What is the DVG? 

DVG stands for Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine, or the German Association of Working Dog Sport Clubs. The DVG is the oldest and largest Schutzhund training organization in the world.  Begun in 1903, the DVG was Germany's first police and service dog club and has now grown to nearly 30,000 members. The DVG exists for only one purpose -- training and titling dogs of all kinds. In addition to Schutzhund and advanced tracking degrees, it offers obedience and tracking titles, providing competition opportunities for all people who love to train dogs, even the smallest of breeds.

DVG is made up of fourteen geographic regions (Landesverbands), thirteen of which are in Germany. The fourteenth is LV DVG America. The American Landesverband is divided into four local regions (Kreisgruppen), whose presidents sit on the LV Board. LV DVG America sends a representative to Germany each year to the annual business meeting to vote on Board and membership affairs.

Visit the DVG-America website by clicking HERE. 

Why is our club a DVG Club? 

The DVG Has High Standards for Selecting Judges

• Once they meet all the experience qualifications, all DVG judges must go through a very extensive apprentice program.
• Future judges must serve as an apprentice at a minimum of 5 trials under several different experienced judges. 
• Future judges must write an extensive report on each trial, which goes to the judge, then to the head judge and then to the head judge in Germany, assuring oversight. 
• Future judges must pass a final written and practical exam administered by the head judge from Germany. 
• Future judges must give a 15 minute talk in front of a panel of judges, on a topic that is chosen for them

The DVG Makes Sure Our Judges are Well Trained and Stay Up-to-Date

• DVG judges are all-breed judges, understanding the different characteristics of each breed and evaluating their performance objectively. 
  
• Once a year the judges meet and have a formal, two-day workshop to discuss new rules and their interpretation. 
• All our Judges are active in the sport; working dogs and competing. 

DVG offers trials at all levels and opportunities to compete internationally

• In addition to club trials, you can compete at Regional trials, the US Championship, and the German Championship. 
  
• First and second place winners of our national championship are automatically qualified to compete in the Germany. 
• championship. Sometimes 3rd and 4th place get to go as well. We cover part of the costs for representing at that event.
• As a member of DVG, everyone is eligible to enter the AWDF Championship where the top several competitors earn spots on the AWDF FCI championship.

• DVG is the ONLY organization that requires its club training directors to have titled a dog and pass a test.