Helpers

Schutzhund stands apart from all other dog sports primarily by the protection phase. It is in protection that the dog's drives are ultimately tested. Without our helpers there is no Schutzhund. You can teach your dog obedience - by yourself. You can teach your dog to track - by yourself. You can teach a dog agility, hunting, retrieving - all by yourself. But you absolutely can not teach Schutzhund, and specifically the protection phase, by yourself. What is a helper? A helper is the person that wears the scratch pants, puts the arm on and gives your dog the grip. But a helper can be and must be more than that. The helper is your co-trainer. The helper must read the dog's drive state, must interpret what response or action is needed for the particular moment, particular lesson at any given time. All in split seconds. As the handler you watch your dog work from behind, while the helper sees the dog's eyes.