IGP – what does it mean?

If you’ve ever seen a dog competing in an agility competition or taking part in obedience classes, you may be familiar with IGP. This sport is one of the fastest-growing organised dog activities and involves dogs trained to perform specific tasks that require physical strength, speed, coordination and mental alertness. In this blog, we’ll explore exactly what IGP entails, its history, and you’ll also find out how anyone can get involved!

IGP – An Introduction

IGP is a defence dog sport, also known as the Internationale Gebrauchshundprüfung, which tests the obedience and defence skills of working dogs. The sport originated in Germany in the 1920s and has since become an international event.

It consists of three stages: tracking, obedience and defence. The aim of the sport is to test a dog’s ability to perform specific tasks under pressure whilst maintaining a calm demeanour. Dogs must demonstrate a high level of skill in each phase to qualify for competitions or certification.

The IGP system is recognised by many countries in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australia. To take part in IGP, dogs must have a strong drive to work and the ability to focus on their handler. The dog’s physical condition is also taken into account, as it affects how they perform in each phase of the competition.

Dogs that are too young or too old may not be able to compete to the best of their ability. Furthermore, any health issues may affect how well a dog performs during the competition. To ensure fairness amongst all competitors, strict rules are followed throughout the competition. Judges pay close attention to correct technique and precise execution of tasks when assessing each dog’s performance.

IGP – Why is it important?

The IGP system is also regarded as a breed suitability test, which assesses a dog’s physical and mental characteristics to determine its overall ability to work. The results of this test are used to decide whether a particular dog is suitable for carrying out specific duties.

IGP – General Information

To take part in IGP competitions or trials, both handlers and dogs must have specific equipment. For handlers, it is important to wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, such as long trousers, sturdy shoes with good grip, gloves, if needed for carrying objects during tracking or protection exercises, whistles used during obedience exercises, treats used as rewards during training sessions, etc.

IGP Competition – Levels 1–3

The highest level of achievement in IGP sports comes from competing in national championships organised annually across Europe, as well as in other countries around the world, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Japan, China, etc. At these championships, competitors can compete against one another at various levels, ranging from novices to champions. Winners receive prizes such as medals, trophies or certificates, depending on the level achieved.

In addition, special prizes are awarded at certain championships, such as ‘Best In Show’, which is presented at the most prestigious championship events. At the highest level, competitors can qualify to take part in international championships, such as the World Championships and the European Open Championships. These events attract top-class athletes from around the world and are highly competitive. The winners of these championships receive recognition for their outstanding achievements and often become household names within IGP sports.

Summary

In summary, IGP Dog Sport is an exciting and challenging sport that offers dog owners the opportunity to bond with their canine companions whilst taking part in various events and competitions. The equipment required for this type of sport includes protective gear, toys and treats, as well as agility obstacles such as palisade jumps. Competitions can range from local trials right up to championship-level events, where dogs compete against one another at different levels depending on their ability. Whether you’re just starting out or have been competing for years, IGP Dog Sport has something for everyone who loves dogs and wants to get involved in this growing sport!