Igp Dog Training for Beginners and Advanced Handlers

IGP dog training is a highly effective method for teaching dogs to work in harmony with their handlers. This training style is based on the German concept of "Intelligenzprüfung", or intelligence test, which evaluates a dog's problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.

IGP training is not just about teaching tricks, but rather about building a strong partnership between dog and handler. By using positive reinforcement techniques, handlers can encourage their dogs to think for themselves and make decisions in high-pressure situations.

For beginners, IGP training can seem overwhelming, but with patience and consistency, even the most inexperienced handlers can achieve great results. In fact, research has shown that IGP-trained dogs can perform tasks with up to 90% accuracy, making them invaluable companions in various working roles.

IGP dog training is a challenging sport that consists of three phases: obedience, tracking, and protection.

IGP was originally developed as a breed test for the German Shepherd but has grown into a popular sport for all working breeds.

The protection aspect of IGP does not make dogs aggressive to people, as a dog's socialization, training, and genetics determine its inherent character.

IGP is not a gentle hobby and requires a great amount of dedication, time, and consistency.

A dog needs to have the proper genetics and athleticism to work at a high level in IGP.

The team should be directed by an experienced trainer who has trialed multiple dogs to different levels.

The decoy used in protection should have experience to help the dog by creating a challenge without causing it to shut down or develop bad habits.

IGP dog training uses positive reinforcement and clicker training, which means trainers reward good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This approach helps build a strong bond between dog and handler.

Trainers like Joseph Secreti use shaping behaviors to help dogs learn and grow. These intelligent dogs are often able to figure things out quickly, making training a fun and rewarding experience for both dog and handler.

While some trainers may use unethical methods, it's essential to find a reputable and positive reinforcement-based trainer. By doing so, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible training and care.

The BH is a test that evaluates a dog's temperament and obedience before competing in IGP. It's a crucial step in a dog's training journey.

The BH, also known as the Companion Dog Title, includes exercises such as on and off lead heeling, basic commands, recalls, and real-life situations in the public traffic area. These exercises assess a dog's ability to behave in various situations.

To pass the BH, a dog must demonstrate good temperament and obedience skills. This includes responding to commands and behaving calmly in public.

The BH is a prerequisite for IGP titles, making it a significant milestone in a dog's training. It's a testament to a dog's ability to work with its handler in a variety of situations.

Training methods can vary, but they don't have to be cruel. In fact, training involves plenty of positive reinforcement and clicker training, which can be very effective.

Some trainers use shaping behaviors to help dogs work things out for themselves, which is especially useful for highly driven and intelligent breeds. These dogs can pick up skills quickly, making training a breeze.

Using unethical methods is a personal choice, and it shouldn't deter you from getting into a sport you enjoy. Just stick to your values and find a trainer who shares them.

Schutzhund dogs can make great family pets because they're disciplined, handle pressure well, and are calm in noisy environments. They're perfect for families with kids.

Training Techniques can be a make-or-break aspect of IGP dog training. Positive reinforcement and clicker training are used to shape behaviors in these highly driven and intelligent dogs.

Methods such as shaping behaviors are often used as these dogs work things out for themselves very quickly. Training involves plenty of positive reinforcement.

IGP training involves building drive, playing with your dog in obedience, positioning your dog correctly, beginning bite work, and laying and running tracks. This training helps increase your dog's drive for all three phases of the sport.

Discipline and years of training are required to go through the trials of IGP.

On-Lead Heelwork is a crucial aspect of training a dog for Schutzhund and IGP titles. It requires discipline and years of training.

The BH test, a prerequisite for IGP titles, includes on and off lead heeling exercises. This evaluates the dog's temperament and obedience.

Mako, the dog in the example, is working towards his BH title and is doing amazingly well at just eight months old. He's starting to get a tremendous stride on him.

To train on-lead heelwork, it's essential to practice every day, regardless of the weather. There are always new things to teach indoors.

The BH title is a significant milestone in a dog's training journey, and with consistent practice, your dog can achieve it too.

Heelwork is a crucial aspect of dog training, and it requires discipline and patience from both the dog and the handler.

Off-lead heelwork, in particular, demands a lot of enthusiasm and energy from the dog, as seen in the example of Mako, who loves training and pushes into his handler's leg with passion.

To achieve a straight line while walking, it's essential to tone down the dog's enthusiasm and learn to walk in sync.

Practicing heelwork in a controlled environment, such as a garden, can be beneficial for both the dog and the handler.

The 'down at distance' exercise is a great way to work towards the obedience phase, as demonstrated in the article section example.

Walking in a straight line while maintaining a consistent distance between the dog and the handler is a fundamental skill in heelwork.

With consistent practice and patience, both the dog and the handler can develop the skills necessary for successful heelwork.

To compete in IGP dog sport, your dog must first pass the BH test, which involves an obedience test and a temperament test. This test is a crucial step in the process.

The BH test is divided into two parts: part A is the obedience test, and part B is the temperament test. The obedience test assesses your dog's ability to follow commands and behave in a controlled environment.

To pass the BH test, your dog must demonstrate good obedience skills and a calm temperament. This test is a great way to evaluate your dog's potential for IGP training.

IGP dog sport consists of three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection. To earn the title of IGP working dog, your dog must pass all three phases in one trial.

