Equipment Rules in IGP Explained

Equipment Rules in IGP Explained

Success in IGP rests on clarity, fairness, and safety. Equipment rules in IGP exist to protect dogs, judges, helpers, and the spirit of the sport. At Smart Dog Training we make these rules simple to follow so you can focus on performance. Our Smart Method builds reliability while keeping every session compliant. From collars and lines to handling during inspections, we cover what is allowed, what is not, and how to prepare with confidence.

In this guide you will learn how equipment rules in IGP apply across tracking, obedience, and protection. You will also see how a Smart Master Dog Trainer supports you through every step so there are no surprises on trial day. We train with clear standards, honest pressure and release, strong motivation, and step by step progression. That is how we earn trust and deliver results that last in real life.

Why Equipment Rules in IGP Matter

IGP tests precision and temperament. The dog must show control, confidence, and willingness. Fair equipment is the foundation. The wrong collar or a hidden aid can change the picture and damage trust. This is why equipment rules in IGP are strict. They keep the field level and the dog safe. They also hold handlers to a clean process with no shortcuts.

Smart Dog Training treats equipment as part of the training plan. We show you how to handle lines, where to stow rewards, and when to remove training tools. Your Smart Master Dog Trainer will check your kit before each session and again before a mock trial so the routine is automatic.

How the Smart Method Ensures Compliance

The Smart Method blends clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust. Each pillar touches equipment use.

• Clarity means simple, legal gear. Dogs learn with precise markers and consistent tools.
• Pressure and Release means fair guidance on legal collars and lines with clean release and reward.
• Motivation means we build strong value for the work without illegal aids on the field.
• Progression means we layer difficulty so the dog performs with only allowed equipment.
• Trust means the dog believes the rules are the same in training and at trials.

Our SMDTs plan your equipment from day one. You will not need to scramble before a trial. You will step on the field with a kit that a judge can approve in seconds.

Core Principles Every Handler Should Know

Before we break down each phase, keep these core principles in mind. They apply to all equipment rules in IGP.

• Keep it simple. Use plain, legal gear only.
• No hidden aids. No magnets, remotes, or concealed toys or food.
• Nothing that tightens. Collars must not close under tension.
• Empty your pockets. No food, toys, clickers, or electronics on your body.
• Respect inspections. Judges and trial staff can check your dog and gear at any time.

Allowed Collars and Identification

Clean, non tightening collars are the standard. A flat leather or fabric collar is accepted. A fixed length chain that cannot tighten is also accepted. The collar must sit high and fit well. Keep it free from decorative parts that could distract or cause harm.

Identification is limited. If a tag is allowed, it must be plain and safe. To avoid doubt, Smart Dog Training recommends you remove all tags before entering the field. We show you how to document your dog and keep ID secure outside the ring.

What Is Prohibited

Any item that can give extra leverage or signal is prohibited. This list helps you avoid mistakes.

• No prong collars or pinch collars.
• No choke chains that tighten under load.
• No electronic collars, bark collars, or stimulators.
• No harnesses in obedience or protection unless directed by officials.
• No halters, head collars, or double collars.
• No hidden magnets, reward balls, or treat pouches worn by the handler.
• No weighted or padded collars.
• No adhesive or tape on the dog or gear unless medically cleared by officials.

Smart coaches run a pre field check so none of these slip through. It is easy to overlook a training vest with forgotten treats. We build the habit of empty pockets at the start of every session.

Pre Trial Inspections and Field Entry Checks

Most events include equipment checks before you work. Judges and stewards may inspect your dog, collar, leash, and your clothing. Expect hands to pass under the collar to confirm it does not tighten. Expect to show an empty vest, empty pockets, and no electronics. Be ready to remove any questionable item without debate.

Smart Dog Training rehearses this routine. Your SMDT will run a mock inspection before every proofing session so your dog stays calm and you look professional.

Tracking Phase Equipment Rules in IGP

Tracking highlights scent work, independence, and methodical behaviour. Equipment rules in IGP for tracking protect the dog and the track.

Tracking Lines and Lengths

A long line is standard. Ten metres is the common length and gives room for a natural rhythm. The line must be smooth, safe, and easy to handle. No knots, no swivels that catch, and no heavy clips that bounce on the track. Choose a line that glides through your hands and stays visible on grass or soil.

