Training

TRAINING COURSE

IGP Or IPO Training

Tracking Test

  • This test requires the dog to track footsteps over mixed terrain, change direction and show absolute accuracy and commitment to finding the track.
  • It must also find dropped articles and indicate their locations to the handler.
  • Often this is done under less than ideal circumstances with difficult cover, bad weather conditions, and an aged track.
  • Many find tracking to be the most satisfying experience in training when only the handler and dog are working together.
  • It is certainly the most peaceful part of IGP.

Obedience Test

  • This test is based on the command "Heel", both on and off-leash. The commands such as Sit, Down, and Stand are also done when the dog is moving.
  • But IGP applies its own style to this work.
  • Some exercises require the dog to work under the noise of a firing gun.
  • In addition to the normal dumbbell retrieval, the dog must retrieve over a one-meter jump and a six-foot "A" - Frame.
  • The commands: Down stays and a long send away to conclude the test.

Protection Training

  • The final test is the Protection test. The most important point to understand when watching a protection routine is the relationship between dog and handler.
  • The dog must never bite the trial helper unless either the dog or the handler is attacked. Then it must attack fully and without hesitation. But here the real difference becomes apparent.
  • The dog must stop biting on the command of the handler and guard the trial helper without further aggression.
  • Often people confuse IGP protection training with a police dog or personal protection work.
  • The IGP dog is capable of the feats of never being aggressive except under those specific situations it is trained to face, and even then it must always be under the absolute control of the handler.

  • IGP and previously as IPO is a dog sport that tests a dog's tracking, obedience, and protection skills, and evaluates if a dog has the appropriate traits and characteristics of a good working dog.

  • IGP started at the beginning of this century as a test for working dogs.

  • Its initial purpose was to determine which dogs could be used for breeding and which had the true working ability.

  • The growing demand for working dogs made more sophisticated tests and training necessary. 

  • These dogs were needed for police training, border patrol, customs, military, and herding.

  • IGP tests have three specific tests of a dog's training and behavior - Tracking Test, Obedience Test, Protection Test.