The dog follows a human scent track and finds articles left along it.
IGP and Schutzhund training
IGP and Schutzhund training: the sport, the phases and how to start
IGP, formerly known as Schutzhund, is a dog sport that tests tracking, obedience and protection, and was developed to prove the temperament and working ability of breeding dogs. It is popular with German Shepherds, Malinois and other working breeds. K9PN refers people to experienced IGP trainers and clubs. We do not train dogs.
- Tracking, obedience and protection phases
- Free to request, takes about two minutes
- A professional contacts you. K9PN does not train dogs
Find an IGP trainer or clubTell us about you and your dog, or the dog you want. Include your ZIP code so we can match you with a professional who serves your area.K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. By submitting a request you agree that K9PN and a participating trainer may contact you about it by phone, text or email. Message and data rates may apply. See our Privacy Policy.
Key takeaways
- IGP (formerly Schutzhund) is a sport with tracking, obedience and protection phases.
- Sport and personal protection training have different goals.
- Visit a club and watch a session before you commit.
The three phases
What an IGP trial tests
A dog is scored on all three phases in one trial.
Heeling, sits, downs, retrieves and a send-out, scored for precision and attitude.
The dog finds, holds and bites a helper, with a controlled, clean release on command.
How K9PN works
A referral service, not a seller
What you can expect when you send a request.
K9PN does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to an experienced professional who serves your area.
Our guides list what to ask any seller or trainer: health tests, contracts, training and aftercare.
It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
By K9PN · Founded by Mike Leal, Army Ranger veteran and dog trainer · Reviewed October 2026
What is IGP and how is it different from Schutzhund?
IGP stands for Internationale Gebrauchshund-Prüfung ("international working dog test"). The sport was long called Schutzhund (German for "protection dog") and later IPO; the name was changed to IGP in the international rules. It began in Germany in the early 20th century to test German Shepherds for breeding.
Today, trials are held by clubs and national organizations around the world. In the United States, several organizations run IGP trials, so ask a club which one it belongs to.
IGP titles and levels
Dogs usually work through levels, commonly called IGP 1, IGP 2 and IGP 3, with higher levels being harder. Many clubs also require a companion dog test (a BH) before a dog can compete, which checks basic obedience and stability around people and traffic. Rules and prerequisites are set by each organization, so check current requirements with the club.
Is IGP good preparation for personal protection?
IGP builds control, drive and a clean out, which are all useful, but it is a sport. A sport dog is trained to work with a helper in a specific routine, and that is not the same as a dog trained for real-world personal protection. Many handlers do both; others keep the two separate. A good trainer will explain the difference. See personal protection training and other sports.
Best breeds for IGP
German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans and other working breeds compete. Working-line dogs usually have more drive than show-line dogs. See the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois guides.
What to look for in a club or trainer
- Experienced decoys (helpers) and a clear safety culture.
- A welcome for beginners, and a plan for puppies and young dogs.
- Fair, humane methods. Ask to watch a session first.
- Clear information on which organization it competes in and what trials it hosts.
- Honest advice on whether your dog has the drive and temperament for the sport.
How K9PN matches you with a IGP or protection sport professional
K9PN is not a marketplace where anyone can pay to be listed, and we do not sell dogs. We refer people to experienced, independent professionals and look at the things that decide whether a working dog turns out safe and reliable in real life:
- Real working-dog experience. How long they have trained or placed protection, sport or police-style dogs, and whether the person who trains your dog is the experienced one.
- Stability before bite work. Good programs start with a sound temperament, clean obedience and control, and only then add protection work. A dog that is only intense is not a protection dog, it is a liability.
- Transparency. You can see the dogs, the facility and the training, meet the parents or the dog's working history, and get a written contract.
- Handoff and support. Handler training for you and your family, and follow-up after the dog comes home. The dog is only half the system.
- Legal and insurance awareness. Honest advice about liability, local rules and what the dog is and is not trained to do.
Read our guide to buying a protection dog for the questions to ask any seller or trainer.
A note on the law and your responsibility
This page is general information, not legal, insurance or veterinary advice. Dog laws, breed rules and liability differ by state, county and city, and by your lease, HOA and insurer, so check them before you buy.
Common questions
What does IGP stand for?
Internationale Gebrauchshund-Prüfung, or international working dog test. It was formerly called Schutzhund and IPO.
Is Schutzhund the same as IGP?
Yes, essentially. Schutzhund is the older name for the same sport, which includes tracking, obedience and protection.
Can a pet dog do IGP?
A stable, driven, healthy dog from a suitable breed can start, but not every dog has the drive or temperament. A club can evaluate your dog.
Is Schutzhund cruel?
Done well by experienced people with fair methods, dogs generally treat it as a game. Quality varies, so watch a club before joining and avoid harsh methods.
Can I buy an IGP-titled dog?
Yes, from breeders and trainers who place titled dogs, but prices are high and a titled dog may not suit family life. See trained protection dogs and ask about the dog's temperament at home.
Does K9PN sell or train protection dogs?
No. K9PN is a referral service and does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer or working-dog program that matches what you asked for and serves your area. It costs nothing to send a request, and you decide whether to work with whoever contacts you.
Related
For dog trainers
Do you train or place protection, sport or police K9 dogs?
K9PN refers people who are looking for a protection dog, protection training, sport dog training or K9 programs to professional trainers. We also build the website, CRM and follow-up that turn those enquiries into clients. Book a call to ask about availability in your area.
Types of dog training
Compare the types of dog training
Each format has its own page explaining how it works, who it suits and what to ask a trainer.
Board and train dog training
Your dog stays with a trainer for an intensive program, then you learn to keep the results going at home.
Private (1-on-1) dog trainingOne-to-one sessions built around your dog and your goals, at home or at the trainer.
Virtual dog trainingLive video coaching with a trainer, from wherever you are. Currently available in Florida.
Types of dog training comparedBoard and train, 1-on-1, virtual, group and day training side by side, and how to choose a trainer.
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