Tracking · Phase A
The dog follows a human-laid scent track with focus and accuracy, negotiating turns and indicating articles along the way.
Tracking • Obedience • Protection
What Is Schutzhund / IGP?
A three-phase working dog sport that tests tracking ability, obedience, confidence, courage and control.
The Sport
IGP is about much more than protection.
Schutzhund is a German word meaning “Guardian dog,” but the sport asks far more of a dog-and-handler team. Originally developed to evaluate potential breeding stock, Schutzhund—now commonly called IGP—has grown into a sport enjoyed by dedicated hobby handlers and international competitors alike.
Above all, IGP is a team sport. Dog and handler must work together with accuracy, trust and harmony. The training is challenging, but it can build an exceptional working relationship and a confident, obedient, well-rounded dog.
Obedience · Phase B
The team demonstrates heeling, positions, recalls, retrieves, steadiness and control while working under trial pressure.
Protection · Phase C
The dog shows confidence, courage and commitment while remaining clear-headed, responsive and under the handler’s control.
A Complete Evaluation
Trainability, temperament and teamwork.
IGP places structured demands on a dog’s temperament, nerve, physical ability and willingness to work. A successful dog must be mentally stable, self-confident and capable of performing detailed tasks both independently and in close cooperation with the handler.
Each of the three phases is worth up to 100 points. To earn an IGP title, the team must achieve qualifying scores in tracking, obedience and protection during the same trial. IGP offers three progressively more difficult title levels: IGP 1, IGP 2 and IGP 3.
The result of thoughtful training is not simply a score. The process develops concentration, problem-solving ability, athleticism, responsiveness and a strong bond between dog and handler.
Before IGP
The BH-VT companion-dog test.
Before attempting an IGP 1 title, a dog must first pass the BH-VT. This pass-or-fail evaluation combines fundamental obedience with a temperament and traffic-sureness test.
Obedience
The routine includes on-leash and off-leash heeling, a group exercise, sit and down exercises, a recall and a long down under distraction.
Temperament
The dog must remain approachable and stable without displaying inappropriate fear, nervousness or aggression around people and other dogs.
Traffic Sureness
The evaluation may expose the dog to everyday situations involving pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, vehicles and brief separation from the handler.
Phase A
Tracking tests independent, methodical work.
A track is laid on a natural surface such as grass or dirt and allowed to age for a prescribed period. Depending on the title level, the track becomes longer and more complex, with changes of direction and multiple small articles placed along the route.
The handler follows behind the dog on a 10-meter line. The dog must work from the start to the finish with a deep nose, accurately follow the straights and corners, and clearly indicate the articles—commonly by lying down with the article between the front paws.
This phase evaluates scenting ability, concentration, trainability, problem solving and the dog’s ability to sustain careful work without continuous help from the handler.
Phase B
Obedience combines precision, drive and control.
The obedience phase includes off-leash heeling, work through a group, positions taken from motion, recalls and a long down while another team works nearby. The dog must respond to voice commands and remain engaged despite distractions.
At the appropriate title levels, the routine also includes retrieves with wooden dumbbells on the flat, over a one-meter hurdle and over a climbing wall. The send-away exercise asks the dog to run straight away from the handler and promptly lie down when commanded.
A gunshot-sureness test is part of the routine. Together, the exercises evaluate the dog’s nerves, athletic ability, structural soundness, trainability and willingness to accept direction from the handler.
Phase C
Protection is control under intense pressure.
In the protection phase, the dog works with a specially trained helper wearing protective equipment. The routine includes directed searches of blinds, a bark-and-hold, prevention of an escape, defense exercises and controlled transports.
Correct protection work requires confidence, a full and calm grip, immediate responses to the handler’s commands and a clean release when instructed. The dog must distinguish between moments that require engagement and moments that require restraint.
This phase evaluates courage, nerve, commitment and the ability to remain clear-headed. Dogs that are dangerously aggressive, out of control or unable to handle pressure cannot succeed in the work.
Responsible Training
Correct foundations matter.
Schutzhund is not a shortcut and it is not casual backyard bite work. It rewards patience, consistency, clear handling, correct foundations and respect for the dog in front of you.
RVSC is best suited for handlers who want to learn, show up consistently, support other members and develop their dog through tracking, obedience and protection in a responsible club setting.
- Training built around the individual dog and handler
- Emphasis on safety, control and sportsmanship
- Progressive development across all three phases
- A club environment where members help one another improve
Have questions?
Tell us about your dog and your training goals.
Contact the club before coming out so we can point you in the right direction and help you understand what to bring.