Chris Meverden, the owner and trainer of North Tampa Dog Training competed at the USCA(United Schutzhund Clubs of America) Southeast Regional Championship the first weekend in February. This competition brings all the best dog trainers and German Shepherds from the southeast region to compete for the regional championship and to qualify for the National Championship held in October.  Out of more than 30 dogs entered Chris Meverden and his German Shepherd Judge vom Brickhaus took 3rd place. He was also awarded with the highest placing BHOT dog. BHOT is an acronym for a dog who was bred, handled, owned and trained by the same person. Judge vom Brickhaus was bred by Chris and is also a son from his previous competition dog Danger von Juliet. Danger was a multi national champion and made multiple international appearances placing as high as 8th in the world. 

  Schutzhund also known as IGP is considered to be one of the toughest dog training sports to compete in. It test dogs in many ways and has some of the strictest criteria in order to achieve titles. The obedience portion is done with no food or toy rewards and is completely off leash with heavy distractions and difficult agility exercises. The tracking portion consists of quarter to half mile track laid by a stranger that also leaves small articles that the dog must find and indicate to the handler. The protection phase is similar to police patrol work but with more control and transport exercises. 

  To learn more about the sport of schutzhund you can follow the link below to the National organization United Schutzhund Clubs of America. 

United Schutzhund Clubs of America