Books are great resources to learn about Schutzhund. So if you’re new to the sport and want to start training your dog for it, you should probably read some on this topic. Let’s explore why and what Schutzhund books are best for your situation and needs.
Why Should You Read Books On Schutzhund Training?
Although there’s nothing better than hands-on experience, reading books can still help you learn the basics. You do yourself a big favor by increasing your knowledge about Schutzhund before getting started. Then, you will be able to apply what you have read in books on the training field.
What Are The Best Schutzhund Books?
There are many good books on Schutzhund and protection training. But not all of them will be appropriate for you. Depending on your goals, needs, and preferences, some books are better than others.
You might want to learn more about a specific phase of Schutzhund or use a precise training method. With all the options on the market, there should be a book with the information you’re looking for. And if you have no idea what you need to learn, I’ve some recommendations for you.
Best Overall Schutzhund Books For Beginners!
If you’re just getting started in Schutzhund training, you have a lot of things to learn. Some books will help you understand the basics and guide you in the whole process. Thus, here are my principal recommendations for beginners in this dog sport.
Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods
Author: Susan Barwing & Stewart Hilliard
Number Of Pages: 258
This book is a no-brainer for people that are new to the sport of Schutzhund. It’s a great read to learn the basics you need to start this type of training. Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods explain what Schutzhund is and how to get into it.
It’s an excellent resource and guide for beginners. This book includes everything you need to get started, from the history to training methods. Although it’s a bit dated, most concepts are still applicable today, and it will give you a good foundation.
Schutzhund Training Manual
Author: Felix Ho
Number Of Pages: 375
More recent and thorough, my second recommendation for beginners is the Schutzhund Training Manual. It includes a brief history, rules, and other helpful information about this canine sport. You will learn everything you need to get started in this book.
It will help you select the right puppy, understand the basics of dog language, and learn training methods. Then, the author will guide you through each phase of Schutzhund. So it’s another good option for handlers that don’t have any or much experience with this activity.
Top Working Dogs – Schutzhund Training Manual
Author: Dietmar Schellenberg
Number Of Pages: 160
It might be the right book for you if you’re looking for clear instructions, helpful illustrations, and practical advice for Schutzhund training. The Top Working Dogs Manual has a lot of information for the number of pages. The content is concise and will help you train a working dog step by step.
It even includes a timeline to give you an idea of when to do each task. This manual also provides the “how-to” process to teach your dog every phase of Schutzhund. The only downside is the poor formatting. It can make the book difficult to read.
Schutzhund Training Book Using Positive Reinforcement
Most handlers still use techniques involving corrections and punishment in this canine sport. Although it can be appropriate and effective in specific cases, it’s not always necessary. There are more modern and positive ways to train your dog for Schutzhund.
K9 Schutzhund Training: A Manual for IGP Training through Positive Reinforcement
Author: Resi Gerritsen & Ruud Haak
Number Of Pages: 256
Updated in 2021, it’s probably the most recent book on Schutzhund training. It lays out a practical approach to preparing your dog for the sport of IGP. In this book, you will learn how to become a better trainer, implement a training program for each phase, and pass trials.
All that, using the latest methods and positive reinforcement. So whether you’re a complete beginner or an accomplished handler that wants to stay on the top of their game, this can be an excellent guide to modern Schutzhund training.
Schutzhund Book By Phases
As you probably already know, Schutzhund is a sport divided into three parts. There is the obedience, tracking, and protection phase. Each discipline requires different skills and techniques to learn. So reading a book that focuses on only one might be a good idea.
Obedience
Schutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive
Author: Sheila Booth & Gottfried Dildei
Number Of Pages: 287
Obedience is arguably the most important phase in the sport of Schutzhund. It’s the first step to preparing a working dog, and it’s necessary for tracking and protection work. This book will teach you to utilize the dog’s drive to make training more effective and enjoyable.
It can also allow you to understand why and how your puppy thinks. Then, it will be much easier to train together for Schutzhund. The book is well written and easy to read. It’s maybe a little dated, but most of it is still accurate and applicable today.
Tracking
Tracking: From The Beginning
Author: Gary Patterson
Number Of Pages: 182
Tracking in Schutzhund must be done in a certain way. This book is a detailed and thorough guide for teaching your dog to track well, specifically in this canine sport. It includes theory, conditioning, reinforcement, and training methods for Schutzhund tracking.
It has a lot of information that not every handler would need. However, it’s a great read if you’re serious about training your dog for tracking. It’s not the most comprehensive book, but it’s definitely worth considering to learn about and perform well in this phase of Schutzhund.
Protection
Der Schutzhund (The Protection Dog)
Author: Helmut Raiser
Number Of Pages: 88
Training a dog for protection work is probably the most challenging part of Schutzhund. This book will guide you through the whole process. It will teach you the theories behind training and how to apply them properly while working with your dog.
Both helpers and handlers should read Der Schutzhund to understand protection training. The information and instructions in this manual are clear. It will give you an excellent foundation to prepare and train your dog for this phase.
Schutzhund Training Book For Intermediate And Advanced Handlers!
If you’re not a beginner, you probably already know several things about Schutzhund training. Although the books above might refresh you on the basics, it’s nothing new for you. Thus, let’s see if there’s a good option for handlers with some training experience.
Advanced Schutzhund
Author: Ivan Balabanov
Number Of Pages: 256
This book will help you solve all the problems you might encounter at a higher level of Schutzhund training. It includes practical advice and solutions to help you progress in this dog sport. So it’s more of a troubleshooting manual for advanced handlers.
Iva Balabanov is a well-known trainer in the Schutzhund world. He shares all his advanced training methods and tips for top competitors in this book. Whether it’s to pass IGP 3 or compete at National/World levels, it might help you reach your goals.
Other Schutzhund Books You Might Consider!
Depending on your needs, preferences, and what you want to know, many other books might be helpful. My recommendations above are just some of the resources you can use to learn about Schutzhund training. So here are other books you should consider.
Other Books About Protection Training!
Schutzhund involves a specific type of protection work. Thus, you might be curious to learn about other training methods. Here are some books on protection dogs.
- K9 Personal Protection: A Manual For Training Reliable Protection Dogs
- The Koehler Method Of Guard Dog Training
- Training Dogs For Protection Work
Are Books Enough To Learn Schutzhund?
Reading books can give you a lot of knowledge, but it’s not enough to learn everything about Schutzhund. Having experience on the field and working with other handlers is essential to succeed in this dog sport. So books aren’t enough to prepare you for IGP.
That’s why you should join a local club and train with them. It will give you access to all the equipment and people you need to get started. A book can give you an idea of what to expect, but there’s nothing like hands-on experience.
I would still recommend reading Schutzhund training books to learn the theory and understand what you will have to do. Then, it will be easier to apply your knowledge and train your dog with other members of your club.
Last Thoughts About Schutzhund Training Books!
Finally, Schutzhund books are great complementary resources to learn about this type of training. It will give you a head start on other handlers of your level and help you make your own mind about certain aspects of this canine sport.
Now it’s time to read books about Schutzhund training and apply what you learned in them. The more knowledge you have on the subject, the better you will be at it. You only have to find the right book to help you get started or improve your skills.
Good Reading!