Schutzhund/IPO/IGP
Schutzhund was founded shortly after the development of the German Shepherd breed and the foundation of the S.V.. Captain Max von Stephanitz wanted way to test and select German Shepherd dogs for breeding to produce the best suited for work. They developed the three phases of the test, Tracking, Obedience and Protection. The phases were chosen to test the characteristics that a quality German Shepherd Dog should show. The temperament is closely observed and made not of in each of the three phases.
In tracking the the dog should follow a track laid by someone and “indicate” to objects (articles)that are placed along the trail. The dog must be fully focused on the track, searching each footstep, playing close attention to the track, following all the the turns it may take , stopping to indicate articles that are placed on the track and then waiting for the handler to retrieve the article and then waiting for a verbal command to begin tracking again. Tracking is used to test the dogs ability to scent, their trainability (as schutzhund style tracking is not the most “natural” style of tracking), their endurance, ability to concentrate and the dogs ability to tune out outside forces (cross tracks from animals, wind breeze, and noise).
In obedience the dog is to heel with added factors such as gunfire and through a group of people. Then there are added elements such as sitting, lying down, or doing a stand while the handler keeps moving. The dog is to come quickly when recalled to a front position. There is a dumbell retrieve portion where it must be retrieved over a hurdle measured at 1 meter, over a wall (or now known as the A-Frame) and just a flat retrieve with no added obstacle, the dog is to move quickly with determination and agility. The next exercise is known as the send out, where the dog must run out as fast as they can until the handler commands the dog to stop and the dog is to lay down immediately. While doing obedience there is a second dog on the field performing what is known as the long down, the dogs are to remain calm and not break the position while another dog performs the above exercises. Obedience is used to test and demonstrate the dogs trainability, their endurance, the dogs willingness to work with the handler, how agile the dog is and as with tracking the dogs over all temperament.
The final phase is protection, when you think Schutzhund this is the phase that comes to mind. The dog starts with a blind search (1 blind for IGP1, 3 for IGP 2 and 6 for IGP 3). Once the helper is found the dog is to hold him there with barking until the handler approaches. Next comes a series of apprehensions where the dog stops the helper while fleeing, attacking and a series of transports where the dog walks obediently and attentively with the helper as well as the handler. The final exercise is the long bite where the dog charges the helper while the helper is challenging the dog. With all bites in this phase the dog is to out when commanded quickly and cleanly. This phase tests the qualities that should be seen in working dogs, and in that of a proper German Shepherd Dogs, and that dogs should be bred. While the first two phases are very important and used to test the dogs, these qualities can be taught to most dogs, where as the protection phase is unique. It tests the dogs power, nerve strength, courage. the drive to fight, aggression, prey drive, agility, strength. stamina, and agility. If a dog shows weakness or faulty temperament in any of these phases typically should not be used or recommended for breeding.
While many enthusiasts still utilize schutzhund as a breed suitability test, its now more used as a sport for us to train, connect and have fun with our dogs. Schutzhund (formally IPO and now IGP)is still a highly specialized and competitive sport. When you start your schutzhund journey you will quickly realize it is as much of a challenge for you as the handler as it is for your dog. You as the handler have to have the drive and crave the knowledge to want to succeed. The sport has changed over the course of time but it is still amazing that we still come together to test our dogs abilities and preserve what the German Shepherd dog should be. You will now see other breeds participating in the sport such as Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, Border Collies, Standard Poodles, German Short Haired Pointers, Dalmatians and so many more! Just always remember to have fun and enjoy all the little moments moments with your dog!
