IPO Dog Training: Benefits and Phases Explained

IPO dog training is a highly structured and intense program that pushes dogs to their limits. It's not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to put in the hard work, the rewards are well worth it.

The IPO training program is divided into three phases: Protection, Tracking, and Obedience. Each phase is designed to test the dog's skills and abilities in a specific area.

In the Protection phase, dogs are taught to defend themselves and their handlers against mock attackers. This phase is all about building confidence and trust between the dog and handler.

The Tracking phase focuses on the dog's ability to follow a scent and locate a hidden person or object. It requires a high level of focus and concentration from the dog.

IPO dog training is a specific type of training that focuses on a dog's athleticism and agility.

It's a high-intensity workout that pushes dogs to their limits, helping them build endurance and strength.

The training was developed by German police and customs officers, who needed dogs that could keep up with their high-speed pursuits.

IPO training is based on three main exercises: the long-sprint, the agility course, and the water jump.

These exercises are designed to test a dog's speed, agility, and endurance in a variety of environments.

The training is usually conducted in a controlled environment, such as a training facility or a designated IPO arena.

The goal of IPO training is to prepare dogs for real-world situations, such as searching for narcotics or tracking suspects.

It's a challenging and physically demanding activity that requires a dog to be in top physical condition.

IPO training has numerous benefits for both you and your dog. Each skill your dog picks up is directly translatable to another part of their life.

By letting your dog participate in IPO training, you'll be empowering them to become happier, better-balanced companions. Their wagging tails are all the proof you need!

Doing IPO training together allows your dog to experience the joy of discovery and learning, and they'll relate this back to being with you. Building trust and respect are vital pillars that will strengthen you and your pup's bond.

IPO training isn't just about competing, it's also a great way to test your dog's character and see if they're suited for the rigorous training involved.

Dogs that excel at IPO are less likely to develop off-course aggression, which is a big plus for any dog owner. In fact, only 1,159 out of 3,321 rescue dogs passed the IPO exam in 2019.

Each skill your dog picks up from IPO training is directly translatable to another part of their life, making them a more well-rounded companion. For instance, if your dog can pass the tracking phase, they'll become much more adept at helping you hunt.

Certain breeds are simply much happier when they have a job, and IPO training lets them do what comes naturally. By empowering them to become happier, better-balanced companions, you'll be rewarded with a wagging tail that's all the proof you need.

Building trust and respect are vital pillars that will strengthen your bond with your dog, and doing IPO training together is a great way to achieve this. Your dog will experience the joy of discovery and learning, and relate this back to being with you.

Obedience is a crucial part of IPO training, and it's tested in a large, open field with two dogs. One pup works in the field, while the other must rest in the ‘down’ position by him or herself.

To start with IPO training, your pup needs to be able to follow basic commands such as sit or stay, so you'll begin by showcasing their level of obedience. Building drive and focus in your dog is essential for IPO training, and it can be done through a combination of toys/treats and your voice.

Dogs are very motivated by rewards, so use this to your advantage when teaching them new skills. Make sure you teach them the ‘look’ command, as it’s integral toward building up their level of focus. This will help them develop the drive and focus needed to excel in IPO training.

If your dog can pass the tracking phase of IPO training, they’ll become much more adept at helping you hunt, and they'll also have demonstrated their intelligence, which will help them with anything else they want to do.

IPO training involves several phases that help build a dog's skills and temperament. The Obedience Phase is a crucial part of IPO training, where dogs are tested in a large, open field with two dogs, one working and the other resting in a "down" position.

In the Obedience Phase, dogs must perform heeling exercises, additional retrieves, and a "send out" exercise, all while enduring gun shots to test their reaction. This phase tests whether they possess a sound working temperament.

The Obedience and Protection Phases are closely related, with obedience pieces used in the protection phase being incorporated into obedience training without the dog even realizing it.

A dog that undergoes IPO training can gain the skills necessary to become a police or military dog.

These canines make great family pets as they have a reliable temperament and become the very picture of obedience.

Their obedience training also makes them well-suited for competing in dog sports like IPO, where they'll be expected to perform a variety of tasks.

By training for IPO, you'll be giving your dog the foundation they need to excel in a variety of roles.

In the obedience phase, dogs are tested in a large, open field with two dogs. One pup works in the field, while the other must rest in the 'down' position by him or herself.

Obedience exercises include heeling exercises, additional retrieves, and a 'send out.' They must also endure some gun shots to test their reaction.

A dog's ability to follow basic commands, such as sit or stay, is crucial before starting IPO training. Without obedience, a dog won't be able to complete the IPO training process.

The obedience phase tests whether dogs possess a sound working temperament, which is essential for IPO training.

Schutzhund/IPO 2 is a significant phase in IPO training. It involves IPO II Tracking, which includes following a 400-pace track laid by a stranger with 3 legs, 2 turns, and 2 articles.

The track is laid by the handler, who then waits at least 30 minutes before allowing the dog to start following it. The dog team has 15 minutes to complete the track.

Following the track is worth 80 points, while finding the articles is worth 20 points. This adds up to a total of 100 points for the entire track.

In our club, we work protection twice a month with top-level helpers, including an American Schutzhund certified helper. This ensures that our dogs receive the best possible training and practice.

The articles in the track are 6 small articles and 1 large article, making a total of 7 articles to find.

IPO training levels are designed to challenge both dog and handler. The first level, IPO 1, requires a tracking test that's identical to the requirements for TRS Professional.

The handler must lay their own track, which is a minimum of 300 paces long and includes 3 legs, each over 150 paces in length. Two turns, approximately 90 degrees, are also part of the track.

After laying the track, the handler must wait at least 20 minutes before tracking with their dog. This wait time allows the track to settle and makes the test more challenging for both dog and handler.