IGP is a dog sport that was developed in Germany in the early 1900s as a breed suitability test for the German Shepherd Dog. IGP stands for “International Gebrauchshund Prufung“. This means International Working dog Test.

Today, it is used as a sport where many breeds can compete and is intended to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence, train-ability and utility. As a working trial, IGP measures the dog’s mental stability, endurance, structural efficiency, its ability to scent, willingness to work and courage under duress.

IGP is a competitive sport that concentrates on three parts:

1. Tracking
2. Obedience
3. Character Work

 

 

Many familiar with the obedience work of the Australian Kennel Club’s affiliates will recognize the first two parts, tracking and obedience. The IGP standards for the third part, usually described as the character work, are similar to tests used for proofing police dogs.

This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler’s ability to train and the dog’s ability to perform as required. It is a sport enjoyed by people from various backgrounds, who join together in a camaraderie born out of their common interest in working with their dogs. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy IGP as a sport. Often it is a family sport.