Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club
✔ 30+ Years Professional Dog Training Experience
✔ 250+ 5-Star Reviews from Local Dog Owners
✔ Proven Results with Puppies, Obedience & Behavior Cases
✔ Serving Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass & Southern Oregon
Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club | Elevating Canine Potential in Southern Oregon
Founded by Jason Lake nearly 15 years ago, the Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club was established to bring the prestigious sport of Schutzhund to the Southern Oregon community. Our members are enthusiastic, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who train and title their dogs in the sport of IGP (formerly Schutzhund/IPO).
We welcome all ages and breeds of dogs, from young puppies to previously titled champions. Our training philosophy is centered on a positive relationship between dog and handler, with the ultimate goal of developing every team to their fullest potential.
Understanding the Sport of Schutzhund
Schutzhund is a German word meaning “protection dog.” It is a multifaceted sport that evaluates and develops traits that make dogs more useful, stable, and happier companions. The work focuses on three distinct phases that measure a dog's intelligence, utility, and mental endurance.
Phase 1: Tracking
This phase tests the dog’s scenting ability and mental focus as they follow a specific trail. It showcases the incredible natural instincts of the canine nose in a controlled, precise environment.
Phase 2: Obedience
Similar to high-level AKC competition, this phase requires heeling, recalls, and retrieves. The dog must demonstrate absolute precision and contagious enthusiasm for the work.
Phase 3: Protection
Unique to the sport, this phase tests courage and agility. The dog must protect the handler by engaging a decoy on command, showing high levels of control and mental stability.
A Legacy of Quality & Temperament
The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901. While originally developed as a breed evaluation test for the German Shepherd Dog, the sport now welcomes a variety of working breeds. It remains the gold standard for measuring mental stability, endurance, structural efficiency, and trainability.
At its core, Schutzhund prevents careless breeding by identifying dogs with the correct working temperament. This creates confident, happy dogs that thrive when given a clear job to do.
A Sport for Every Handler
Schutzhund is a family-friendly activity enjoyed by people from all walks of life—from professional trainers to hobbyists and those with disabilities. The camaraderie and mutual interest in working with dogs bring the Rogue Valley community together. If you enjoy seeing wagging tails and dogs pulling eagerly on their leashes ready to perform, you will find a home with us.
Join Us for a Free Training Day
Are you interested in competing or learning more? We invite you to join the Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club for a training day in Medford.
- Tuesdays: Tuesday Afternoons
- Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
What Our Clients Say
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"We got so much out of one hour zoom puppy training session with Jason! Every single moment was filled with exactly the useful pieces of information that we needed to work train our puppy. Jason was very astute to each subtle movement of myself and the puppy."
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"Jason is an absolutely fantastic person and trainer. He immediately put together a SIMPLE and effective plan of attack. Copper was engaged the entire time, and seemed to enjoy his training. After only ONE session, Copper is a MUCH happier pup."
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"Jason has the heart of a teacher and a passion for helping people understand how to communicate with their dogs in a healthy way. His expertise is second to none... It is impressive how easy he makes it to understand."
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"I first called Jason because I thought I was going to need to re-home my pup. Thankfully, I started training with Jason and am forever grateful to not only have my doggy but have him be an amazing member of my family."
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"We drive 200 miles round trip for Jason's classes. That should be testimony enough as to what we think of his training. He is a kind, effective and 1st class trainer who is skilled at observing and correcting problems."
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"Jason is phenomenal. Certainly the only trainer I recommend in this valley. Don't waste your time trying the others."