IGP Conflict Resolution Strategy
High performance dogs thrive under structure and purpose. Yet even great teams hit friction when drive, clarity, and pressure collide. An IGP conflict resolution strategy gives handlers a precise plan to restore calm, clean work without losing power. At Smart Dog Training we apply the Smart Method to resolve conflict so your dog performs with confidence in protection, obedience, and tracking. Every step is delivered by a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer so you get results that hold in trial.
Conflict in IGP is not random. It shows up when the dog is unsure, the picture changes too fast, or pressure is unfair. Our SMDTs map the exact triggers, then rebuild behaviour with clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust. This is the core of our IGP conflict resolution strategy and the reason our teams perform with stability on any field.
What Conflict Looks Like In IGP
When a dog is confused or stressed, you will see telltale signs in each phase. The goal of an IGP conflict resolution strategy is to identify and remove the cause, not just the symptom.
- Protection work: dirty grips, slicing, chomping, or frantic regrip attempts
- Out command: delayed, vocal, or sticky outs that lead to handler frustration
- Guarding: conflict post out, pacing or looking away from the helper
- Obedience: forged heel, crabbing, vocalisation, slow sits or down refusals
- Back transport: scanning, bumping the helper, or tension that breaks focus
- Blind search: poor entries, leaking, or loss of neutrality
These patterns tell us where clarity is missing and how pressure is landing. With a precise IGP conflict resolution strategy we restore clear pictures and balanced arousal so the dog can think and perform.
The Smart Method Applied To IGP Conflict
Smart Dog Training built the Smart Method to solve real behaviour under real pressure. In IGP we use all five pillars to resolve conflict and keep power in the work.
Clarity
Commands and markers are delivered with precision. We define exact criteria for bite, out, guard, heel, and send away pictures. Clear cue in, clear marker out. No grey areas. This is the foundation of any IGP conflict resolution strategy.
Pressure and Release
Pressure tells the dog how to make good choices. Release confirms the choice. Our SMDTs pair fair guidance with immediate relief to build responsibility without conflict. The dog learns how to turn off pressure with correct behaviour.
Motivation
We use high value rewards to build drive and engagement without chaos. Correct reward placement reduces conflict and prevents rehearsals of poor mechanics.
Progression
We change only one variable at a time. We add duration, distance, or distraction in small steps. This keeps the IGP conflict resolution strategy clean and measurable.
Trust
Trust grows when the dog can predict outcomes. We protect confidence with fair pictures and consistent rules so the dog stays willing even under helper pressure.
Common Conflict Patterns And Root Causes
Grip Conflict
Slice grips, shifting, or chattering often come from unclear targeting, poor reinforcement history, or mismatched helper pressure. We fix the picture and the dog settles into a full, calm grip.
Out And Guard Tension
Sticky outs and noisy guards are classic conflict points. If the out cues punishment or loss without a quick path back to success, the dog resists. A clean IGP conflict resolution strategy pairs the out with instant clarity and a fast return to the fight when earned.
Heeling Under Stress
Forging and vocalisation are usually arousal without a job. We cap drive with precise positions and micro targets, then add motion only when the dog shows calm through focus.
Blind Search And Back Transport
Dogs leak when they predict the fight too early. We teach neutrality first, then build excitement in a controlled way so the dog can switch between states on cue.
How Smart Designs Your IGP Conflict Resolution Strategy
Smart Dog Training delivers a step by step plan tailored to your team. The aim is reliable behaviour without losing intensity.
Phase 1 Assess And Define
- Video review of training and trial moments
- Trigger mapping for location, helper picture, and handler cues
- Clear behavioural definitions for success and failure
Phase 2 Decompress And Reframe
- Short sessions, simple wins, controlled arousal
- Remove competing cues that keep the dog stuck
- Rebuild patterns with calm markers and smooth handling
Phase 3 Single Variable Drills
- One change per rep such as position, distance, or helper motion
- Instant release for correct choices
- Predictable reset to reduce noise
Phase 4 Rebuild The Pictures
- Grip picture with stable sleeve and clear target
- Out and guard with fast relief and clear reengagement
- Heeling picture with micro criteria before speed
Phase 5 Stress Inoculation
- Planned pressure spikes with fast return to baseline
- Neutral dogs and people around the field
- Timers and field entries to mimic trial rhythm
Phase 6 Trial Proofing
- Full routines with randomised helper pressure
- Score focused criteria for each exercise
- Handler mindset drills to keep emotions neutral
This structured approach is the backbone of our IGP conflict resolution strategy and keeps both dog and handler confident at every step.
Marker Systems That Remove Doubt
Dogs must know when they are right, when to try again, and when to hold. We use a clear set of markers for reward, continuation, and release. In an IGP conflict resolution strategy the markers do the heavy lifting so pressure is fair and easy to read.
- Reward markers for specific behaviours such as correct heel position or full grip
- Continuation markers to sustain behaviour under pressure
- No reward markers that say try again without conflict
When markers are consistent, the dog can think. Thoughtful dogs make fewer errors and recover faster if a mistake happens.
Pressure Mapping And Relief Schedules
Pressure without a clear release creates conflict. Our SMDTs map pressure sources such as leash tension, body pressure, helper motion, and environmental stress. We then pair each pressure event with a predictable release for the correct choice. This is central to any IGP conflict resolution strategy because it turns stress into information the dog can use.
