If you want to do Schutzhund, you will need the right dog for this purpose. But you might also have (or plan to start) a family that could benefit from a loving and friendly pet. So it’s normal to wonder whether dogs can be well-suited for this sport and good at home too.
With training and time, some Schutzhund dogs will also be excellent family pets. A dog with the proper temperament can do well in IGP and at home. However, there’s a specific way to train and prepare a dog for Schutzhund and family living because they require different behaviors and traits.
There are many dogs with IGP titles that are great family pets. On the other hand, some Schutzhund partners might not be well-suited to live in a house with a family. So, it will depend a lot on the dog.
Keep in mind that not all dogs can make good family pets, and training won’t change who they are. In general, a hyperactive and reactive dog won’t do well in a family. Whether you train him for Schutzhund or not.
The Difference Between Schutzhund Dogs & Family Dogs!
First of all, it’s essential to understand what makes a dog suitable for Schutzhund and what makes a good family pet. Then, it will be much easier to figure out if those two are compatible. So let’s find out how different or similar are Schutzhund and family dogs.
The Handler.
Only one person should train a dog in Schutzhund. The relationship between the handler and the dog is crucial in this sport. You have to strengthen your bond and know your partner well to improve his obedience, tracking, and protection skills.
While initial training is generally best when left to one person, all family members should then be able to handle and interact with the dog. A family pet should respect everyone in the household and reliably respond to basic commands for practically anyone, including friends.
The solution for a Schutzhund and family dog would be to use informal commands for everyday communication and formal commands for training. For example, you and your family can use voice cues such as Sit, Stay, Down, or Come at home. Then, use German commands for Schutzhund.
Play Time & Rewards.
A Schutzhund dog must have a lot of enthusiasm and drive, especially when playing with the handler. Tug toys, balls, and food can be helpful tools and rewards for training in this canine sport. They will motivate and encourage the dog to improve his skills and progress faster.
On the other hand, other family members might also want to play with the dog and give him treats. So the rewards can lose value or be less effective if not managed the right way. It doesn’t mean you should be the only one that can play with and reward your dog.
But you can still control how, when, and with whom he’s allowed to play outside of the training field. It’s also essential to make sure your dog can differentiate family play from protection work. That’s why you should keep high-value food or toys for Schutzhund.
Socialization.
In the BH and IGP trials, the dog has to be neutral to people and ignore other dogs. He must always focus on the handler and behave well in public. Too much interaction with dogs and other people than the principal trainer is generally not good for Schutzhund.
On the other hand, a family probably wants their pet to be friendly, sociable, and affectionate. Well, most working breeds won’t be that type of companion. Schutzhund dogs can still be good family pets, but don’t expect them to be what they aren’t.
Socialization is essential for every puppy, whether you plan to train for IGP or include him in your family. The only difference is the type of interaction he will have. A Schutzhund dog should be comfortable around people while still focusing on the handler.
But in a family, you want the dog to interact and give love to everyone. So you have to find a balance between freedom of socializing and control. Let your dog know when it’s OK to socialize with family or friends and when it’s time to focus on you for Schutzhund.
Temperament & Behavior.
Working breeds are often hyperactive, energetic, and have a high drive, especially when they are young. This type of temperament can lead to behaviors such as jumping, nipping, chasing, and barking. But you can also channel that energy to make excellent Schutzhund dogs.
However, your family might have difficulty dealing with such pets. Most people expect dogs to stay calm and behave well in public. So you might be tempted to discourage behaviors unwanted by your family, but they might be interesting for Schutzhund later on.
Here are a few solutions. You can work on your dog’s obedience, teach him basic manners, shape his behaviors, make him understand when it’s OK to act in a certain way, etc. Then, you might have to avoid situations or places for which your dog isn’t ready yet.
Find A Dog Suitable For Schutzhund & Family Life!
Now that you understand the difference between an IGP dog and a family pet, it’s time to look for one that can do both well. You have to choose the right pup because Schutzhund training won’t change him. So let’s find a dog suitable for this sport that will fit your family.
Balance.
Since your dog will have two different jobs, he has to be well-balanced and versatile. Not all Schutzhund dogs are good family pets, and not all family dogs are suitable for this sport. Thus, you have to find a companion that has the right temperament and traits for both.
Temperament.
A good Schutzhund dog must have a confident and stable temperament. Besides that, a family pet should be affectionate, kid-friendly, social, and energetic. Those traits aren’t necessarily exclusive to each other. So a dog can do well on the training field and in the house.
Good Breeding.
The easiest way to make sure your puppy is appropriate for Schutzhund training and family living is to take a look at his parents. If they have IGP titles, are good with kids, and behave correctly in the house, your dog will likely make an excellent family pet.
Best Breeds For Families & Protection Work.
Technically, any breed can do Schutzhund and be a good family pet. However, some dogs are more likely to do well in this sport and be great companions at home. German Shepherds dominate IGP, and with proper training, they can be excellent family dogs.
Apart from that breed, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, Bullmastiffs, and Dobermans might also be appropriate candidates for Schutzhund training. They can also be good family pets for some households. But the breed isn’t always representative of who the dog is in reality.
Learn More About What Dogs Can Do Schutzhund Training!
How To Train A Schutzhund Dog To Be A Good Family Dog?
You can train an IGP dog with the proper temperament to become a better family member. But it might be a long and demanding process. So here are some things you should keep in mind while preparing your Schutzhund dog for family living.
Start slow and gradually improve. Let your dog get used to other members of your family. Don’t bring him right away to a big family gathering. Then, obedience and control are the keys to success. You can’t change your dog, but you can find a way to manage him.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations. Working breeds are generally not the best-suited to be family dogs. Thus, you shouldn’t expect your Schutzhund partner to become something he isn’t.
Finally, it’s essential to set rules for training and family time. Your dog can’t behave like you want if you don’t show him what he needs to do. Then, let him the time to adapt and find a balance between being a Schutzhund partner and a family member.
Last Thoughts About Schutzhund Dogs As Family Pets!
Finally, Schutzhund dogs don’t have to be training partners only and live in kennels. They can also be good family pets and stay at home with their loved ones. If your dog has the right temperament and you train him well, he should be able to find a “work-life” balance.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find the perfect dog for Schutzhund training that will be part of your family (or your future one) and get started. And if you already have a companion, I’m sure improving his obedience, tracking, and protection skills can only make him a better pet.
Have Fun Training Your Family Dog For Schutzhund!
I found a lot of helpful information in this article from the My Schutzhund Life Blog. You can read it to see another similar perspective on Schutzhund dogs as family pets. This thread on the German Shepherd Forum might also be interesting to have other people’s opinions and experience on the topic!