Schutzhund Commands & Dog Training Guide – UPDATED 2021
Schutzhund Dog Training Guide
Originating all the way back in 1901, Schutzhund dog training was initially exclusively implemented on German Shepherds due to their exceptional temperament and working ability. However, it quickly became recognized the world over as the ultimate test of a dog’s temperament.
Fast forward to the present day, and Schutzhund and its German commands are still used in the United States to train protection dogs.
Why are they still using German commands?
Simply because the German commands are seen as being more clear and defined; therefore, they will stand out to your dog when used. In fact, the Schutzhund style of dog training suggests that you communicate with your dog using both formal and informal commands.
Furthermore, German is still the primary language used for police and military dog training because many dogs used for these purposes come from European countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, where they were trained using Schutzhund using German commands.
Many dog owners who employ Schutzhund use German commands and language for the formal portion of communication and English for the informal portion. This ensures that those who haven’t learned German cannot give the dog commands in a formal setting yet can communicate with them in an informal setting.
It’s actually possible to train your dog in many languages provided that you are consistent with the commands and the training.
Schutzhund Commands List
The basic commands of Schutzhund will help you to control your dog. Although there are numerous commands (which we’ll get onto shortly), here are the three most important:
- Achtung – ‘Pay attention’. This command stops your dog in its tracks.
- Fuss – ‘Heel’. This means to heel and will tell your dog to walk beside you.
- Pass-auf! – ‘Attention!’. This command tells your dog to pay attention to you and wait for their next command.
Once you have taught your dog the above three commands, you can then move on to the next twenty or so commands that are an essential part of Schutzhund.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, Schutzhund commands are given in German; this is because Schutzhund training originated in Germany (German Shepherds were the very first dog breed to be taught using Schutzhund training).
Here is the complete list of Schutzhund training commands and their English translation:
Achtung – Attention / Watch.
Aus – Drop / Let go.
Bleib – Stay.
Bring – Fetch.
Fass – Attack.
Fuss – Heel.
Gib Laut – Bark / Speak.
Hier – Come here.
Hoop – Jump.
Nein – No.
Pass Auf – Pay attention.
Pfui – Stop that.
Platz – Down.
Sitzen – Sit.
Such – Search.
Voran – Blind search.
Voraus – Run forward.
Ruhing – Quietly.
Zwinger – Kennel.
Steh – Stay.
Lass es – Leave it.
Brummen – Growl.
Braver Hund – Good dog.
Nimm – Take.
Warten – Wait.
Pfote – Shake.
Now we have a complete list of Schutzhund commands, let’s take a look at how these commands are trained.
Hand Signals: This type of command is taught verbally, but hand signals and body positions will be used in conjunction with the verbal commands to reinforce the message. These are also very helpful if your dog can see you, but you aren’t able to communicate with them verbally. For example, if there is an intruder in your home or if you’re out jogging. Hand signals, such as raising your hand or showing your palm, is something that can be easily understood by your dog.
Rewards: As with most forms of dog training, Schutzhund utilizes rewards to keep a dog’s interest during training. A dog that knows it will be rewarded is a dog that will stay focused. Rewards are used when the dog first learns the command, then each time they obey it thereafter. Eventually, rewards will be phased out once the dog knows the command. At this point, praise will become the rewards, e.g., ‘braver hund’ – ‘good boy’.
How can you teach your dog German?
Puppies learn exceptionally rapidly, so it’s a great time to begin their language training by using German commands as well as English ones.
If your dog is older and currently only understand English commands, you must start using German commands alongside the English ones. Use one command at a time, and once your dog has learned the German command, you can drop the English version. Always reward with treats and praise to reinforce these new commands.
Schutzhund Training Cost – UPDATED 2021
Before discussing the costs involved in Schutzhund training, it is imperative to understand that it is not some form of hobby sport. It requires vast amounts of commitment, patience, consistency, and diligence and certainly isn’t something that can be instilled in a dog overnight.
Remember, Schutzhund training teaches your dog to attack, meaning it could potentially hurt someone. This is a big responsibility and shouldn’t be undertaken unless you’re 100% committed and ready to take on this responsibility. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that you choose an experienced trainer who has a record of success. A bad trainer can do serious damage to your dog, its relationship with you, and its relationship with other people.
Schutzhund training is one of the most expensive forms of training available when compared to other types of obedience training. Prices vary from trainer to trainer and will depend on whether you and your dog attend classes or opt for one-on-one training, but expect to pay at least $250 per month for classes.