Are you looking for a way to bond with your furry friend and challenge yourself both mentally and physically? Consider giving the IGP Kun challenge a try! This German sport might seem intimidating at first, but with proper training and dedication, you and your dog can master it.

What is IGP Kun?

IGP Kun is a canine sport that combines obedience, tracking, and protection work. It originated in Germany and was formerly known as Schutzhund.

The sport has evolved over time, and the name was changed to IGP (International Utility Dogs Program) in 2019 to reflect its international reach.

IGP Kun has three parts:.

Tracking: Your dog will follow a track laid out before them by their handler. The track will have numerous turns, obstacles and will be anywhere from 440 to 880 yards long.
Obedience: During the obedience phase, your dog will perform specific obedience commands including heeling, recalls, and retrieving. The judge scores the dog on their precision, speed, and obedience to commands.
Protection: The protection phase is perhaps the best-known aspect of the sport. The dog is evaluated on their ability to attack and protect their handler. The judge looks at the dog’s overall attitude, agility, courage, and strength.

How to train for IGP Kun

To participate in IGP Kun, you and your dog must be in excellent physical and mental condition. Training is critical and should start as early as possible – preferably when your dog is 12 to 18 months old.

You need to work with an experienced trainer who understands the IGP Kun rules, techniques, and commands.

1. Start with the basics

The first step is to teach your dog basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” These commands form the foundation of your dog’s training.

You also need to teach your dog to socialize with people and other dogs. Expose them to different environments, sounds, and situations, so they become used to them.

2. Work on Tracking

Your dog needs to be able to follow a scent track to excel in the tracking event. To begin training for tracking, expose your dog to the scent. You can start by hiding a favorite toy or treat in the yard and allowing the dog to search for it.

Gradually increase the complexity and length of the track, adding twists and turns, so your dog gets accustomed to following the scent.

3. Amp up obedience training

During the obedience training, it is essential to make sure your dog knows what is expected of them during each phase of the competition. Train them to heel, sit, lay down, and stand under different conditions, including distraction.

With time, increase the duration and intensity of each exercise.

4. Train for Protection

The protection phase can be psychologically challenging, so it is essential to work on gaining your dog’s confidence.

This training should introduce protection gear such as a bite pad and sleeve, so your dog can learn how to properly bite an object and retreat when told to do so. It is also important to introduce your dog to strangers and new environments so they can learn the skills needed to protect you when commanded to do so.

Participating in the IGP Kun Challenge

Once you have trained and developed your dog’s skills, you can participate in the IGP Kun challenge. As the sport requires a significant amount of training and dedication, it is common for people to participate as a part of clubs or teams.

It is important to remember that IGP Kun is a competition and not a breed test. Dogs of all breeds can participate, with no bias or preference for any one breed.

At the competition, the dog and its handler will demonstrate their skills in front of a panel of judges, which will evaluate their performance and provide feedback. The grading system ensures that each dog and handler are scored fairly and objectively.

The Benefits of IGP Kun

IGP Kun is a challenging and rewarding for both the dog and its handler. Here are some of the benefits of participating in the sport:.

1. Improved Fitness

The training and competition require both physical and mental energy for the dog and the handler. Participating in the challenge will improve your dog’s agility, strength, and overall fitness.

For the handler, the sport provides an opportunity for a good workout when training with your pup.

2. Bonding with your dog

IGP Kun is all about building a bond and trust between you and your dog. Training for the competition involves working closely with your pup and communicating effectively.

The sport provides an excellent opportunity to develop a strong bond with your furry friend.

3. Improved obedience and focus

IGP Kun training can enhance a dog’s obedience and focus. During obedience training, your dog will learn to work under distraction and follow specific commands.

In addition, the sport also enhances a dog’s pre-existing natural protective instinct.

4. Mental Stimulation

Dogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise. IGP Kun provides an excellent opportunity for dogs to exercise their brains and improve their problem-solving skills.

As dogs learn to navigate complex scent tracks and discern between friendly and hostile encounters, their brains become more agile and responsive.

Conclusion

IGP Kun is a specialized canine sport that requires physical and mental strength from both the handler and their pup.

While it might seem intimidating at first, the sport provides an excellent opportunity to bond with your furry friend and enhance your dog’s various skills and abilities. Participating in IGP Kun will provide both physical and mental benefits, ultimately bettering your relationship with your pup.