What truly sets Schutzhund apart from other dog sports is the protection phase—where a dog’s
temperament, nerve, and drive are put to the ultimate test. And at the heart of that phase
is the helper.
You can't do it alone.
You can teach obedience, tracking, agility, even retrieving on your own. But protection?
You can’t do it alone. The protection phase requires a skilled partner—someone who knows
dogs, understands behavior, and can bring out the very best in your working dog.
More than just the sleeve.
So, what exactly is a helper? On the surface, it’s the person in the scratch pants with
the sleeve—the one your dog grips. But in reality, a helper is far more than that. A
great helper is a co-trainer, a behavior interpreter, and a split-second decision-maker.
They must read a dog’s drive, understand the moment, and apply exactly the right pressure
or reward to help the dog learn and grow.
The eyes on the front.
While the handler watches from behind, the helper sees what you can’t—the dog’s eyes,
intentions, and reactions up close. They are essential to your dog’s development and
to the sport itself.
Without helpers, there is no schutzhund.
Every helper brings their own unique skill set, strengths, and perspective to the field. Over the years,
MVSV has been fortunate to work with some truly exceptional helpers—individuals who have played a vital
role in elevating both our dogs and our club to international recognition.
As handlers, it’s easy to take our helpers for granted. A simple “thank you” often feels insufficient—but
our appreciation must never fade. MVSV is proud to showcase the skilled and dedicated helpers you see on these pages.
MVSV keeps its doors open to aspiring helpers. If you're interested in an exciting, physically demanding, and
deeply rewarding role in the sport of Schutzhund, we invite you to join us at training. Come experience the
adrenaline, the challenge, and the joy of working with high-drive dogs—we’d love to meet you!
