What is the correct temperament for Schutzhund? - Page 1

I have been under the impression that the correct temperament for a Schutzhund (trained or prospect) should be a dog that is easy going around people unless otherwise asked. So, which do you prefer, a dog that anyone an pet, that takes Schutzhund as a game, but has excellent bitework? Or do you prefer a harder dog that must be muzzled when new people meet him and takes Schutzhund more seriously with excellent bitework?

I assume most military types prefer a harder dog as mentioned last. However, do the rest of you prefer the first dog mentioned?

What is your ideal temperament?

I prefer the more "sport" dog.

However, just because the dog might be a "harder" dog does not neccessarily mean that the dog has to be muzzled in public.  In fact, I don't think that's the case at all.  The dog still has to be stable.

No, no ... not saying all hard dogs must me muzzled ... just saying he is obviously a "harder" dog than a sport dog.

Thanks for your input!

Yes a dog that is easy going around people and "free" in their environment (especially in young dogs).  It is important for me that the dog has a good sense of the situation, if no threat or percieved threat is present the dog should be social or aloof, not nervous or suspicious and certainly not needing to wear a muzzle.  I believe young dogs should be started out with bitework as a "game" with alot of prey work to develop a good foundation and grip, THEN if the owner feels the need or desire to go further with civil and defense training to create a more serious attitude they may do so once the dog matures and has a solid foundation.

Regardless of the dogs end purpose, police, military or sport I believe they should all be started the same to create a balanced powerful dog.  I have seen dogs started and locked in defense with little prey drive and quite frankly I believe it creates a lackluster nervy picture.  Balance is power.

Some dogs are capable of going further some are not, hardness in hard dogs will be there no matter how they are started.

 Or do you prefer a harder dog that must be muzzled when new people meet him and takes Schutzhund more seriously with excellent bitework?

IMO hardness is not related to temperament, a dog that needs to be muzzled in public to me is a fault in temperament, a dog that is not clear in the head and not capable of reading situations. 

Sorry I started typing before you clarified Harness with relation to being muzzled.

Also... I have a very hard dog, who is civil and has very balanced prey/defense, He's a retired PSD, I titled him to SchH3 and am now doing PSA.  He's a joy to work and own, and doesn't need to be muzzled in public.

Before him I wouldn't have thought such balance was possible, but he proved it to me. 

Actually a "hard" dog is one who can handle corrections without falliing apart.  Has nothing to do with anything else.  A top sport dog usually is hard.

Yes thank you sueincc one who can handle corrections from the handler and also pressure from the decoy/helper.

Thank you Sue for clarifying that.

I have heard some people say "hard" in reference to the dog being more aggressive overall (bitework, temperament, etc). So this is not correct? Hard is actually a term for strong bitework?

Sorry, didn't finish ... I was trying to say strong bitework and stable temperament under pressure.

Ramage- Different people refer to "hardness" as meaning different things, however I'd say Sue and GSDfan described it very well as this is how I associate the term as well.

A well balanced dog can perform in a variety of venues depending on what you want to do with the dog and how you train.