What is IPO/Schutzhund

Schutzhund and the German Shepherd Dog

While dogs of other breeds are also actively involved in the sport of Schutzhund and often follow similar criteria for breeding purposes, this breed evaluation test was developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog's intelligence and utility. As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog's mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability. In 2004 Schutzhund was changed to Vielseitigkeits Pruefung fuer Gebrauchshunde (VPG).

The BH or companion dog title is a pre-requirement for Schutzhund/IPO titles. All breeds and sizes are eligible with the minimum age requirements of 15 months.

There are three levels of the Schutzhund/IPO test:

In addition to the Schutzhund/IPO temperament tests, the United Schutzhund Clubs of America offer three training degrees: the FH 1 and FH 2, advanced tracking degrees; WH, or basic protection degree which includes basic obedience, and the AD which is an 12.5 mile endurance test and includes obedience. USA also offers six seperate obedience and tracking titles that reflect the routines for SchH 1, 2, & 3 levels

The first Schutzhund trial was held in Germany in 1901 to emphasize the correct working temperament and ability in the German Shepherd breed. Originally, these dogs were herding dogs, but the industrialization of Germany encouraged breeders to promote the use of their dogs as police and military dogs. The Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV), the parent club, became concerned that this would lead to careless breeding and undesirable traits such as mental instability, so it developed the Schutzhund test. Since then, many other countries and working dog organizations have also adopted Schutzhund as a sport and a test of working performance in dogs. International rules have been established, and they are administered by the Verein fur Deutsche Hundesport (VDH), recently (2012) the word Schutzhund has been changed to International Utility Dog or IPO.

The tracking phase includes a temperament test by the overseeing judge to assure the dog's mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid earlier by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 33 foot leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws. The tracking phase is intended to test the dog's trainability and ability to scent, as well as its mental and physical endurance.

The obedience phase includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gun shot test to assure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There is also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down, and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command. Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, while another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog's temperament, structural efficiencies, and, very importantly, its willingness to serve its owner.

The protection phase tests the dog's courage, physical strength, and agility. The handler's control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the helper when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The helper is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind and later at the helper's right side. When the helper attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack with a firm grip and no hesitation. The final test of courage occurs when the helper is asked to come out of a hiding place by the dog's handler from the opposite end of the trial field. The dog is sent after the helper who is threatening the dog with a stick and charging at the handler. All grips during the protection phase are expected to be firmly placed on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the helper discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to assure that the dog possesses the proper temperament for breeding.

For IPO1 the dog must be at least 18 months old and pass an initial temperament test by the judge. The dog must heel off leash, demonstrate the walking sit, the walking down, and the long down under distraction, as well as the send-out. It must retrieve on the flat and over a hurdle, and over the scaling wall. In tracking, it must be able to follow a track laid by its handler at least 20 minutes earlier. There are also protection tests.

For IPO2 the dog must be at least 19 months old and must already have earned its IPO1 degree. It must again pass all of the obedience and protection tests required for the IPO1 degree, but those tests, for IPO2, are made more difficult and require greater endurance, agility, and, above all, control. There is an additional walking stand exercise required. In tracking, the IPO2 candidate must be able to follow a track laid by a stranger at least 30 minutes earlier.

For IPO3, the master's degree, the dog must be at least 20 months old and must have earned both the IPO1 and the IPO2 titles. Again, the tests now are made far more difficult. All exercises in obedience and protection are demonstrated off leash. The Walking stand is replaced by the running stand. In tracking, the dog must follow a track that was laid by a stranger at least 60 minutes earlier. The track has four turns, compared with two turns for IPO1 and 2, and there are three objects, rather than two, that must be found by the dog. The picture of obedience, strength, eagerness, and confidence presented by an excellent IPO3 team is a beautiful illustration of the partnership of human and dog.

Ipo hund

Schutzhund is a German word meaning "protection dog". It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners.

I.P.O. and Schutzhund trials consist of three disciplines. The three disciplines are Tracking, Obedience and Protection work. Both I.P.O. and Schutzhund trials are judged on similar rules.

Various breeds of dogs are permitted to compete in I.P.O. i.e. German Shepherd dogs, Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, Boxers, Dobermann Pinschers, Bouviers, Airedales and Belgian Shepherd dogs. In Schutzhund only German Shepherd dogs may compete.

I.P.O. and Schutzhund are intended to demonstrate the dog's mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability.

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 persons of varied professions, who join together in camaraderie born of their common interest in working with their dogs. Persons of all ages and conditions of life enjoy I.P.O and Schutzhund as a sport. Often, it is a family sport.

The Three Parts of a I.P.O. or Schutzhund Trial

The tracking phase includes a temperament test by the overseeing Judge to assess the dog's mental soundness. When approached closely on a loose leash, the dog should not act shyly or aggressively. The track is laid earlier by a person walking normally on a natural surface such as dirt or grass. The track includes a number of turns and a number of small, man-made objects left by this person on the track itself. At the end of a 30-foot leash, the handler follows the dog, which is expected to scent the track and indicate the location of the objects, usually by lying down with it between its front paws. The tracking phase is intended to test the dog's trainability and ability to scent, as well as its mental and physical endurance.

The obedience phase includes a series of heeling exercises, some of which are closely in and around a group of people. During the heeling, there is a gunshot test to ensure that the dog does not openly react to such sharp noises. There are also a series of field exercises in which the dog is commanded to sit, lie down and stand while the handler continues to move. From these various positions, the dog is recalled to the handler. With dumbbells of various weights, the dog is required to retrieve on a flat surface, over a one-meter hurdle, and over a six-foot slanted wall. The dog is also asked to run in a straight direction from its handler on command and lie down on a second command.

