiegerprüfung. There is also a world competition (WUSV) each year held under FCI international rules.

 It is interesting to train a dog in a sport where he uses aggression, most dog owners try to avoid aggression at all costs particularly in our litigious society where dogs are becoming less tolerated, particularly if they behave like dogs! Schutzhund, when it is properly trained, provides an arena where you can learn about aggression and how your dog reacts to intense situations. The dog also learns to control his drives and learns to obey his owner even when he is very excited. This results in a very well-behaved dog. The duration and breadth of training also helps create a very close bond between dog and handler.

People worry that Schutzhund will make their dog aggressive towards people. In my opinion, dogs which have not been aggressive towards people beforehand do not suddenly become aggressive after Schutzhund training.
When we are training protection, we build the dogs confidence and encourage him to enjoy the fight, we often let him win, by carrying off the sleeve, we also work on control, we teach the dog when and where it is ok to bite and when it's not. 


 Schutzhund training will not change the basic nature of a dog but will give the owner some idea of how their dog might react, and also enable the dog to remain under the control of his handler. As far as home and family protection; in general, just the presence of a German Shepherd will deter any would-be attackers or thieves. For prices and a training schedule call now.
Adam Madore 
Professional Dog Trainer
Artisan Dog Training 
Nicholasville/Lexington