Reward Placement For Clean Mechanics
Where and when you reward shapes the picture. A dog that forges in heel often gets rewards slightly ahead of the left leg. A dog that slices the grip may be rewarded during movement that pushes the head off centre. We place rewards to support the goal picture and remove conflict. Smart Dog Training builds reward clarity into every IGP conflict resolution strategy so the dog builds stable habits fast.
Resolving Grip Conflict
We begin with a stable object picture and a calm dog. The helper presents a clear, still target. The dog earns contact only for centred, full commitment. If the grip opens or shifts, we freeze the picture, wait for improvement, then reward with movement or a quick win. Over time movement becomes the reward for fullness and calm. This creates a self managed solution inside the IGP conflict resolution strategy.
- Set target height and angle for the dog
- Present still, reward only full and calm
- Add movement in small bursts
- Proof with mild pressure, return to stillness for recovery
The Out Without Fallout
The out must feel safe and worth doing. We teach an out that predicts a new chance to work when earned. The dog learns a clear out cue, an immediate path to reward, and rules for guarding. In our IGP conflict resolution strategy the out never means the game is over without a fair reason. It means switch from bite to guard and wait for your next job.
- Teach out on low arousal items first
- Reward the first clean release with instant relief
- Add guard rules while keeping the dog in balance
- Only add helper pressure after the dog shows clear understanding
Heeling That Survives Pressure
True heel is a calm focus behaviour that carries drive inside. We use micro targets for head position and shoulder alignment. We add motion only when the dog can hold position at a walk and at turns. In an IGP conflict resolution strategy, the heel becomes a safe place where the dog can breathe and think, even when helpers move on the field.
Neutrality Around Helpers And During Back Transport
Neutrality is a skill. We teach the dog to ignore helper motion until cued. During back transport the dog learns that calm following and focus on the handler are what keep the picture moving. Smart Dog Training builds this into the IGP conflict resolution strategy so the dog can switch from fight to follow without leaking or scanning.
Handler Emotions And Dog Conflict
Dogs feel handler tension. We teach handlers simple breathing and reset drills so cues stay clean. We script sessions so every rep has a clear start and end. This removes noise that creates conflict and supports your IGP conflict resolution strategy under trial nerves.
Metrics That Drive Decisions
We track data for each session. We log grip quality, time to out, heel position drift, and vocal load. We set criteria for promotion such as ten clean reps before adding a variable. With data, your IGP conflict resolution strategy becomes predictable and repeatable.
When Tools Fit Into Your Plan
Tools are only effective when the dog understands the job. Smart Dog Training introduces any tool inside a clear picture with reward first, pressure second, and fast release for the right choice. Tools never replace training. They simply help the dog make better choices under pressure within a fair IGP conflict resolution strategy.
Work With A Certified Expert
Every Smart programme is delivered by a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer. You get a structured plan, clear homework, and coaching that keeps sessions short, clean, and effective. If you want a tailored IGP conflict resolution strategy that respects your dog and gets real results, we can help.
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.
Real Session Flow Using The Smart Method
- Set a single goal for the rep such as clean out with quiet guard
- Control arousal with a calm start and clear cue
- Apply pressure only as needed and release as soon as the dog chooses right
- Mark and pay with precise reward placement
- Log the result and either repeat or progress one small step
Repeat this simple flow and your IGP conflict resolution strategy will build strong habits and reduce conflict session by session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IGP conflict resolution strategy
It is a structured plan that removes confusion and stress from your dog’s work. We use the Smart Method to rebuild clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust so your dog performs with power and control.
Will an IGP conflict resolution strategy lower my dog’s drive
No. We protect drive by making rules clear and fair. Clean pictures let the dog stay powerful without chaos. Drive increases when the dog understands how to win.
How long does it take to see results
Most teams feel change in the first two to three sessions because we target exact triggers. Full proofing depends on your goals and training history. Your SMDT will map a timeline with you.
Can you fix sticky outs without losing aggression
Yes. We pair the out with quick relief and a fair path back to work when earned. The dog learns that releasing is part of the game, not the end of it.
What if my dog only struggles on trial day
We add stress inoculation and trial proofing. We rehearse field entries, judge presence, and helper motion so trial pictures feel normal. This is built into your IGP conflict resolution strategy.
Do you work with all IGP breeds
Yes. We train by the Smart Method, not by breed stereotypes. We adjust pictures and reinforcement to suit the dog in front of us.
How do you measure progress
We log times, positions, and error rates. We promote criteria only when data shows stability. This keeps your IGP conflict resolution strategy objective and repeatable.
Can I start if my dog has severe reactivity
Yes. We start with safety and control, then build clarity and confidence. Your SMDT will design steps that keep sessions productive and calm.
Conclusion
Power without clarity creates friction. With a precise IGP conflict resolution strategy from Smart Dog Training, your dog learns to channel drive into clean, confident work. We remove confusion, teach fair rules, and build trust so performance stays strong under real pressure. Whether you need stable grips, clean outs, better heeling, or calm back transport, the Smart Method provides a step by step path that works in training and in trial.
Next Steps
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
World-class dog trainer, IGP competitor, and founder of the Smart Method - transforming high-drive dogs and mentoring the UK’s next generation of professional trainers.
