How to Train the Send-out in Schutzhund

The send-out is one of the most complicated Schutzhund commands to teach your dog. It involves a high degree of communication between the dog and handler and must be executed well to be a qualifying run. Training a dog to perform a proper send-out is difficult but can be done with practice and dedication.

Things You'll Need

• Collar
• Lead
• Toy

Instructions

1. Begin your send-out training when your dog is young. A young dog learns faster than an older dog and will be more willing to accept new behaviors and skills.

2. Teach your dog the basic commands before attempting the send-out. Your dog should know how to perform a proper sit, down, come, heel, wait and stay before you move onto the send-out.

3. Place your dog on a lead and have the dog sit by your side. Give the dog the command to wait and step away from the dog.

4. Walk approximately 50 steps away from the dog and place his favorite toy at the end of your walk. The toy will encourage the dog to run out with enthusiasm when you give him the out command.

5. Return to the dog and give her the command for the send-out. It can be something as simple as “out,” as long as you use the same command each time.

6. Guide the dog to the toy if he cannot find it on his own. Encourage him to get his toy, giving the out command again so that he associates running out from you with the command.

7. Command the dog to lie down when he reaches the toy. Lying down is an essential part of a proper send-out, so be sure the dog lays down each and every time he outs.

8. Repeat the out command, placing the toy in a different spot each time so the dog does not learn to anticipate the area she will lay down in.

9. Continue working with the dog, eventually phasing out the toy. The dog needs to learn to run out a certain distance and lay down without the toy, so use the toy less and less as you train.

10. Remove the lead from the dog in the final steps of your training. The dog will not be wearing a lead in the ring, so teaching the dog a proper send-out without a lead will ensure that he is ready to perform the command in competition.

Tips & Warnings

• Work the dog in a variety of environments. Schutzhund trials are held in many different locations, and familiarizing your dog with different areas will avoid any trial-day surprises.

• Do not force your dog to perform any command. Physical punishment is a negative reinforcement, and your dog will not learn as well this way.