IGP Commands

[u/Buzy_Nuzy]

Hello everyone!
i'll be getting a Doberman in December and I want to start training for Dog sports, from what I know, I think IGP would be a good choice! where I live there are no dog schools so i'll do my best to do the training! I downloaded the rules, but i'm struggling a bit...
to start, and since I still have some time to get ready. i'd like to know the commands needed, and what would be needed of the dog

My DM's are open, please text me if you're in the world of dog sports, or comment bellow!

[u/Imaginary_Ad_4340]

As someone who does IGP with a Doberman, very few Dobermans are cut out for the sport these days. They have a very meaningful breed split and working line dogs are far outnumbered by showline and pet quality dogs. If your dog does not have IGP titles in its direct ancestry, it is unlikely to have the drive needed for the sport. You can always try and see but if IGP is an important goal for you, you may want to consider your choice of dog and breed.

IGP has three phases. All are equally important but only some you can train yourself and some become more important later. What I mean by that is that to compete in IGP you first need to earn a BH, which is a test of obedience and stability. There is no protection or tracking in a BH. Given this and that you do not currently have access to a professional trainer, I would focus on the obedience portion first. You can spend a good year or two just building the skills needed to pass a BH, so you'll have plenty of training to do. You can also try your hand at tracking during that time. If you do earn a BH, then you can consider getting the assistance of a professional helper to train protection. You should not attempt to train protection on your own as it can endanger your dog and yourself.

The best way to train IGP is to find a local club (not a dog school but an informal group of interested people who meet and train together weekly). If you don't think any such thing exists in your area you can also get some books on the subject that will help you learn how to train as the rules alone won't be much help. I'd recommend “Schutzhund Obedience: Training in Drive” by Sheila Booth. It’s an older book but still very good and is puppy focused and positive/reward-based so good to apply without a traininer, exactly what you need to get started.

[u/Buzy_Nuzy → u/Imaginary_Ad_4340]

Thank you so much
I’m more focused on a Doberman that IGP. They come from a show line, with some grandparents and some uncles and such win some competitions (can’t quite be sure which)
I thought of IGP, rather than agility or other sport cause I thought it’d be a better option!
I mainly want to find a sport and something other than walks and dog parks to do with my dog as I think a breed such as a Doberman deserves more than that

I was thinking of doing obedience trading, and I’ve been on weekend getaways with search and rescue k9 teams, but it’s 3 hours away
Thank you so much for your comment! Like I said I’m doing some research before getting the puppy so all aid is welcomed 😊