Does IGP make a dog aggressive?
No. The protection phase is a highly structured gripping game on a sleeve, in which control matters more than the grip itself. A dog that does not release on command is eliminated from the examination, not rewarded.
Obedience and working disciplines
IGP
Three sports in one: tracking, obedience and protection, all on the same day, with the same dog. It is the benchmark examination for working dogs and probably the hardest canine discipline there is.
About the discipline
What IGP is
IGP - Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfung - was called IPO until recently, and Schutzhund before that. It is the discipline that defined the idea of a working dog in European cynology.
It consists of three separately scored phases: tracking (section A), obedience (B) and protection (C). Each is worth 100 points, and the team must pass a minimum threshold in all three.
The protection phase is worked exclusively with an equipped helper, within a strictly regulated sporting framework. It has nothing to do with aggression: the dog works on a sleeve, on command, and must release the moment it is asked.
How it works in practice
The three phases, briefly
- Tracking: the dog follows a track laid on the ground, with corners and articles to indicate
- articles found are indicated by lying down or sitting
- Obedience: heelwork, positions from movement, retrieve on the flat and over a jump
- send-away and group stay, with distractions
- Protection: searching the blinds for the helper
- gripping the sleeve on command, and releasing immediately
- escorting the helper and handing him over to the judge
- absolute control of the dog throughout
Without flawless control in phase C the team does not pass, however good the other two phases are.
Which dogs it suits
- dogs from working lines, healthy and balanced
- teams prepared to train for several years
- handlers working in a club, with a qualified helper
- dogs with strong nerves that settle quickly
This is not a discipline you start on your own. The protection phase requires a club and a trained helper.
What you need
- membership of a specialised club
- tracking equipment: harness and long line
- regulation retrieve articles
- the dog's papers and performance book
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about IGP
Why was it called IPO?
It is the same discipline, renamed. Schutzhund became IPO, and since 2019 it has been called IGP. You will come across all three names, especially in older texts.
Can IGP be done with any breed?
In theory yes, in practice most are German shepherds, malinois, rottweilers or dobermanns. The physical and temperamental demands of the protection phase naturally narrow the field.
The rule figures on this page come from FCI - International Utility Dog Regulations (IGP), 2025. Rules change and federations differ - always check the rulebook of the competition you are entering.
From the same category
Related sports
Mondioring
Obedience, jumps and protection exercises in a themed setting.
Belgian Ring
A Belgian discipline with obedience, jumps and protection.
French Ring
A French sport with obedience, jumps and protection.
KNPV
The Dutch programme for working and selecting utility dogs.
We do not run IGP
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.