Within the wide range of dog sports, the working dog sport (or IPO) is considered to be one of the oldest. This sport has developed from service dog training to protection work, as it is carried out by the police, customs, and army.
What is meant by working-dog sport?
The sport is known today as “utility dog sport” was formerly known as eventing sport. Since the cynological umbrella organization FCI in 2012 (last changed in 2020) determined a uniform examination regulation with the international examination regulations (IPO), previous national regulations have become obsolete. The sport is divided into three different disciplines, which in turn are divided into three levels of difficulty under the designations FCI-IGP 1-3.
What is utility dog sport?
The utility dog sport has developed from service dog training and consists of three disciplines tracking obedience, and protection work.
Which disciplines belong to the working dog sport?
The training and examination is divided into the following disciplines:
Track work (Division A): Depending on the degree of difficulty, the dog has to work out a track of different lengths and angles within a given time, which was previously laid by the dog handler (IGP 1) or an outsider (IGP 2+3); in addition, several hidden objects must also be indicated along this trail.
Obedience (Section B): The dog must demonstrate its obedience in cooperation with the handler and carry out different commands quickly, precisely, and happily in various exercises; In addition to the basic commands such as sit, down and stay, walking on a leash, retrieving behavior under distraction and over obstacles or laying down from different distances are trained and tested.
Protection service (Department C): The dog searches for and confronts/barks at a suspected attacker, must prevent his attempt to escape, and ward off a mock attack; At the end of the exercise, the dog must be recalled from the exercise by the handler at any time.
A special form is the training and examination for pure tracking dogs (FCI-IFH) – the disciplines B and C are omitted, but the degree of difficulty of pure tracking work is significantly higher compared to IGP 1 and increases within the three test categories IFH1-2 or IGP-FH even further.
Which dogs are suitable for working dog sport?
Above all, dogs that are active, have a strong temperament that happily obey their handler, and shows a good protective instinct are suitable for working dog sports.
What basic commands does the dog need to know?
The prerequisite for participation in an IGP test is always the previously successfully completed companion dog training with a final test (FCI-BH/VT). The judge will check the exact execution of the basic commands such as approaching, sitting, and lying down, also under distraction, as well as walking on a leash or following freely. In addition, the behavior of the dog in public traffic, when meeting groups of people, cyclists, cars, joggers, dogs, or other animals is checked, and even the dog that is temporarily tied up in public traffic and left alone by the dog handler must behave calmly and with a strong personality.
In the working dog test (IGP), exercises such as standing while moving, free jumping over a hurdle, climbing over a sloping wall or sending the dog ahead with lying down on command are also evaluated. Retrieving objects both on the level and over hurdles is also one of the test criteria. The faster, more attentive, and more precise a dog executes the respective commands, the higher the evaluation of the judge.
The exercises in the area of protection work are particularly demanding for dogs and dog handlers. Here the dog has to look for and confront the hidden helper, who plays the attacker, on command but is not allowed to attack him. The handler gives his commands from a distance. If the helper (at the direction of the judge) attempts to escape or attacks the dog directly, the dog must react correctly and appropriately on its own.
Where can I practice working dog sport?
Many dog schools and dog sport clubs offer working dog training courses for dogs and owners.
What does working dog sport do to the dog?
Since dogs have lost many of their original tasks in today’s technological world, dog sport offers a good alternative to challenge and exercise the four-legged friend both physically and mentally. In addition, the joint sporting activity of the dog and owner also promotes the close bond, trust, and good training of the dog to become a well-balanced companion.
Especially in working dog sports, active, active dogs find opportunities to work out. The ability to learn is encouraged, social behavior is strengthened, basic obedience is trained and perfected, and the dog’s self-confidence and nerves of steel are strengthened even in stressful situations.
At what age can the dog start?
According to the FCI test regulations, the minimum age for taking the companion dog test is 12 months, for the working dog test at difficulty level 1 it is 18 months, and at level 3 it is even 20 months. The basic training and slow introduction of the dog to the increased tasks and levels of difficulty starts earlier but should be coordinated with the trainer individually depending on the physical and mental abilities of the dog.
Which dog breeds are particularly suitable?
Dog breeds that have a high need for exercise, good obedience, and a pronounced protective instinct are particularly suitable for this demanding sport. For example, the FCI lists the following breeds under the designation “utility dog”:
- German shepherd dog
- Doberman
- Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
- Beauceron
- Giant Schnauzer
- Hovawart
- Rottweiler
- Boxer
- Bouvier des Flandres
When can you start working on dog sports?
The training begins after the basic training as a companion dog. Dogs are allowed to take a test at the age of 18 months at the earliest.
Equipment and terrain for the perfect start in working dog sport
Since working in dog sports involves a lot of work in the area (e.g. when tracking or in protection work), the area should be large and structured enough to meet these diverse requirements. In the IPO, natural soils such as meadows, fields, or forest soil are recommended as suitable substrates for the tests.
The necessary equipment includes, on the one hand, equipping the dog with appropriate leashes, collars, and harnesses. On the other hand, different objects made of different materials (leather, textile, wood) are required for the tracking work, which the dog must find, as well as hurdles and inclined walls (climbing walls) according to the specifications of the IPO and for the protection service several hiding places for the “attacker”. , safety equipment such as a protective arm and soft stick.
Conclusion: Is my dog suitable for working dog sport?
Training to become a working dog places relatively high demands on the dog and its owner. A dog should be active, healthy, mentally resilient, and self-confident in order to be able to meet all requirements. The dog owner must have in-depth knowledge of dog behavior, as well as train their dog very responsibly and patiently. A poorly or half-heartedly trained, the insecure dog can also become an unpredictable biter.
