Schutzhund or IPO is known today as IGP (International Gebrauchshund Prufung) which translate to International Working / Practical Dog Test. IGP is a challenging three part sport (tracking, obedience and protection) which was originally designed as a breed test for the German Shepherd, and has grown in to a popular sport, as well as continuing to function as a breed test for many reputable German Shepherd breeders. The origins of Schutzhund is based in Germany.
The sport of Schutzhund is open to dogs of all working breeds, including mixed breeds if they can do the work. Traditionally, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Boxers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Airedales, Bouviers, and Giant Schnauzers have been the most common, with the German Shepherd dogs outnumbering them all. Dog/handler teams from all over the world compete for degrees. Each level is increasingly more difficult to earn (SchH1 to SchH2 then to SchH3 degree). Available also are an Endurance certificate (AD), advanced Tracking Degree (FH1 and FH2), and Police Dog degrees for service handlers and others.
Today the exercises have changed slightly and, depending on the Schutzhund degree, consist of the following:
Tracking
The dog must retrace the path of a person (300-600 paces with 2-4 turns) after 20-60 minutes have elapsed and be able to find 3 lost articles, regardless of weather conditions.
Obedience
The dog must follow the handler’s orders to heel both on and off leash, jump, retrieve, retrieve over a 6 foot wall, and send away. The dog must not be intimidated by any distractions, including the sound of a gun or a group of strangers milling about.
Protection and Obedience under a Conflict Situation
The dog must, without handler assistance, respond properly in critical situations like finding and warning its handler of a hidden person, preventing an assault on his handler, and stopping the villain from escaping. The dog must distinguish between a harmless bystander and a potentially dangerous person. He must display courage but restraint on his own when the agitator gives up.
IGP/Schutzhund Titles
- BH – basic obedience and temperament test (a pre-requisite test to attain IPO titles or part titles below)
- IGP1 (SchI / IPO1) – first level
- IGP2 (SchII / IPO2) – second level
- IGP3 (SchIII / IPO3) – top level
- GPr1-3 – (SchA / IPOA) – obedience and protection only
- UPr1-3 – separate obedience titles
- FPr1-3 – separate tracking titles
- IFH1,2, IGP FH – advanced tracking titles
- AD – endurance test (for Breed Survey)
- Kkl – Breed Survey