What are IPO and IGP?
IGP, formerly known as IPO, is a canine sport combining tracking, obedience and protection work. It requires concentration, balance, physical preparation and good communication between dog and handler.
Originally, the purpose of the discipline was to determine which dogs had the genuine working ability required for breeding. Growing demand for dogs with these qualities led to organised tests and specialised training. At first these were working dogs used by police, border patrols, customs, the military and professional protection services. As the sport developed, more people began taking part simply for the enjoyment of the discipline and the bond it creates with their dogs.
How is IPO / IGP practised?
IPO is a sport made up of three sections and several levels.
Each dog must complete aTracking Test, carried out on ploughed land, crops or grass, anObedience Testand aProtection Test.
- Tracking, requires the dog to follow a track over mixed terrain, including changes of direction, and indicate it with a high degree of accuracy. This tests concentration and tracking ability. Difficulty increases through levels I, II and III in terms of distance, layout, ageing time and changes of direction.
- Obedience. The dog must perform a series of exercises from the handler with agility and enthusiasm. IPO/IGP gives this phase its own characteristic style. The dog must, for example, heel on the handler’s left while maintaining attention. Sit, down and stay exercises are also performed, and some work may take place under the sound of a firearm. The dog retrieves dumbbells of different weights on the flat and over obstacles. Another exercise requires the dog to run straight towards the handler on command and lie down promptly on a second cue.
To finish, the dog remains lying down at a distance from the handler without becoming distracted while another dog performs the obedience routine. - Protection. Absolute control by the handler is essential. The dog searches a series of blinds for a hidden helper and, once found, indicates and guards the person while the handler approaches. If the helper attempts to escape or attack the handler, the dog must pursue and hold the helper by the protected arm until the handler gives the release command, which the dog must obey immediately.
When a dog successfully completes the first test, it earns the gradeIPO I, and can then progress gradually toIPO III, always through official trials judged by a qualified judge.
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