Schutzhund Club to hold competitive dog trial and conformation show
It’s one thing to train your dog to sit, stay and roll over. It’s another to do it at the competitive level.
The Gulf Coast Schutzhund Club of Fort Myers will hold its annual Trial and Conformation Show Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the club’s training home at the German American Social Club at 2101 Pine Island Road.
German shepherd handlers from throughout the area will come to show off their dogs as they compete in obedience, protection and tracking in front of world-class judges.
Dogs of all ages (starting as young as 4 months) and genders will compete, with awards going to the top three placing dogs in each category.
Natalie Rojas, a new club member, said members are there every Sunday to train their dogs but, as the show draws near, the training has gotten a little more intense.
“We’re competing toward titles in the sport. We do the tracking and obedience training later on. We basically work with German shepherds but will work with any kind of dog,” Rojas said.
Attendees will not be able to watch the tracking portion on Friday or Saturday since those events will be held at another location. The public can come for the obedience and protection programs from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday at the club.
The program will be held in the “backyard” of the club property, which also will feature ClamJam this weekend.
The German shepherd dog show will take place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be raffles throughout the weekend for dog related items.
Judge Ralf Wille of Germany will judge the event, which is expected to attract dogs from all over the state.
In a Schutzhund trial, the dog’s mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability are assessed. This sport offers the opportunity for working dog owners to train their dogs and compete.
“You’re trying to win a title for your dog, which has been working all year for it. I have my dog in the basic obedience trial, so I’m hoping to win a title with her,” Rojas said.
The Gulf Coast Schutzhund Club, which has been in existence for 10 years, is dedicated to the art of dog training. While members have various breeds of working dogs, they are primarily dedicated to training German shepherds.
The club is also seeking new members. No prior training is needed.
They also offer the AKC Canine Good Citizen class as well for those just starting out or who are just interested in basic obedience for their dog.
For more information, call (414) 430-0790 or go to gcscfortmyers.com/