HIGH DESERT
WORKING DOGS CLUB
ABOUT US
History of the High Desert Working Dogs Club
Although the club name is new, the High Desert Working Dogs club has been operating since 2005. Some of its members have been working and training dogs for 10-15 years, both here in Arizona and in other states. The club works with a variety of dog breeds, although German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dobermans have been the dominant breeds in the club.
​
We train following the rules approved by the international organizations that oversee the clubs in the sports of Schutzhund. Our goal is to support the owner/handler of these working dogs so that they preserve the working characteristics of the various breeds. Our members train for many reasons: to ensure a fine companion and protector at home; to provide service or therapy dogs for hospitals and search and rescue; and to compete in local, national, and international trials in the sport.
Our goal is to support the owner/handler of the working dog so that they preserve the working characteristics of the breed. Some of our members are working for the first time with their first working dog; others have been training and learning for many years. However, we all love our dogs and are dedicated to the sports, and to each other. We are committed to continually learning and spending many hours training with our dogs. We conduct our activities as a not-for-profit organization. The Club is also dedicated to educating the public about the care, training, and responsible breeding of these wonderful working dogs.
​
What is Schutzhund?
Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog." It refers to the sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions. Schutzhund is an advanced partnership between the dog and handler--true teamwork! It is a triathlon for dogs, and they must compete and qualify in all three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection. Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog's intelligence. At a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog's mental stability, endurance, ability to scent/track, willingness to work, courage, and trainability. This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler's ability to train and the dog's ability to perform as required.
It is a sport enjoyed by persons of all ages!
United Schutzhund Club of America [USCA] Mission
Schutzhund is a German word meaning “protection dog”. It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companion animals. Schutzhund work concentrates on three parts: tracking, obedience, and protection. This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dogs and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler’s ability to train and the dog’s ability to perform as required. It is a sport enjoyed by persons of all ages.
​
Search & Rescue [SAR] Sport Explained
Do you want to build a closer relationship with your dog? Increase that bond between the two of you? And have lots of fun in the process? Have you considered exploring the sport of Search and Rescue? United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA) is promoting the international training concept for the sport of Search and Rescue dogs known as RH. USCA adopted the RH (Rettungshund), or Search and Rescue program in 2004, as designed by the International Rescue Dog Organization (IRO) headquartered in Austria and has developed its own version of the RH as a sporting title. Initially designed to ensure the true working ability of German Shepherd Dogs in character, stamina, and temperament, any dog breed can train and participate in the sport.
​
Although what our club does is only sport level for search and rescue work, it is designed to ensure the true working ability of our dogs in character, stamina, and temperament. It is not a certification process. It is, however, a powerful tool in maintaining a strong work ethic for our dogs.
​
The purpose of this program is to encourage the development of Search and Rescue Sport in the United States, as well as to provide guidance for dog and handler teams in the skills needed in the sport. Sporting events throughout the country offer the opportunity for international comparison and help raise awareness for search and rescue dog work. Many dog handler teams become members of real-life operational search teams as well.
​
There are two “Phases” to a competition.
Phase A – Nosework – This phase has several elements to choose from:
· RH-F - tracking
· RH-FL - area search
· RH-T – rubble
· RH-L - avalanche
In each of these elements, the dog must find a “victim”, or hidden person. The dog must indicate that the victim has been located by one of the following methods of alert:
· Bark alert – dog must bark continuously and remain with the victim
· Bringsel – braided just attached to collar. The dog takes it in his mouth at the victim then returns to the handler with the bringsel in mouth
· Recall/Re-find – dog locates victim and runs back and forth between victim to lead handler to victim
· Free indication – dog locates victim and either sits or lays down in front of the victim
· Scratching – used only in avalanche/rubble work. The dog will scratch or paw at the snow/rubble pile to indicate
Each element has three levels:
· RH-V – beginner level
· RH-2A – intermediate level
· RH-2B- advanced level
Phase B – Obedience and Dexterity
The RH-V level of this phase includes several obedience and agility-type exercises.
• On-leash heeling
• Heeling through a group of four people and one dog
• Sit with recall
• Change of position on a table
• Down under distraction
• Carry and handover (the handler walks with the helper)
• Tunnel with sash
• Crossing an elevated fixed wooden bridge without ramp
• Directability at a distance by sending the dog to two tables
The RH-2A and RH-2B levels include a couple of different exercises, including crossing an unstable plank or traversing an elevated ladder with a ramp.
If you think you might like to try this sport and build that bond with your dog, then the High Desert Working Dogs Club might be the place to start your journey. Check us out at www.voraus.club or https://www.facebook.com/HighDesertWorkingDog.
​
Also check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXs_iY1Qmh0
​
​