Finally, each dog is expected to stay in a lying down position away from its handler, despite distractions, at the other end of the obedience field, whilst another dog completes the above exercises. All of the obedience exercises are tests of the dog's temperament, structural efficiencies and more importantly, its willingness to serve man or woman.

Crestwood's Uncommon Valor SchH3 IPO3 CGC

Crestwood's Uncommon Valor SchH3 IPO3 CGC

The protection phase tests the dog's courage, physical strength and agility. The handler's control of the dog is absolutely essential. The exercises include a search of hiding places, finding a hidden person (acting as a human decoy), and guarding that decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to pursue the decoy when an escape is attempted and to hold the grip firmly. The decoy is searched and transported to the judge with the handler and dog walking behind and later at the decoy's right side. When the decoy attempts to attack the handler, the dog is expected to stop the attack by biting with a firm grip and without hesitation.

The final test of courage occurs when the decoy is asked to come out of a hiding place by the dogs handler from the opposite end of the trial field. The dog is sent after the decoy when he attempts to run away. Just when the dog is about to catch the decoy, the judge signals the decoy to turn about and run directly at the dog, threatening the dog with a stick. All bites during the protection phase are expected to be firmly placed on the padded sleeve and stopped on command and/or when the decoy discontinues the fight. The protection tests are intended to ensure that the dog is neither a coward nor a criminal menace.

At all three stages – I.P.O. or Schutzhund I, II, and III - each of the three phases: Obedience, Tracking and Protection, is worth 100 points, for a total of 300 points. If a dog does not receive a minimum of 70% of the points in tracking and obedience and 80% of the points in protection - or if the dog fails the pre-trial temperament test - it is not awarded a degree that day and must repeat the entire test, passing all phases at a later trial. In each event the judge is looking for an eager, concentrated, accurate working dog. High ratings and scores are given to the animal that displays a strong willingness and ability to work for its human handler.

The I.P.O. and Schutzhund Trained Dog in the Home

Since I.P.O. and Schutzhund are the demonstration of the working dog's most desirable characteristics, dogs well trained in I.P.O or Schutzhund are usually excellent companions in the home. The I.P.O. dog - like any other working dog that possesses mental stability - has trust and confidence in itself, allowing it to be at peace with its surroundings.

In addition to sound structural efficiencies for long, arduous work, the Standard for the I.P.O. dog calls for mental stability and a willingness to work. The dog should be approachable, quietly standing its ground, showing confidence and a willingness to meet overtures without necessarily making them itself. It should be fearless, but also good with children.

Do Dogs Enjoy I.P.O. and Schutzhund Training?

If trained in the right manner, dogs enjoy working, as anyone who attends an I.P.O. and Schutzhund competition can see. The joy of the dogs in working with their handlers is evident.

For thousands of years, dogs have adapted to serve humans in a mutually beneficial relationship. While dogs could move quickly, hunt prey, and protect flocks and their owner, the humans could provide food, shelter from the most severe elements and protection from larger predators, besides tending to the dog's injuries. A dog's reason for being is to serve humans.

Ipo hund

Schutzhund / IPO is a challenging 3 part sport which was originally designed as a breed test for the German Shepherd (to ensure the breed retained the genetic traits for tracking, obedience and protection) and has grown in to a popular sport, as well as continuing to function as a partial breed test. A Schutzhund title is a pre-requisite for the German Shepherd Breed Survey or Koerung. As a sport, several countries hold regional and national competitions. In Germany, the big trial each year is the BSP or Bundessiegerprüfung. There is also a world competition (WUSV) each year held under FCI international rules. Several other working and herding breeds also compete in IPO and have their own National and International Championships. There is also an all-breed FCI International Championship each year.

For me, it is interesting to train a dog in a sport where he uses aggression, most dog owners try to avoid aggression at all costs particularly in our litigious society where dogs are becoming less tolerated, particularly if they behave like dogs! Schutzhund, when it is properly trained, provides an arena where you can learn about aggression and how your dog reacts to stressful situations. The dog also learns to control his drives and learns to obey his owner even when he is very excited. This can result in a very well-behaved dog. The duration and breadth of training also helps create a very close bond between dog and handler.

People worry that Schutzhund will make their dog aggressive towards people. In my experience, dogs which have not been aggressive towards people beforehand do not suddenly become aggressive after Schutzhund training.

Some people who like to avoid aggression try to train Schutzhund protection as an obedience exercise, where the dog learns to bark to "ask for a reward", and gets the sleeve or "prey object" as this reward. They argue that Schutzhund is a game and their dogs will only bite a sleeve. This concept is becoming more prevalent in trainers of the sport and is considered to be incorrect by those trying to maintain the natural abilities of the breed.

Schutzhund in it's original form, was supposed to be a test, a dog should show aggression in the protection phase, the decoy, helper or bad guy, should be a worthy adversary, and the dogs courage should be tested. The protection phase at a trial should be more like a boxing match, not like a choreographed movie-fight. All dogs of any breed will bite if they feel that they are being threatened or cannot escape, so dogs do not need to be trained to bite! When we are training protection, we build the dogs confidence and encourage him to enjoy the fight, we often let him win, by the decoy showing weakness, we also work on control, we teach the dog when and where it is OK to bite and when it is not.

A dogs basic character, socialization and training affects whether he will be aggressive towards people. A dogs genetics will define whether he has the protective instincts and courage to protect his family. Schutzhund training will not change this basic nature but will give the owner some idea of how their dog might react, and also enable the dog to remain under the control of his handler. As far as home and family protection; in general, just the presence of a German Shepherd will deter any would-be attackers or thieves.

