It seems every web site has links, but they are often either highly commercial or, for our visitors, not very relevant to working dog training. We will attempt to discover interesting, even provocative, sites that can serve some value to our readers. Where possible, we will give our editorial insights for the site or organization that stands behind it.
WORKING DOG ORGANIZATIONS
Schutzhund:
DVG. The oldest (1902) and largest (36,000 members) working dog training organization in the world, it has clubs in Germany, The United States and Canada. Any breed may compete in any event, even without papers. Offers titles in Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, and IPO.
United Schutzhund Clubs of America. Starting as an all breed Schutzhund organization for the United States, it has narrowed its interest to the German Shepherd Dog, but expanded its activities to breed registration, surveys and conformation shows, along with Schutzhund, IPO and police trials. It has clubs throughout the United States, but only German Shepherd Dogs may compete in some events.
German Shepherd Dog Club of America-Working Dog Association. An adjunct to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, it has taken a slightly different direction from that of United Schutzhund Clubs. It now has a pilot program of awarding working dog titles sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, in addition to the usual Schutzhund titles. While any dog may compete in a local trial, like United Schutzhund Clubs of America, only German Shepherd Dogs may compete in many events.
Other Working Dog Organizations:
The United States Police Canine Association. This organization, now some 40 years old, has focused on K9 instruction and certification. It also has national and regional competitions. This site has some interesting, hands on, training articles for working dogs.
North American Police Work Dog Association. Narrower in its activities than the USPCA, it has become an important part of K9 education and certification programs in the United States. Limited training information at this site.
KNPV. This Dutch police certification program is, in our opinion, the most demanding of all working dog training we have seen. It is not, primarily, a sport or temperament test, like Schutzhund, but a police K9 certification program for the Dutch Police. Since most countries already have their own certification programs, it has never really caught on or expanded into a sport, the way Schutzhund did in the 1920's in Germany and, later, the rest of the world. There is no real sport organization in the U.S. or Canada, but several have tried. If you are interested, try the above link to connect with Judith Powell, a Dutch transplant to Texas. She has a great deal of information and knowledge.
French Ring Sport. While not as widespread as Schutzhund in the U.S. or Canada, French Ring has its supporters. Poorly organized in the beginning, with several competing organizations, it is now represented by The North American Ring Association.
Military Training. While there are no training articles at this site, it can take you to other military dog sites and it does give a very good perspective of the program at Lackland Air Force Base, where dog, handlers and trainers for the military services are trained.
General Interest Sites:
One of the purposes of this site is to bring good training ideas and articles to working dog trainers, a project that we think has been neglected up to know. Most “training sites” are little more than opinion, expressed by people with limited training ability or a desire to have you buy their products. But, there are a few sites where good training articles can be found, some by insightful and articulate writers. You may have to cherry pick these sites, as they are broader than just working dog training information.
K-9magazinefree. This is a magazine format site that offers a large number of articles on practical working dog training in several fields. It is a little difficult to find some subjects, but a lot of material is there.
Workingdogs Cyberzine.Another magazine type of site that is a bit easier to work with and, again, has plenty of valuable training and related information for working dogs.
Dr. P's Dog Training. No link page could neglect this site. It is a non-profit and non-commercial site with everything from theory to hard core training applications. It is becoming a little aged, but the quality is still there.
NorthWestK9. We have never met Moc Klinkam, but would like to. This site, run by her, shows a trainer who knows her stuff and communicates it well. She also invites other writers to her site and their articles are on point for all working dog trainers.
Black Dog Farm. Very much geared to the broadest working dog interests and somewhat along the lines of Dr. P's, this site has a great deal of hands on advice for any working dog trainer or fan.
