A list of "characteristics" that might indicate your dog is geared towards SCH?

[chelle]

Just curious. I really don't see SCH in our future at all, but I also don't want to automatically rule anything out. I rather doubt Bailey's aptitude for it, but again, who knows.

If you had to list some important prerequisites, traits, characteristics, etc for a dog to do well in SCH, what would they be, generally speaking? Also, for those who already do it, did you begin with other sports, ie, several rounds of obedience training or other work? Or just jump in paws first?

[Shaina]

Confident, balanced drives, eagerness to train and to learn, ability to take pressure, not shy or aggressive.

Just a few I'd think of

Edit:

I knew Versailles would be doing schutzhund, so we did a lot of tug-toy work, barking for the toy, but also worked a lot of confidence building. She learned the teetertotter and walked on different surfaces. I taught her to swim very young. We have done a TON of obedience. We played a lot of ball. We are doing Agility and Schutzhund training at 8 1/2 months old.

[onyx'girl]

I think the dog must have good genetics, with that comes a confident puppy, one that is biddable and will have athleticism in its structure. A big blocky structure won't last when it comes to endurance or obstacles. I also like a higher threshold, but not so high that it takes tons of work to activate. A pup that is willing to try most anything(walk on surfaces/heights without hesitation) and recover easily if something is 'scary' to it.
I don't want to put much in the way of obedience on my puppy, though house manners are important. But certain things are not going to get corrected.
Food, hunt,prey and ball drive is very important as well. I have two females that aren't very biddable, food drive on one is zilch and neither one will tug. Can't get too far with them in many venues of training because of the above.

[GatorDog]

I agree. Confidence is a huge part of it! But my dog learned a whole lot of his confidence through the sport itself. I was a new handler to Schutzhund, so we had to learn together. I think your relationship with your dog has a lot to do with it to, even if you're just looking into it as a hobby and not to compete.

We didn't do anything else at first. I started right off with Schutzhund training and my helper and training director at club were really amazing as far as educating me on proper handling techniques. Aiden isn't the ideal Schutzhund candidate as he does have some insecurity issues, but I don't put alot of pressure on him at training and he really enjoys it! He'd also probably eat my house if I didn't do it as often as I do with him. =P

The ideal Schutzhund dog has the qualities that Shaina listed above, but many dogs can take part in the sport just to learn as well! Everyone I know comments on how well behaved my boy is and I credit all of it to Schutzhund training. He got his BH at 15 months and we are going to work toward a SchH1 title, but like I said before, I'm not pressuring him and I'm in no rush. My main goal is to have an obedient, happy dog.

[lhczth]

Excellent nerves; resilience; a strong desire to work with me; high food, hunt and fight drive; genetic grips; athleticism, physical soundness.