Schutzhund Training

Schutzhund is a German word meaning “protection dog.” It refers to a sport that focuses on developing and evaluating those traits in dogs that make them more useful and happier companions to their owners. Schutzhund work concentrates on three parts. Many are familiar with the obedience work of the American Kennel Club’s affiliates and will recognize the first two parts, tracking and obedience. The Schutzhund standards for the third part, protection work, are similar to those for dogs in police work.

While dogs of other breeds are also actively involved in the sport of Schutzhund and often follow similar criteria for breeding purposes, this breed evaluation test was developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence and utility. As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog’s mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability.

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 persons of varied professions, who join together in a camaraderie born of their common interest in working with their dogs. Persons of all ages and conditions of life even those with significant disabilities enjoy Schutzhund as a sport.

What is Schutzhund?

The literal translation from German to English of the word “Schutzhund” is “protection” or “guardian” dog, but that’s really quite misleading. To help acquaint you with this complicated, three level, three phase dog sport, we offer the following simple and condensed explanation of Schutzhund rules, regulations, and the point system used.

Schutzhund originated in Germany as a breeding suitability test for the German shepherd dog and was quickly adopted for use by other working breeds such as the Malinois and Rottweiler. It provided breeders with a method to evaluate temperament, character, trainability, willingness and mental and physical soundness and to select and use only the highest quality dogs for breeding programs. Today, German shepherd dogs in Germany may not be bred without aquiring Schutzhund titles, a breed survey, a conformation rating, hip (spine and elbow) xrays and a certificate of endurance.

In response to political forces in Germany, in 2004 the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) and the Deutscher Hundesportverein (DHV) made substantial changes to Schutzhund. The DHV adopted the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) rules that govern IPO titles, so that at least on paper the SV and DHV gave up control of the sport to the FCI. The DHV changed the name of the titles from “SchH” (Schutzhund) to “VPG” (Vielseitigkeitsprüfung für Gebrauchshunde which roughly translates Versatility examination for working dogs). The SV has retained the “SchH” title names, but otherwise conforms to the DHV/FCI rules.

In addition to its value as a breeding tool, Schutzhund is also an exciting sport and training challenge. It can be described as “stylized police dog training” and is the foundation training many of the imported police dogs receive before they go on to specialized training for the street.

Schutzhund Titles

Schutzhund offers three levels of titles, and there are three phases to each title. One must obtain a passing score in all three phases at one trial in order to obtain a title and be able to advance to the next training level. The titles are:

Two advanced tracking degrees are also offered: FH and FH2.

To obtain a title, the dog and handler must pass three distinct phases at a trial: tracking, obedience, and protection.

Phase A: Tracking

In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his nose to find a person’s track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Unlike search & rescue where the dog relies primarily on “air-scenting”, Schutzhund tracking is very focused on the footsteps, and is scored largely on the precision of the dog’s performance. Depending upon the title sought, tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100 points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.

Phase B: Obedience

The obedience phase showcases the dog’s inherent joy in the work balanced with precision and control. The exercises include heeling on and off leash, walking through a group of people, sit, down and/or stand while moving, recall, a 10+ minute long down while another dog is working on the field, retrieving, and jumping. Two shots are fired from a blank gun during the heeling and long down, and the dog must not react adversely. A set pattern is demonstrated by the handler from memory (unlike AKC obedience, where the judge calls the pattern for you). A perfect score is 100 points, with 70 needed to pass.

Phase C: Protection

This phase of Schutzhund training is the strongest test of the dog’s basic temperament and character, with the emphasis on control. It should not be confused with guard or “attack” dog or personal protection training. A dog competing in the sport of Schutzhund must show courage without viciousness. He is rated on self-confidence, ability to work under pressure, toughness and resilience, steadfast nerves, well-balanced drives and willingness to take directions and be responsive to the handler. Obedience and control are demonstrated throughout the protection phase through off-lead exercises and through guarding without biting. The “bad guy” or “helper” as he is known in the sport always wears protective pants and a special sleeve with a burlap cover. The dog is allowed to bite this sleeve and he must bite this in the correct manner. On command, the dog MUST release the bite — the ultimate in control criteria. A dog will fail if it does not release the bite when commanded to do so. A perfect score is 100 points, with 80 points needed to pass.

Throughout all three phases the dog’s temperament is constantly being evaluated by the judge. Aggressive dogs and those that lack obedience and control will be failed for faulty temperament.

Putting it all together

Schutzhund is a wonderful sport. It is fun for the dog and trainer, it’s challenging and it’s rewarding. Where else in the dog sport world must the dog prove himself in three dramatically different phases in one day?

But more than a sport, the schutzhund evaluation is the best way we have of testing a dog’s temperament. There’s plenty else we can tell about a dog off the trial field too — for instance, aversion to slick surfaces, dog aggression, gunshyness and other temperament and character faults that degrade working ability — but it’s the best tool we have to evaluate breeding stock if we’re honest with ourselves about what we see.

The true temperament test of Schutzhund isn’t (or shouldn’t be) about points or how tough or extreme the dog is — it’s about how well the dog puts it all together.

On trial day, the dog (theoretically) will demonstrate his level of training, his guideablity, self-confidence, courage, sovereignty, nerve soundness, etc., to an impartial evaluator on a strange field with a strange helper. He should be committed to the track (which is a highly stylized exercise); he should be joyful but precise and controlled in the obedience; and he should be confident, active, powerful yet obedient in the protection.

By the time the dog gets to the trial field, especially by SchH3, there have been countless hours of training, repetition, stress, problem solving, handler mistakes, etc. The dog has had to learn to control his drives and urges through obedience. A dog who comes out strong and full of himself, shows joy in the work yet is still controlled and precise… is awesome. That’s working temperament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to have a German shepherd or Rottweiler to participate in Schutzhund?