Smart Dog Training teaches line handling with precision. You learn finger pressure, feed out, and clean stops without jerks. This supports pressure and release with clarity so the dog understands how to work forward without conflict.

Tracking Harness or Collar

A well fitted tracking harness is accepted and preferred by Smart Dog Training. It frees the neck and keeps pressure off the airway during slow, steady work. Some events may permit a non tightening collar for tracking. We standardise on a secure harness so the dog can focus on scent rather than neck pressure. Fit is key. The harness must not rub, ride up, or restrict shoulders.

Articles, Markers, and Handler Aids

Articles are provided according to event standards. The handler may not alter them or add scent. Markers placed by officials may appear near the start or turns. Handlers must not place their own flags or chalk marks. During the track the handler must not carry food, toys, or clickers. Phones and watches with alerts must be left behind.

We teach you to prepare a simple kit for tracking. It includes your line, harness, water, and a clean bag to store articles after the exercise as instructed by officials. No extra equipment is needed.

Obedience Phase Equipment Rules in IGP

Obedience showcases precision, engagement, and control under distraction. Equipment rules in IGP for obedience are clear. The dog must perform without help.

Collars and On Leash Heeling

In many IGP levels the heeling is off leash. In certain entry or temperament portions, on leash heeling may be required. When a leash is used it must be a simple leash attached to a non tightening collar. No harness is allowed in obedience. The leash must not wrap around the handler or the dog. It must be carried as directed by the judge when removed.

Off Leash Work and Dumbbells

Once off leash, the collar may remain on if permitted. There must be no grabbing or guiding with the hand. Dumbbells used for retrieves are standard trial equipment. Handlers may not bring personal dumbbells unless directed. No sticky substances or scents may be applied to any trial object. The retrieve, jump, and scaling exercises must show clean, unassisted effort.

Down Stay and Positions

During the down under distraction the handler must not use tethers, hidden magnets, or subtle visual cues aided by equipment. Hats with magnets, gloves with metal strips, or vests with concealment are not allowed. The dog must hold position on the handler's words and training, not on devices.

Protection Phase Equipment Rules in IGP

Protection tests courage, control, and judgment. The helper uses a sleeve and a padded suit piece that are part of the event. Handlers must meet equipment rules in IGP for protection with clean, minimal gear.

Collars During Protection

A plain, non tightening collar may be on the dog. The leash is removed at the start as directed. No secondary collars and no harness are used. The handler must not touch the collar or cradle the dog to influence grips or guarding. Any physical aid beyond clean handling can lead to penalties or dismissal.

Helper Equipment and Signals

The helper uses a sleeve, baton substitute, and protective clothing issued by the event. Handlers must not bring personal sleeves, hidden tugs, or interaction tools near the blind. Any attempt to cue the dog with hidden toys, magnets, or sounds from devices is prohibited. Smart Dog Training prepares dogs to grip, out, and guard on clear verbal markers only.

Whips, Sticks, and Auxiliary Items

Impact tools used in testing are controlled by officials. Handlers must not carry or request any extra item. We build resilience and neutrality in training so your dog shows stable behaviour without crutches.

Training Versus Trial Day

Many teams fall into the trap of training with rich equipment and then stripping it all on trial day. The picture changes and performance drops. Smart Dog Training bridges that gap with a progression plan.

• Early phase. We may use motivational tools in designated setups off the field.
• Mid phase. We wean tools and rehearse with only legal equipment.
• Proofing phase. We run full sequences under trial conditions with inspections.

By the time you enter a real event, your routine already matches equipment rules in IGP. The dog sees the same collar, the same leash, and the same handler behaviour that you use on the day.

Removing Training Collars before You Step On

If you use training collars at home, they must come off before entering the venue area as directed by officials. Smart coaches create a fixed pre field routine. We park, toilet the dog, warm up in a legal zone, and remove any training collars. We stow toys and food in the car. We then switch to a plain collar and a clean leash. This keeps you compliant and keeps the dog in the right mindset.

Handler Clothing and Gear Management

Clothing can become a hidden training aid if you let it. Vests with built in magnets or snack pockets are not allowed on the field. Gloves with metal strips, hats with reflecting markers, or wristbands with signals are not allowed. Keep it simple.

• Wear a plain vest or jacket with empty pockets.
• Leave clickers, remotes, and phones behind.
• Remove lures before stepping into the ring.
• Carry only what the judge instructs you to carry.

