A friend in my Schutzhund club sent this video link, of a Schutzhund club in 1936. I think it's a neat clip, because it shows a lot of things....
The obedience is less stylized here, but look at what's expected of the dogs -- they work comfortably in large groups, alongside other dogs at close quarters, and they settle comfortably with their humans at a beer garden. These are not dangerous trigger-happy time bombs, they're good pets.
Also, there are a lot of exercises seen here which have disappeared from the current sport. Remember that Schutzhund was originally a breeding suitability test (and still is, in some parts of the world) and so the dogs' hips and athletic abilities were really tested. We'd have a lot less hip dysplasia if all dogs were required to train like this before being bred! Also, a few of the protection exercises are still present in other sports but are gone from Schutzhund, such as the attack under gunfire (something critical for a police dog).
And it's fun to see what the breeds looked like seventy years ago.... Some have really changed.
Anyway, here's the clip!
Very cool!
What a neat video! You're absolutely right--those dogs do their jobs, but they aren't so high drive that they're dysfunctional, like so many Schutzhund dogs (and even herding/agility dogs) we see today.
I've been browsing your blog for a few weeks; lots of interesting reading! I've been thinking about trying tracking again and you've inspired me. :-)
Amy and the Scotties
Ch. Munro's Mildly Toasted CDX RE OA OAJ NAP NJP
Ch. Anstamm Let's Party CD RA
the baby, Anstamm Maryscot First Blush