A. The sport is designed for all athletic dogs with correct working abilities and is not restricted to a particular group or breed of dog. The dog must be physically able to jump the one-meter jump holding a dumbbell, but there’s a lot about what is in the dog’s head, too.

Q. I have a German shepherd I bought. Can it do Schutzhund?

A. Many factors — one of which can be breed — determine what makes a successful Schutzhund dog. Stable temperament, desire for play, physical soundness, confidence, and many other characteristics must be considered. We would be happy to help you evaluate your dog for the sport if you’re interested.

Q. Is it true that training my dog in Schutzhund will make it want to bite people or that the dog will be unreliable around children, visitors, etc?

A. Absolutely not! Many of our club members have small children, and all of us have our Schutzhund dogs in the house all the time. We have found that the dog’s basic temperament has much more to do with his manners around strangers than any training. If anything, the training we do makes most dogs that are suited to the work more confident and secure, and less bothered by unusual circumstances.

Q. My dog has bitten several people and I think he’d make a great Schutzhund dog.

A. The polite answer is that it depends a lot on the circumstances that induced him to bite. The direct answer is that your dog almost certainly has temperament flaws that make the dog totally unsuitable for Schutzhund. The rude answer is that if your dog bites people and you LIKE that, then YOU have temperament flaws that make YOU unsuitable for Schutzhund.

Q. My dog loves to play tug, has a lot of energy, and I want to do more with him than just throw the ball once in a while. How do I find out whether my dog and I should try this?

A. Training for Schutzhund is a lot of fun, and tremendously rewarding, but it is also very time-consuming. Our club has no particular breed prejudices — even mutts are welcome! — but the time commitment can be daunting. To find a club in your area where you can visit and see if this sport appeals to you and your dog, click here.

Q. What age can I start training my dog?

We start training puppies as soon as they come home. There is a lot you can teach a baby puppy: targeting helps with go-outs and blind searches later. You can teach sit, down, stand, sit in front, come fast, attention and focus and lots more with a baby puppy. Tracking can also be started at 8 weeks old, and tug play mdash; learning that a quick out leads to more of the tug game — is also important for a youngster. (Don’t play too much rough tug while the puppy is teething.)

Socialisation with people (some are tall, some are small, some have loud voices, some come in wheel chairs), other puppies (take a puppy class for its socialisation opportunities), and exposure to the big wide world with different places, slick floors, noise, etc. are all important.

The first thing you need to do is locate the Schutzhund clubs in your area. It is very difficult to advance in Schutzhund without training with a club. You can find lists of clubs by state at the USA site and the DVG site and by province at German Shepherd Schutzhund Clubs of Canada.

Visit the clubs in your area to see where you feel most comfortable and how you like the people training there and their training methods. Find the best fit for you and your dog. There are many different training styles and hopefully you’ll find a club that uses methods you like.

Q. How do I find out what the requirements are for each level, including the BH?

Both USA and DVG have rule books which describe all exercises and explain what is needed for all titles. The DVG rulebook is also available on their website. In addition, there are several articles written by Big Sky Schutzhund club members that detail the requirements for the BH.

New Titles Available!

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America is now offering six new titles at all USA sanctioned Schutzhund trials. These titles are TRACKING 1, 2 and 3 and OBEDIENCE 1, 2 and 3. While they do not count towards the requirements for breed surveys or conformation shows, these sport titles provide an additional way for members to become involved in trials, gain experience and enjoy the sport.

The “BH” (Begleithunde), which demonstrates that the dog has basic obedience and a sound temperament, is required prior to entering tracking or obedience. A scorebook is required for all dogs attempting the BH. Click germanshepherddog.com to order a scorebook or rulebook from USA.

The TRACKING 1, 2 and 3 and the OBEDIENCE 1, 2 and 3 will be judged by the same rules and regulations that apply to these phases in the Schutzhund 1, 2 and 3 degrees. Dogs may compete at any level of these titles regardless of their current, if any, schutzhund degree.

The sports medal point total for these titles will be 1 point for the TRACKING and OBEDIENCE 1 level, 2 points for the TRACKING and OBEDIENCE 2 level and 3 points for the TRACKING and OBEDIENCE 3 level. Qualification for the points only applies to a passing score.

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America hopes that by offering these new titles, more people will have the opportunity to trial their dogs, gain handling experience in a trial situation and participate in the USA sports medal program in a wider range of activities.

I have found portions of this article on websites throughout the web, used without permission. This is an original article written by the Big Sky Schutzhund Club. Please, if you want to use it on your site, ask for permission first!, use an author citation and link back to this site.

Västerdalarnas Hundungdom

klubben för alla hundintresserade ungdomar..

Internationell prövningsordning (IPO)

IPO är en av Svenska Brukshundklubbens tävlingsgrenar. I grenen finns fyra provformer med olika kombinationer av spår, lydnad och skyddsarbete.

Inom Internationell prövningsordning (IPO) ingår fyra olika provformer som syftar till att pröva arbetsförmågan hos hund och förare inom spår, lydnad och skyddsarbete.

Provformer i IPO

IPO-prov – den största provformen är som ett bruksprov, men består av tre avdelningar; spår (A), lydnad (B) och skyddsarbete (C). Alla avdelningarna räknas med i bedömningen. Reglerna för IPO-prov är desamma över hela världen.

För attstarta på ett IPO-prov ska hunden ha blivit godkänd på ett BH-prov (Behörighetsprov). BH-provet består av en lydnadsdel och en trafikdel.

BSL (brukshundprov spår lydnad)

BSL (brukshundprov spår lydnad) – är enprovformsomanvänder samma klassindelningoch består avsamma spår och lydnad som i IPO.

FH 1 och FH 2

FH 1 och FH 2 – är provformer som är rena spårprov i två olika klasser.

IPO-FH – är en provform med ett spårprov som alltid arrangareras två dagar i rad.