We teach you to treat every serious training session like a trial. The more consistent you are with equipment rules in IGP, the steadier your dog becomes under pressure.

Where to Store Rewards and When They Are Allowed

Rewards are part of motivation in the Smart Method, but they must be used at the right time and place. Do not bring food or toys into the ring. Use a neutral warm up area if the event allows it and only before your call to the start. After your routine, leave the field before rewarding. This keeps the event clean and avoids penalties.

Equipment Inspection Checklist

Use this Smart checklist to pass inspection with ease.

• Dog wears a plain, non tightening collar that fits well.
• Leash is simple, safe, and free of knots or decorations.
• No harness except in tracking when allowed or instructed.
• Handler pockets and vest are empty.
• No toys, food, magnets, or electronics on the body.
• Long line and harness ready for tracking only.
• No personal dumbbells or training props in obedience.
• Clean footwear with good grip and no studs that damage turf.

Run this checklist with your Smart Master Dog Trainer the week before the event and again on the day.

Common Disqualifiers and Penalties

These mistakes can lead to point loss or dismissal. Avoid them at all costs.

• Using a collar that tightens under tension.
• Entering the field with food, toys, or a clicker.
• Hidden magnets or a remote reward device on the handler.
• Guiding the dog by grabbing the collar or harness in obedience or protection.
• Altering trial equipment such as dumbbells or articles.
• Ignoring a judge request during inspection.

Smart Dog Training prevents these by building clean habits from the first lesson. We never rely on illegal aids in training, so competition feels natural.

How Smart Prepares You for Equipment Rules in IGP

We use a structured plan to align training with competition standards.

• Assessment. We review your goals and current equipment.
• Plan. Your SMDT designs a route from foundation to trial day.
• Rehearsal. We run mock inspections and full sequences under pressure.
• Refinement. We tune line handling, leash management, and ring craft.
• Support. We guide you on the day so you can focus on your dog.

Ready to turn your dog’s behaviour around? Book a Free Assessment and connect with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer available across the UK.

Phase by Phase Quick Guide

Use this phase summary when packing your bag.

• Tracking. Long line of about ten metres and a well fitted tracking harness. No food or toys on the field. Articles are provided by officials.
• Obedience. Plain collar. Leash used only when directed. No harness. No personal dumbbells. No hidden aids.
• Protection. Plain collar. Leash removed when directed. No harness. No handler tools. Helper equipment is provided by the event.

FAQs on Equipment Rules in IGP

Can I use my prong collar to the gate, then remove it

No. Keep all prohibited tools away from the competition area as directed by officials. Smart Dog Training creates a pre field routine that prevents mistakes.

Is a tracking harness required

A well fitted tracking harness is accepted and preferred. Some events may allow a non tightening collar for tracking. We standardise on a harness for safety and consistency.

Can I wear my training vest in the ring if it is empty

We recommend a plain jacket or vest with no magnets or attachments. Even if pockets are empty, built in magnets or hidden features can cause problems. Keep it simple.

Are personal dumbbells allowed

Trial equipment is usually supplied by the event. Use what the judge provides. Smart prepares your dog to retrieve any standard dumbbell with confidence.

Can my dog keep the collar on during obedience

A plain, non tightening collar may be allowed during off leash work. Do not handle or grab it. Follow the judge’s directions at all times.

What happens if the judge finds food in my pocket

You risk penalties or dismissal. We avoid this by rehearsing inspections and adopting a strict empty pockets habit before every session.

How long should my tracking line be

Ten metres is a common length. It gives space while keeping contact. We teach clean line handling so the dog can work without interference.

Can I reward my dog on the field after the exercise

No. Leave the ring first. Reward in a designated area away from the field. This keeps the event fair and protects your score.

Are e collars ever allowed if they are turned off

No. Electronic collars are not allowed in the competition area. Smart teaches reliability without them so you stay compliant.

Conclusion

Equipment rules in IGP protect dogs and define the sport. When you train the Smart way, compliance is built into every session. We keep gear simple and legal. We remove crutches and grow real obedience and control through clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust. With a Smart Master Dog Trainer by your side, inspections are easy and your focus stays on performance.

Your dog deserves training that truly works. With certified Smart Master Dog Trainers SMDTs nationwide, you will get proven results backed by the UK’s most trusted dog training network. Find a Trainer Near You