IGP
Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung
IGP ( Previously Schutzhund and IPO) was developed for German Shepherds to determinate which dog had the best working ability for breeding. Now accepting multiples breeds, the sport test the courage, the intelligence, working capacities, etc.
The sport is divided into 3 sections: tracking, obedience and protection
IGP TRACKING
The dog must follow a scent precisely over a certain distance. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 10 meter leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws. The tracking phase is intended to test the dog’s trainability and ability to scent, as well as its mental and physical endurance.
IGP OBEDIENCE
This includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog’s temperament, structural efficiencies, and, very importantly, its willingness to serve its owner.
IGP PROTECTION
The protection phase tests the dog’s courage, physical strength, and agility. The handler’s control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The decoy is transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind and later at the decoy’s right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation. The final test of courage occurs when the decoy is asked to come out of a hiding place by the dog’s handler from the opposite end of the trial field. The dog is sent after the decoy who is threatening the dog with a stick and charging at the handler. All grips during the protection phase are expected to be firmly placed on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to assure that the dog possesses the proper temperament for breeding.
IGP Titles
BH-VT (mandatory test)
Basic Obedience and Temperament test (a pre-requisite test to attain IPO titles or part titles below)
IGP 1
First level - The dog must be at least 18 months old and pass an initial temperament test by the judge. In tracking, it must be able to follow a track laid by its handler at least 20 minutes earlier. Â In obedience, the dog must heel off leash, demonstrate the walking sit, the walking down, and the long down under distraction, as well as the send-out. It must retrieve on the flat and over a hurdle, and over the scaling wall. Â In the protection phase, the dog must search 2 blinds, perform escape and courage test exercises, and demonstrate a side transport.
IGP 2
Second level - The dog must be at least 19 months old and must already have earned its IPO 1 degree. In tracking, the IPO 2 candidate must be able to follow a track laid by a stranger at least 30 minutes earlier.
It must again pass all of the obedience and protection tests required for the IPO 1 degree, but those tests, for IPO 2, are made more difficult and require greater endurance, agility, and, above all, control. There is an additional walking stand exercise required in obedience. Â In protection, the dog must search 4 blinds and demonstrate a back transport of the decoy in addition to the IPO exercises.
IGP 3
Top level - The dog must be at least 20 months old and must have earned both the IPO 1 and the IPO 2 titles. Again, the tests now are made far more difficult. The track has four turns, compared with two turns for IPO 1 and 2, and there are three objects, rather than two, that must be found by the dog. Â The track must be laid by a stranger and be at least 60 minutes old. Â All exercises in obedience and protection are demonstrated off leash. The walking stand is replaced by the running stand. The picture of obedience, strength, eagerness, and confidence presented by an excellent IPO 3 team is a beautiful illustration of the partnership of human and dog.
AD
A 12.5 mile endurance test. The endurance test is intended to provide proof that the dog is capable of a physical effort,
without considerable fatigue shown subsequently. The dogs structure and physical condition
must be able to hold up throughout the requirements of the entire examination. The
examination places increased demands on the body and internal organs, especially the heart
and lungs. But also examines other properties, such as temperament and hardness. The
effortless management of the performance must be seen as proof of the physical health and the
presence of the required drives.
Before the test starts, the identity of the dog must be verified.
Tracking 1-3 (FPr 1-3)
The tracking examinations in levels 1 to 3 consist only of the "A" Phase of the corresponding
examination Levels of IGP-1 to 3.
Obedience 1 – 3 (UPr 1 – 3)
The Obedience examinations in levels 1 to 3 consist only of the "B" Phase of the corresponding
examination Levels of IGP-1 to 3.
GPr 1-3Â Working Dog Test
(same as IGP but without Tracking Phase)
The GPr 1 - 3 examinations only consist of Phases B and C of the corresponding examination
Levels of IGP 1 - 3. Track work is not shown during these examinations.
Article Indication Trial 1 – 3 (StP 1 – 3)
The dog is taken off leash for the indication work. The handler moves within the imaginary center line. He may only leave this to retrieve the
article. Thereafter the dog is restarted from the center line to locate the remaining article(s). Articles must be convincingly indicated and may not be touched by the dog. The articles
may be indicated by sitting, standing or lying down or in varying styles.