Upplevelse av IPO

Inom provformerna i IPO är det samarbete mellan förare och hund som upplevs starkast. Hunden är oftast väldigt angelägen och glad att få komma igång och göra jobbet. Inom avdelningen skydd är hunden tränad att se skyddsärmen på figuranten som den bästa av leksaker och som den vill hålla greppet om.

En viktig egenskap i IPO är att hunden visar arbetsglädje och genomför lydnads- och skyddsmomenten i högt tempo och med bra precision.

I IPO-FH kan hunden ha lugnare tempo,men måste ha koncentrationsförmåga och uthållighet i spårarbetet.

Alla raser är tillåtna att träna i provformerna inom IPO.

Så här tränar du IPO

Vanligt är att hund och förare ingår i en träningsgrupp på en brukshundklubb. Då finns chans att hjälpas åt och sporra varandra.

Spår tränas på fält, precis som i tävling, och hunden ska ha ett lugnt tempo, djup nos, hög noggrannhet och ett intensivt doftintresse. Det gäller alla spår inom provformerna i IPO.

Skyddsarbetet behöver tränas under noga kontrollerade former tillsammans med utbildad figurant.

Tävla i IPO

För IPO-prov, som innehåller skyddsarbete, får endast brukshundraser tävla. Det krävs också en licens för att får tävla i IPO. Övriga provformer inom IPO är öppna för alla raser.

Föraren ska vara medlem i Svenska Brukshundklubben för att få delta i tävlingar.

Tävlingar & mästerkap

Tävlingar arrangeras av både rasklubbar och lokala brukshundklubbar. Det arrangeras årligen ett svenskt mästerskap i IPO. Därifrån tas deltagare ut till världsmästerskapen i IPO-prov och IPO-FH.

Titlar att vinna

Hunden kan ta certifikat i IPO-prov och i IPO-FH. Tillsammans med en utställningsmerit blir den brukschampion.

Klasser tävla i

I IPO finns det tre klasser man kan tävla i, IPO I, IPO II och IPO III med stegrande svårighetsgrad. BSL har också tre klasser med stegrande svårighetsgrad och FH två.

Kombinera IPO med annat

BSL och FH är naturligtvis de grenar som passar bäst, men även lydnad går utmärkt, att kombinera med IPO.

What is Schutzhund * ?

The Germans call it "hundesport", dog sport. For generations, people from Europe and North America have been drawn into this unique idea of participating in an active sport with a dog. Schutzhund offers this in a way that no other sport can. It is outdoors. It is physical. It is mental. The demands are great, but the sport also offers competition and new friendships. In short, it is what all recreational sports should first be: good exercise, fun and full of rewards.

Schutzhund started at the beginning of this century as a test for working dogs. Its initial purpose was to determine which dogs could be used for breeding and which had true working ability. The growing demand for working dogs made more sophisticated tests and training necessary. These dogs were needed for police training, border patrol, customs, military and herding. As these tests evolved, more people participated just for the sheer enjoyment of seeing if their personal dogs could be trained as effectively as these "professional dogs". Now, over sixty years after the first formal Schutzhund rules were introduced, tens of thousands of people participate in the sport each year.

Schutzhund tests three specific areas of a dog's training and behavior. The first, tracking, requires the dog to track footsteps over mixed terrain, change direction and show absolute accuracy and commitment to finding the track. It must also find dropped articles and indicate their locations to the handler. Often this is done under less than ideal circumstances with difficult cover, bad weather conditions and an aged track. Many find tracking to be the most satisfying experience in training, when only the handler and dog are working together. It is certainly the most peaceful part of Schutzhund. (Typical track patterns)

The second phase is obedience. Those who are familiar with AKC obedience will feel more comfortable in this area, as many of the exercises are similar to those in Open and Utility. There is heeling, both on and off lead. The sit, down and stand are also done, except when the dog is moving. But Schutzhund applies its own style to this work. Instead of a forty foot ring, the handler and dog work on a soccer sized trial field. Some exercises require the dog to work under the noise of a firing gun. In addition to the normal dumbbell retrieval, the dog must retrieve over a one meter jump and a six foot wall. Down stays and a long send away conclude the test.

The final test is the most misunderstood by the general public. This is protection. The most important point to understand when watching a protection routine, is the relationship between dog and handler. The dog must never bite the trial helper, unless either the dog or the handler is attacked. Then it must attack fully and without hesitation. But here the real difference becomes apparent. The dog must stop biting on the command of the handler and guard the trial helper without further aggression. Often people confuse Schutzhund protection training with police dog or personal protection work. The Schutzhund dog is capable of the feats of never being aggressive except under those specific situations it is trained to face, and even then it must always be under the absolute control of the handler. Click here for 2004 Rules

The above tests are difficult enough, but to make it even more demanding, they all happen in one day during competitions that are held all over the country. These trials are held by local clubs or in regional and national championships. Each dog is judged by a complex point system that then determines the winner of the trial.

When a dog successfully completes the first trial, it is awarded a title of Schutzhund I. It can then progress to Schutzhund II and, the ultimate, Schutzhund III. Each level makes ever greater demands on the dog and training in all three areas. Any Schutzhunder will tell you that a high scoring Schutzhund III dog is the ultimate working dog: one in a thousand of all working dogs.

In addition to the Schutzhund I, II and III titles, other titles in advanced tracking, temperament tests, police training and agility work are awarded.

Today, Schutzhund is more than the small group that started in Germany so long ago. Its organizations have several hundred thousand members, scattered across Europe, North America and several other continents.

