Obedience
The obedience phase includes heeling, positions, recalls, retrieves, steadiness, control around people and teamwork under pressure.
Schutzhund • IGP • Working Dogs
The Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club
Southern Oregon training for Schutzhund / IGP, tracking, obedience and protection work.
About RVSC
Southern Oregon working dog handlers training together.
The Rogue Valley Schutzhund & Police K-9 Club is a dedicated group of individuals that train for the German dog sport of Schutzhund, now commonly called IGP. Started by Jason Lake nearly 20 years ago, the club is proud to be an affiliated club of Schutzhund USA.
RVSC is made up of like-minded handlers who strive to better all breeds of dogs, especially those suited for work. Training, trialing and daily interaction with our dogs create a firm and lasting bond that we do not take lightly.
Our goal is to title our dogs in the sport of Schutzhund at the highest level possible. Members are not required to participate in all three phases, except protection work requires club evaluation and the right dog-handler fit.
What is Schutzhund?
A demanding team sport built around clarity and control.
Schutzhund is a German word meaning “protection dog,” but there is much more to the sport. It was originally developed as a way to test potential breeding stock and has evolved into a sport enjoyed from hobby levels to international competition.
Schutzhund training involves three phases: tracking, obedience and protection. Together, these phases test temperament, nerve, willingness to work, confidence, stability and the handler’s ability to communicate under pressure.
The Three Phases
Tracking, obedience and protection
Tracking
Tracking tests the dog’s trainability, scent commitment, mental endurance and ability to work carefully through a track.
Protection
Protection tests courage, confidence, grip quality and the handler’s control of the dog.
Temperament
The sport looks for dogs with work ethic, courage, intelligence, perseverance and a strong bond with the handler.
Club Objectives
Promoting responsible working dog sport.
- Encourage and promote the training of working dogs for Schutzhund / IGP.
- Support movements that demonstrate the advantages of Schutzhund training.
- Support and organize seminars, trials, breed surveys and conformation evaluations.
- Educate the public about the sport and work toward titles with our dogs.
Club Structure
Training with purpose, structure and accountability
RVSC gives handlers a place to learn the sport, build better habits, and train around other people who understand working dogs.
Structured Training
Handlers build better habits through repetition, feedback and clear goals instead of guessing at home alone.
Working Dog Community
RVSC brings together people who care about the dog, the handler, the sport and the responsibility that comes with training powerful dogs.
Practical Next Steps
Whether you are interested in membership, an event, a trial, or general information, we help you understand where to start.
Have questions?
Tell us about your dog and your training goals.
Contact the club before coming out so we can point you in the right direction and help you understand what to bring.