In all breeds, the dog's pedigree is the main ingredient on
determining the potential of the puppy. Schutzhund is working lines.
The generation of dogs that have proven it-self and produced a
similar quality in their offspring. These qualities include the
physical structure, which is very important and naturally the
temperament.
Choosing the correct bloodlines from which you want your puppy
surely will require knowledge in the study of the dog's pedigree.
The breed surveys may help but it should not be the main focus of
your selection. You should contact a reputable and experienced
Schutzhund handlers or breeder to help in this process.
Once you have selected the preferred bloodlines of the potential dam
and sire, you should study the parents, the mother in particular.
The mother will guide the pups in the early stages between 4 to 6
weeks of the puppies early life stage. This is a crucial start in
the characteristics of the puppies personality and the character in
the years ahead. If the mother is unstable and nervous, the chances
are this negative habit will show up on the offspring's.
If you are able to observe the litter, evaluate the puppies together
and separately. This will help you to determine which are the
superior puppies from this litter.
Study the alertness, chasing an object (ball) with the instinct to
hunt it's prey. Shows some aggression towards it's litter mates,
fearless and obviously active, playing with objects that are in it's
surroundings. Should be the leader of the pack.
- Isolate the puppy and you, get the puppies attention. Once
the puppy is focus on you, simply walk away. The puppy should
follow without any hesitation. Keep walking with the puppy and
increase your speed. The puppy should follow comfortably.
- Throw an object (ball) away from the puppy and watch it's
chase and retrieving ability.
- If possible, run away and hide. (remember it is a puppy
don't make it too complicated for him/her to find you). If the
puppy gets distracted make some sounds to motivate it.
- Test it's tracking ability by placing pieces of hot dogs on
the ground, four feet apart, the puppy should be able to locate
without any problems.
A puppy will learns from its experiences, so you should provide
only positive ones. Allow your puppy with opportunity to explore and
investigate new situations and surroundings (people) remember,
always in a non-threatening manner. The objective is to build
confidence with dominance for the sport. |
