IGP is a dog sport adopted by working-dog breed organisations for the well-being of such dogs owned by civilians
The aim of IGP is to highlight the dog's characteristics and identify its suitability to use for producing the next generation of working dogs.
The Origin of IGP Dogsport
The sport of IGP (International Prüfung Ordning) took its roots in Germany it the early 1900s. It was originally developed as a means to assess dogs' working abilities, intelligence and endurance. The world union of GSD (Weltunion der Schäferhunde (WUSV) was formed in 1968 by11 countries who aimed to promote international co-operation and to conserve uniformity of the breed. Today, more than 90 countries are affiliated with WUSV. The first WUSV World Championship was held in 1998 and represents one of the largest highlights in the international working German Shepherd. In 2004 SV and FCI agreed to one set of IGP Rules.
(click for link to the FCI IGP Rules & Regulations).
IGP is a sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and of varied professions who join together in camaraderie born of their common interest in working with their dogs.
Often it is a family sport. While dog of other breeds also actively participate in the sport of IGP, the test was developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog to identify dogs that have (or not) the desired character traits: a strong desire to work, courage, intelligence, trainability, strong bond to the handler, protective instinct and sense of smell. The sport also tests for physical traits such as strength, endurance and agility.
The FCI IGP Rule book is available here.
A "Condensed Summary" is available here.
Download a free copy of the WGSDCA BH Booklet: here.
The IGP trained dog is not only more robust and healthier than inactive dogs, but also generally more balanced in their character as it is the nature of the breed to want to be challenged and stimulated.
The IGP Dog
A completely healthy, capable and sound dog is a requirement for IGP training.
Character traits such as self-confidence, drive predisposition (not to be confused with aggression) and pleasure in working must be a distinctive feature in the dog. Neither the training as a working dog nor the sport itself present a danger to others.
IGP is a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating working traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners. The joy of the dogs in working with their handlers is evident to anyone who attends an IGP trial. Character traits such as self-confidence, drive predisposition (not to be confused with aggression) and pleasure in working must be a distinctive feature in the dog. The IGP trained dog is not only more robust and healthier than inactive dogs, but also generally more balanced in their character as it is the nature of the breed to want to be challenged and stimulated. Neither the training as a working dog nor the sport itself present a danger to others.
The Sleeve Work - misunderstood discipline
Biting is integral to a dog's natural social behaviour. Aggressiveness is not tolerated nor trained.
The Sleeve Work demonstrates sound character, train-ability and a dog that obeys command under high stimuli.
This is important as it reveals a trustworthy and mentally sound dog.
We want that because such dogs are confident dogs. Such dogs are safer dogs.
To get an IGP title, the dog must pass 3 different disciplines
Each discipline is judged on a 100-point scale. Minimum passing score is 70 point for each discipline
(A) Tracking
The dog must retrace the path of a person (300-800 paces with 2-4 turns) after 20-60 minutes have elapsed and be able to find 2-3 lost articles.
(B) Obedience
Includes heeling, gun shots, sit, down, call-ins, retrievals, jumps, send-away. The dog is judged on attitude/level of enthusiasm and accuracy.
(C) Sleeve Work
A person wearing a padded sleeve helps with this discipline. (The Helper). The dog has to run hides to find the Helper. There are several simulated situations where the dog must show an ability to obey command. Inappropriate aggression will lead to disqualification.