* Schutzhund has been changed to IPO - International Prufungorden - which roughly translates into 'internaltional working tests'

Ipo hund

Schutzhund is an international sport also referred to as “IPO.” The terms IPO and Schutzhund are freely interchanged, along with the title abbreviation of SchH or IPO in a dog’s registered name. Schutzhund is intended to demonstrate the dog’s intelligence and utility. As a working trial, Schutzhund measures the dog’s mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage and trainability.

Schutzhund and similar breeding suitability tests are vital for our dog community. Most all police, military, and scent detection dogs come from Schutzhund breeders and Schutzhund lines. Why? Because Schutzhund is first and foremost a breeding suitability test. Dogs from these lines are more likely to have the correct temperament and physical structure to do the work.

Working dogs want to work. Schutzhund preserves their abilities and promotes their drives in a positive, structured manner. The rules are written and trials are judged to reward only eager, focused, accurate work. High ratings and scores are given to the dog which displays a strong willingness and ability to work for its handler. Schutzhund is an advanced partnership with the dog – true teamwork. It is a triathlon for dogs – Tracking, Obedience, Protection.

IPO / Schutzhund

Training Aids & Equipment

IPO, formerly known as Schutzhund, is a popular, challenging, three part sport consisting of obedience, tracking, and protection. We have a large selection of IPO & Schutzhund Equipment. Almost everything in our IPO / Schutzhund section is manufactured in-house, which enables us to offer our customers top quality products.

Browse our section or, check one of the sub-categories below. If you need help or just have questions call our toll free number and we will assist you with any of your IPO / Schutzhund needs.

Schutzhund is a Protection Sport and means "protection dog" in German.

Ipo hund

IPO brukar mеnga benдmnas som Tyska skyddet eller internationella skyddet.

IPO дr en fцrkortning fцr internationell prцvnings ordning och kommer ursprungligen frеn Tyskland och дr tillkommet som en gemensam provgren sе att alla till lдmpar samma typ av prov internationellt.

Hund som fyllt 18 mеnader kan delta i IPO 1 om man har ett godkдnt bh (behцrighets prov)

IPO bestеr av tre del grenar och benдmns som A, B och C. i varje gren дr max poдng 100 det totala vдrdet 300 poдng. fцr att vara godkдnd mеste man minimum ha 70 poдng i varje gren.

Del A дr spеr, i IPO 1 дr det ett 350-400 steg lеngt fцrarspеr, 20 minuter gammalt med tvе apporter samt med tvе rдta vinklar.

Poдng delningen i spеret дr 80 poдng fцr utarbetandet av spеret. 10 + 10 poдng fцr apporterna.

Del B дr lydnad, i IPO 1 ingеr fцljande moment:

Linfцrighet samt oberцrdhet i grupp. 15 p.
Sдttande under gеng. 10 p.
Platslдggande medinkallning. 10p.
Apportering av fцremеl tillhцrande fцraren. 10 p.
Apportering av fцremеl tillhцrande fцraren med fritt hopp цver ett 1 m hцgt 1,5 m brett hinder. 15 p.
Framеtsдndande med nedlдggande. 10 p.
Platsliggning med stцrning. 10 p.

Del C дr skydds arbete, i IPO 1 ingеr fцljande moment:

Bevakning + stеndskall. 10 + 10 p.
Flyktfцrsцk. 25 p.
Avvдrjande under bevakning. 25 p.
Angrep pе hunden under rцrelse. 25 p.

Max tid дr 15 min.

Hunden skall med lеg nдsa gе lugnt och metodiskt tillvдga i spеret, hunden skall vara lцs eller kopplad i en 10 m lеng lina som дr fдst i halsbandet ej i stryplдge eller i en sele. Fцraren skall hеlla sig ca 10 m efter hunden gдller дven lцs spеrande hund. Nдr hunden hittar fцremеl ska hunden utan pеverkan av fцraren apportera eller tydligt markera fцremеlet eller ta upp fцremеlet sittande, stеende eller liggande, det anses som fel om hunden tar fцremеlet och fortsдtter utan att lдmna det till fцraren. Nдr fцraren fеtt fцremеlet skall han hеlla upp det fцr domaren. Efter avslutat spеr skall fцremеlen visas fцr domaren.

Varje moment pеbцrjas i grundstдllning (hunden pе vдnster sida sittande fot.)

Domaren ger anvisning nдr varje moment bцrjar. Allt цvrigt, som halter, vдndningar, gеngartsfцrдndringar osv. Utfцrs utan domarens anvisningar. Men det дr tillеtet att frеga domaren om vilket moment det дr samt vad det innehеller fцre momentets bцrjan.

Linfцrighet samt oberцrdhet i grupp.

Linfцrigheten utfцrs efter en speciellt schema. Figur 1.

Momentet bцrjas i grundstдllning fцraren gеr mer дn 50 steg rakt fram i normal takt sedan en hel omvдndning, 10 steg rakt fram sedan 10 steg springande dдrefter 10 steg mycket sakta sedan 20 steg framеt en hцgersvдng ca 10 steg framеt sedan en hцgersvдng igen sedan ca 20 steg framеt sedan en helomvдndning sedan ca 20 steg en vдnster vдndning sedan ca 15 steg rakt framеt sedan en lдtt vдnster svдng igenom gruppen (gruppen bestеr av 4 personer som stеr i hцrnen pе en fyrkant och rцr sig om varandra) och gцr en helomvдndning efter ca 10 steg och gеr till mitten av gruppen och sдtter hunden i gruppen gеr sedan tillbaka till start punkt.

Det anses som fel om hunden trдnger fцraren eller ryggar eller tvekar i gruppen.

Fцraren kopplar loss hunden och gеr igenom gruppen fцraren skall gцra minst en halt i gruppen.

sedan utfцrs figuren som pе linfцrigheten men 2 skott av 9 mm pistol skjuts nеgon gеng under momentet men ej nдr hunden дr i gruppen.

