What does IGP stand for in dogs? - briefly
"IGP" stands for "Internationale Gebrauchshund Prüfung," which is an international working dog test in the sport of Schutzhund and IPO. This acronym is used to describe a series of trials designed to evaluate the temperament, obedience, tracking, and protection skills of dogs, particularly German Shepherds.
What does IGP stand for in dogs? - in detail
In the context of dogs, particularly within the world of working and sporting breeds, the acronym "IGP" stands for International Gebrauchshund Prüfung. This term is of German origin and translates roughly to "International Utility Dog Test." The IGP trial is designed to evaluate a dog's abilities in various areas that are essential for service and working dogs, such as tracking, obedience, and protection work.
The International Gebrauchshund Prüfung was developed by the German Shepherd Dog Club (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, or SV) to assess the versatility and effectiveness of police, military, and other working dogs. The trial consists of three phases:
-
Tracking Phase: In this phase, the dog must follow a scent trail laid by a person, typically over varying terrains and with age-related challenges. This test evaluates the dog's ability to track and follow a human scent, which is crucial for search and rescue or police work.
-
Obedience Phase: This phase assesses the dog's basic obedience skills, including heeling on and off leash, sitting, staying, coming when called, and down stays in motion. It also includes more advanced exercises such as retrieving over a jump and directed retrieves. The obedience test is designed to ensure that the dog can reliably follow commands from its handler in various situations.
-
Protection Phase: The final phase evaluates the dog's protective instincts and control under stress. This includes exercises such as guarding an object or area, defending against a decoy (a person simulating an attack), and showing courage and tenacity in the face of distractions. It is important that the dog demonstrates both controlled aggression and a strong bond with its handler during this phase.
The IGP trial is not merely a competition but a rigorous evaluation tool used to ensure that working dogs possess the necessary skills and temperament for their intended roles. Breeds commonly involved in IGP training include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, and other breeds known for their intelligence, agility, and trainability.
In summary, IGP is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure the working capabilities of dogs across tracking, obedience, and protection disciplines, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles in various professional settings.