Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following is a list of frequently asked questions. Please review the list of questions ... hopefully we can answer your question(s) and direct you to what you need!

United Schutzhund Clubs of America
3810 Paule Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63125-1718

Tel: (314) 638-9686     Fax: (314) 638-0609
You can call the office from 10am-4pm (Central Time)

Membership
Trainers
Clubs
Events
Scorebooks
A Stamp (Hip Ratings)
USA Magazine

Membership

  1. How do I become a USA member?
    The form and information are found at: Membership Forms
    At this time, you can either:
    1. Call the USA office (314-638-9686) with a MasterCard or Visa and the office can process your membership over the phone.
    2. Print out the membership application found on the website and either fax to the USA office 314-638-0609 with a MasterCard/Visa or mail the application to the USA office along with a check.
  2. How long does it take to become a USA member?
    The USA office processes memberships within 48 hours after receipt.
  3. I lost my membership card, how do I get another one?
    E-mail the USA office with your name and address and request a replacement membership card. There is no charge for a new member card. The email is usaoffice@germanshepherddog.com
  4. What is a youth membership?
    A youth membership is for anyone 21 years of age or under. The fee is $12.00. All youth members receive their own Schutzhund USA magazine.
  5. What does the star mean on the youth membership card?
    All youth memberships come with a star on their card. By showing your membership card at any USA national event, this entitles you to free entrance.
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Trainers

  1. How do I get a list of USA trainers?
    USA does not provide a list of trainers. Please contact a club in your region for information on trainers in your area. The club list is by region and can be found at List of USA Clubs
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Clubs

  1. Where is a club in my region?
    All USA clubs and contacts can be located on the USA website under Info/Club list. List of USA Clubs
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Events

  1. How do I find a trial, show or breed survey in my area?
    All USA events can be found on the USA website at List of USA Events
  2. I'm the trial secretary. What do I need to do?

    The trial secretary is an important link in the trialing and titling process. The secretary must insure all the paperwork is complete and correct when it is sent to the USA office. We have an on-line tutorial on how to correctly handle the USA trial forms.

    The tutorial is about 30 minutes long. You will need to have the Flash plug-in available on your computer to play it. Most browsers already have this installed.

    Click here to view the tutorial.

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Scorebooks

  1. Where can I get the form for a scorebook?
    Forms and information for scorebooks are found at Forms
  2. How do I order a scorebook?
    1. You must be a current USA member to obtain a USA scorebook. In conjuction with the other working dog organizations in the United States, USA uses the AWDF scorebook.
    2. Fill out a scorebook order form and send to the USA office by fax or by mail.
    3. If you are getting a scorebook for your German Shepherd or other registered breed, you must include a copy of the dog’s registration showing you as the current owner.
  3. How do I order a mixed breed scorebook or a scorebook for a dog without papers?
    You can call the USA office with a MasterCard or Visa or you can fill out the scorebook order form and fax or mail to the USA. If your dog does not have papers, it is important to put MIX on the scorebook application.
  4. How long does it take to get a scorebook?
    Scorebooks are processed within 48 hours after receipt at the USA office.
  5. Can I get a scorebook sent priority mail to me?
    1. Yes. The request must be received by 12 noon CST.
    2. When requesting that a scorebook be sent by priority mail or overnight …
      1. Fax the scorebook order form along with a cover letter requesting your scorebook to be sent priority mail.
      2. USA uses the services of Federal Express and USPS Express Mail. The USA office always releases the signature so that the package is left at the door.
      3. There will be an additional charge to cover the cost of expedited mailing.
  6. I have a scorebook from another country/organization; how do I get the book recognized by USA?
    1. Send the original book, along with a copy of the dog’s registration and the scorebook fee to the USA office.
    2. All scorebooks are certified within 48 hours after receipt of the scorebook.
    3. The scorebooks are returned back to the owner by certified mail.
    4. USA does not recognize WDA books, nor does USA certify WDA books.
  7. Do I have to be a USA member in order to get a scorebook certified?
    1. No. USA offers the service to non-members as well as USA members.
  8. Do I need to fill out a scorebook application for a certified book?
    It is not necessary to fill out the form as long as you send a copy of the dog’s registration along with the book.
  9. Do I have to obtain a scorebook in order to participate in a trial?
    Yes, you need a scorebook in order to trial.
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A-Stamp (Hip Ratings)

  1. How do I obtain an “a” Stamp on my dog?
    Please see the a-stamp certification program on the website at A-Stamp Program
  2. Is there a form that I need to fill out?
    No. There are no forms needed. Please see the a-stamp certification program on the website at A-Stamp Program
  3. What do I need to do if all the required information is not exposed on the plate?
    A letter from the veterenarian, on the their office letterhead, verifying all the information will be needed if the information is not listed on the plate of the x-ray.
  4. How long does it take to get my a-stamp results?
    Once the USA office receives the x-rays, they are processed and sent to Germany. On average, it takes 8-10 weeks for the results.
  5. Is there a time frame for submitting the x-rays once the x-rays are taken?
    No. As long as the x-rays were taken when the dog was 12 months of age or older.
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USA Magazine

  1. How do I place an advertisement in the Schutzhund USA magazine?
    Information for placing an advertisement can be found on the website at USA Magazine Ads or in the back of each of the SchH USA magazines.
    Contacts for the SchH USA Magazine
    Cheryl Morris – Art Director
    Jennifer Acevedo – Magazine
    USA Office Manager
  2. How do I submit an article for the SchH USA magazine?
    Contact Jennifer Acevedo, the magazine chair for submission of articles. All articles are welcomed and appreciated.
  3. What do I need to know when writing an article?
    The USA magazine staff has created a set of guidelines that cover deadlines, copy requirements, your contact information and photos.
    (Click Here to view the guidelines)
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