The tracking phase requires your dog to follow a scent trail, find dropped articles, and indicate their locations to you. This phase is a great way to assess your dog's nose and tracking ability.

In the obedience phase, you and your dog work together on a field, performing exercises such as heeling, gun shots, and send outs. Your dog's accuracy and enthusiasm are judged in this phase.

The protection phase is the most challenging part of IGP training. Your dog must learn to defend you and yourself without showing aggression towards a helper who wears a sleeve on their arm.

Lessons are done at the Maximum Canine facility and outdoor fields.

To start training, you'll need to have a dog with the required work drive and basic obedience skills.

You'll need to complete the Introduction to IGP course before moving on to more advanced training.

If you're new to IGP, you'll need to complete the Beginner IGP course or have a dog of the same skill level with trainer approval.

Any breed can participate in Schutzhund as long as the dog is old enough and healthy. Some clubs run breed-specific trials where dogs of a particular breed compete against each other.

The German Shepherd Dog was initially developed for Schutzhund, but many other breeds show an aptitude for it, including Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervueren, Boxers, and Dobermans.

Many breeds can participate in Schutzhund, as long as the dog is old enough and healthy.

The German Shepherd Dog was initially developed for Schutzhund, but other breeds have shown aptitude for it as well.

Some popular breeds that can do IPG (Schutzhund) include Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervueren, Boxers, Briards, Dobermans, Dutch Shepherds, Beauceron, Giant Schnauzers, and Rottweilers.

Other breeds that can participate in Schutzhund include Labrador, Airedale Terrier, American Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Hovawart, and cross breeds.

It's worth noting that any breed can participate in Schutzhund, as long as they meet the basic requirements.

The IGP Training Group in Southwest FL is located in Venice, FL, and is a training group that welcomes handler and dog teams from all three US organizations: DVG, USCA, and AWDF member clubs.

IGP requires a lot of time and commitment, and the group emphasizes the importance of teamwork, encouraging members to attend training regularly and stay for the duration of the session to help support the smooth running of the group.

Many hands make light work, so joining the group means being prepared to pitch in and help out in any way you feel comfortable with.

IGP dog training requires a great deal of dedication, time, and consistency. A dog must have the proper genetics and athleticism to work at such a high level.

The team should be directed by an experienced trainer who has trialed multiple dogs to different levels. This ensures that the trainer can provide the necessary guidance and support to help the dog reach its full potential.

Dogs that are not aggressive to people do not suddenly become aggressive after IGP training; a dog's socialization, training, and genetics determine whether the dog is aggressive.

IGP training is not a gentle hobby and requires a great deal of dedication, time, and consistency.

To succeed in IGP, you'll need a dog with the proper genetics and athleticism to work at a high level. This means finding a dog with the right temperament and drive to excel in the sport.

IGP has three phases: obedience, tracking, and protection. Each phase requires a different set of skills and training.

The protection aspect of IGP does not make dogs aggressive to people. Dogs that are not aggressive to people do not suddenly become aggressive after IGP training.

To effectively train an IGP/Schutzhund dog, you'll want to focus on developing their key characteristics. A stable character is essential, as every dog has strengths, weaknesses, and genetic traits that can impact their behavior and performance.

High trainability is also crucial, as it allows your dog to learn and adapt quickly to new situations and commands. This trait is closely tied to their biddability, or desire to work with and for their handler.

A strong work ethic, characterized by a drive and desire for the work, is also vital for success in IGP/Schutzhund training. This is closely linked to their natural aggression and protective instinct, which can be a valuable asset in certain situations.

Here are the key characteristics you should aim to develop in your IGP/Schutzhund dog:

In IGP dog training, obedience is a crucial aspect that's often woven into the training without the dog even realizing it's part of the protection phase.

We include many obedience pieces in our training, such as heeling, gun shots, and send out exercises, to help our dogs become well-rounded and confident.

A dog's accuracy is judged in the obedience phase, and they should show enthusiasm and interest throughout the exercises.

Our club helper/trainer is an American Schutzhund certified helper, and we work protection twice a month with him to ensure our dogs receive top-level training.

In dog sports, "stand" refers to a specific position where the dog remains still and focused on its handler.

IGP, a German competition sport, involves various exercises, including one where the dog must stand calmly and attentively.

Mako, a lively dog, has mastered the "stand" position, allowing his handler to work on more complex commands and behaviors.

Prevention is better than cure, and in Mako's training, his handler has had to make sure to minimize mistakes, including unwanted behaviors like forgetting to stand.

Barking and bitework can be a fun and rewarding experience for dogs like Mako, who took to it immediately. He loved it so much that he needed no encouragement at all.

IGP/Schutzhund protection phase will likely be a breeze for Mako, given his natural aptitude for barking and bitework.

Obedience training is a crucial part of IGP dog training, and it's not just about following commands. We include many obedience pieces in our training that are also used in the protection phase, without the dog even realizing it.

The key is to pay attention to details, and our club helper/trainer is an American Schutzhund certified helper who helps us work on this aspect. We work protection twice a month with him.

In IGP dog training, obedience is one of the three phases that make up the sport. A dog and its handler work together on a field, performing exercises like heeling, gun shots, and send outs. Dog's accuracy is judged in this phase.

A dog should show enthusiasm and interest in the obedience phase, and it's not just about following commands.