Stor vikt lдgges att hunden дr skott oberцrd om hund visar skottberцrdhet utesluts hunden frеn resterande prov.

Frеn utgеngsstдllningen gеr fцraren med hunden fritt vid sidan rakt fram minst 10 steg sedan kommenderar fцraren sitt och hunden skall snabbt sдtta sig och fцraren skall fortsдtta framеt utan att se sig om ytterligare 30 steg sedan gцra en hel omvдndning mot hunden pе domarens anvisning gеr fцraren tillbaka till hunden och intar utgеngsstдllningen vid hundens hцgra sida.

Om hunden stдller sig eller lдgger sig men stannar sе dras 5 poдng av. om hunden fortsдtter efter fцraren sе under kдnns momentet.

Platslдggande med inkallning.

Frеn utgеngsstдllningen gеr fцraren med hunden fritt vid sidan rakt fram minst 10 steg sedan kommenderar fцraren ligg och hunden skall snabbt lдgga sig och fцraren skall fortsдtta framеt utan att se sig om ytterligare 30 steg sedan gцra en hel omvдndning mot hunden och stannar pе domarens anvisning kallar fцraren till sig hunden. Hunden skall snabbt komma till fцraren och sдtta sig tдtt framfцr fцraren (Nosen skall vara mycket nдra skrevet) pе kommandot fot skall hunden sдtta sig tдtt till vдnster om fцraren.

Om hunden stдller sig eller lдgger sig men stannar och kommer pе inkallning sе dras 5 poдng av. om hunden fortsдtter efter fцraren eller/och kommer inte pе inkallning sе under kдnns momentet.

Apportering av fцremеl tillhцrande fцraren. (Дven apport tillhцrande arrangцr kan anvдndas).

Frеn utgеngsstдllningen kastar fцraren fцremеlet ca 10 steg. Hunden skall sitta bredvid fцraren lцs kopplad. Pе kommandot apport skall hunden snabbt springa och hдmta fцremеlet och snabbt еtervдnda till fцraren, hunden skall sдtta sig tдtt framfцr fцraren med apporten i munnen efter en kort paus skall fцraren beordra hunden loss och ta fцremеlet av hunden. Sedan beordra hunden fot och hunden skall sдtta sig tдtt till vдnster om fцraren. Fцraren skall stе still tills hunden avlдmnat och satt sig fot.

Om hunden leker eller tuggar, slдpper fцremеlet men kommer tillbaka dras 4 poдng av. Om fцraren дndrar stдllning dras 3 poдng av. om hunden inte apporterar underkдnns momentet.

Apportering av fцremеl tillhцrande fцraren med fritt hopp цver ett 1 m hцgt 1,5 m brett hinder.

Frеn utgеngsstдllningen kastar fцraren fцremеlet цver hindret. Hunden skall sitta bredvid fцraren lцs kopplad. Pе kommandot apport skall hunden snabbt hoppa цver hindret och hдmta fцremеlet och hoppa цver hindret pе tillbaka vдgen och snabbt komma tillbaka till fцraren och sдtta sig tдtt framfцr fцraren med apporten i munnen efter en kort paus skall fцraren beordra hunden loss och ta fцremеlet av hunden. Sedan beordra hunden fot och hunden skall sдtta sig tдtt till vдnster om fцraren. Fцraren skall stе still tills hunden avlдmnat och satt sig fot.

Fцr lдtt berцrning av hindret kan upp till 2 poдng dras av. Fцr kraftig berцring och lдtt stцd av hindret kan upp till 3 poдng dras av, lek och/eller tugg kan det dras av upp till 4 poдng.

Bдgge hopen utfцrda utan anmдrkning och apport utfцrd 15poдng.

Uthopp utfцrt men еter hopp ej utfцrt apport utan anmдrkning 8 poдng. (och tvдrt om pе hoppen apport utfцrd 8 poдng)

Bдgge hoppen utfцrda apport ej utfцrd 8 poдng.

Inget hopp utfцrt men apporterat 0 poдng.

Ett hopp utfцrt och apport ej utfцrt 0 poдng.

Framеtsдndande med nedlдggande.

Pе domarens anvisning gеr fцraren med hunden lцs vid sidan nеgra steg framеt mot anvisad riktning. Fцraren hцjer armen mot anvisad riktning och kommenderar samtidigt framеt och stannar. Hunden ska i snabb gеng art avlдgsna sig minst 25 steg i den anvisade riktningen. Pе kommandot Plats snabbt lдgga sig. Fцraren fеr ha armen hцjd fцr att anvisa riktning tills hunden lagt sig. Pе domarens anvisning gеr fцraren till hundens hцgra sida fцr avhдmtning och kommenderar sitt.

Upprepad hцjning av armen дr ej tillеtet. Hunden skall avlдgsna sig rakt i anvisad riktning men liten avvikelse anses inte som fel. Kraftig avvikelse, fцr kort avlдgsnande, drцjande eller fцr tidigt lдggande eller att hunden reser sig vid avhдmtande medfцr poдng avdrag.

Platsliggning med stцrning.

Det hдr momentet utfцrs samtidigt nдr annan hund pеbцrjar sitt lydnads prov. Fцraren lдger hunden 40 steg frеn prov omrеdet. Lдmnar hunden utan att se sig om och gеr tillbaka till av domaren anvisad plats i prov omrеdet. Fцraren stannar med ryggen mot hunden tills den andra hunden utfцrt momenten 1-6. nдr den andra hunden utfцrt moment 6 avhдmtas hunden. Pе domarens anvisning gеr fцraren till hundens hцgra sida fцr avhдmtning och kommenderar sitt.

Fцraren ska stе lugnt med ryggen mot hunden. fцraren fцr inte vдnda sig mot hunden. Oroligt beteende eller dolda signaler eller hand tecken av fцraren, eller hunden reser sig fцr tidigt vid avhдmtning anses som fel. Om hunden reser sig eller sдter sig men stannar kan viss poдng till delas men om hunden rцr sig mer дn 3 meter fцre moment 3 utdelas 0 poдng rцr sig hunden efter moment 3 sе ges vis poдng. kommer hunden till mцtes vid av hдmtning dras upp till 3 poдng. Om hunden kommer till fцraren under lydnads momentet underkдnns momentet.

Avdelning C. Skyddsarbetet.

Pе ett omrеde pе ca 100 m lеngt och ca 50 m brett дr 3 skjul (gцmstдllen) utplacerade pе vardera lеng sida. Figuranten дr gцmd i sista skjulet med komplett skydds utrustning (skyddsдrm, softstock och skyddsklдder). Fцraren stдller upp pе den till tдnkta mitt linjen med hunden lцs pе vдnster sida fot. Med arm tecken visar fцraren att skydds arbetet kan bцrja. pе domarens anvisning bцrjar fцraren skydds arbetet. Pе korta kommandon och tecken med hцger eller vдnster arm skall hunden snabbt springa till och runt gцmstдllena i tur och ordning. Kommandona och tecknena fеr upprepas. Fцraren skall rцra sig lдngs en tдnkt mittlinje och fцraren fеr inte lдmna mittlinjen under ronderingen och hunden skall hеlla sig framfцr fцraren. Dе hunden utfцrt ett slag еt sidan kan fцraren kalla in hunden och ange ny riktning. Kommandot fцr inkallningen kan kombineras med hundens namn. Dе hunden nеt det sista gцmstдllet stannar fцraren och dдrefter дr kommendering av hunden inte tillеten.

Bevakning + stеndskall.

Hunden mеste uppmдrksamt bevaka figuranten och skдlla ihеllande. Hunden fеr inte hoppa pе figuranten eller bita denne. Pе domarens anvisning gеr fцraren fram till sin hund. Pе ny anvisning av domaren skall fцrare och hund stдlla upp i utgеngsstдllning ett steg frеn figuranten. Fцraren beordrar nu denne att gе 5 steg ut frеn gцmstдllet.

Pе domarens anvisning skall fцraren med hunden lцs vid sidan fot fцrflytta sig 5 steg frеn figuranten och sдtter hunden och lдmnar hunden lцst sittande och fцraren beger sig till gцmstдllet. Pе domarens anvisning gцr figuranten ett flyktfцrsцk. Pе fцrarens order skall hunden utan att tveka med ett energiskt och kraftigt bett fцrhindra flyktfцrsцket. Pе domarens anvisning stеr figuranten stilla. Hunden skall slдppa pе ett kommando och dдr efter skall hunden tдtt och energiskt bevaka figuranten.

Avvдrjande under bevakning.

Efter ca 5 sekunders bevakning gцr figuranten pе domaren anvisning ett angrep pе hunden. Hunden skall: utan pеverkan av fцraren och utan att tveka, fцrsvara sig med ett energiskt och kraftigt bett. Pе domarens anvisning stеr figuranten stilla. Hunden skall slдppa pе ett kommando och dдr efter skall hunden tдtt och energiskt bevaka figuranten. dдr efter gеr fцraren fram till hunden och tar in den vid sidan. Kдppen tas inte frеn figuranten.

Angrep pе hunden under rцrelse.

Fцraren anvisas till en plats ca i mitten pе omrеdet. Hunden mеste sitta vid sidan av fцraren fot och kan hеllas i halsbandet. Pе domarens anvisning lдmnar figuranten det sista gцmstдllet och gеr rakt emot den sittande hunden. Sе snart figuranten дr ca 30 steg frеn fцraren och den sittande hunden skickar fцraren pе domarens anvisning hunden. Fцraren sjдlv fеr inte rцra sig eller lдmna sin plats. Figuranten riktar med skrдmsel ljud och hotfulla rцrelser ett frontal angrepp mot hunden. Hunden ska utan att tveka med ett energiskt och kraftigt bett avvдrja angreppet och hеlla fast дrmen. Dе hunden bitit ges den tvе slag. Endast slag pе manke, bog eller sidor дr tillеtna. Pе domarens anvisning stеr figuranten stilla. Hunden skall slдppa pе ett kommando och dдr efter skall hunden tдtt och energiskt bevaka figuranten. dдr efter gеr fцraren fram till hunden och tar in den vid sidan. Och tar kдppen frеn figuranten och stдller upp sig fцr sidotransport. Sedan fцljer ca 20 m sidotransport fram till domaren. Ett kort kommando дr tillеtet vid starten. Fцraren skall gе pе figurantens hцgra sida sе att hunden дr mellan figurant och fцrare. Hunden fеr inte hoppa pе eller bita figuranten under transporten. Framfцr domaren gцr gruppen halt och fцraren цver lдmnar kдppen till domaren. figuranten lдmnar platsen. Framtill och under redovisningen av bedцmningen skall hunden fцras samt sitta fritt. Efter redovisningen skall fцraren lдmna platsen med hunden lцs vid sidan.

Skyddsarbetet avbryts och kan inte betraktas som genomfцrt om:

Hunden gеr ur hand. (fцraren fцrlorar kontrollen цver hunden)
Om hunden inte slдpper pе det fjдrde kommandot. (inklusive det tillеtna)
Hunden bringas till att slдppa genom handgriplig pеverkan av fцraren.
Hunden misslyckas vid ett angreppsmoment eller lеter sig trдngas bort (inklusive flyktfцrsцk)
hunden angriper och biter figuranten under bevakning. Hunden fеr endast skдlla vid gцmstдllet samt vid bevakning.