IGP Exercise Specific Warm Ups

IGP Exercise Specific Warm Ups

Sharp work in the ring starts long before the judge says begin. The right IGP exercise specific warm ups create calm focus, protect the body, and set exact criteria before the first step of tracking, the first heel command, or the first bark and guard. At Smart Dog Training, every drill follows the Smart Method so your dog performs with clarity, motivation, progression, and trust. When you work with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer (SMDT), your warm up becomes a reliable process that delivers points under pressure.

Why Warm Ups Matter in IGP

IGP rewards precision and control under arousal. Without proper IGP exercise specific warm ups, dogs either boil over or stay flat. Muscles are cold, minds are noisy, and criteria drift. A short, targeted routine primes tissues, narrows focus, and reminds the dog of the rules that make points. Smart Dog Training builds warm ups around outcome driven behaviour that holds in the real world and under trial stress.

Carryover to Scores and Safety

• Reduced injury risk thanks to progressive activation
• Cleaner first reps that earn points
• Faster recovery between exercises and phases
• Lower mental noise so the dog hits known pictures with confidence

The Smart Method Applied

• Clarity: precise cues, markers, and release so the dog knows exactly what earns reward
• Pressure and Release: fair guidance and clean off switches that build responsibility
• Motivation: rewards used to create drive that stays directed
• Progression: distractions and difficulty added step by step
• Trust: a consistent dance between handler and dog that reduces conflict

These pillars shape all IGP exercise specific warm ups delivered by Smart Dog Training so your dog enters the ring already in the pocket.

The Anatomy of an IGP Exercise Specific Warm Up

Every warm up is short and intentional. You are not training new skills. You are priming known behaviours so the first judged rep looks like the tenth rep in practice.

Phase 1 Reset and Regulation

• Settle the nervous system with a brief sniff walk or quiet food search
• Breathing drills for the handler to lower tension
• Leash neutrality to confirm the dog can be near the ring without leaking

Phase 2 Activation and Range of Motion

• Controlled trot, figure eights, and backing up
• Dynamic movements like spins, bow to stand, and gentle cavaletti if space allows
• Targeted joint prep for shoulders, hips, and spine

Phase 3 Engagement and Markers

• Engagement test with eye contact and a single marker
• Short hand touches and position changes to wake up the brain
• Reward schedule set for the ring plan

Phase 4 Micro Rehearsal and Criteria

• One to two reps of the first picture you will need in the ring
• Exact heel start, exact down signal, exact grip target depending on phase
• End on a clean release to avoid frustration

Phase 5 Proofing and Release

• One light distraction test relevant to the field
• Final release cue so the dog can breathe, then back to neutral

This framework keeps IGP exercise specific warm ups efficient, safe, and repeatable across trial days.

Warm Up for Tracking

Tracking rewards rhythm, head position, and honest article indication. IGP exercise specific warm ups for tracking should prepare the nose and mind, not burn the track before it begins.

Nose Activation Routines

• Three to five scattered food drops in short grass to switch the nose on
• A small pad with two footfalls and one treat to prime the footprint pattern
• Quiet handling so the dog settles into methodical work

Article Indication Primer

• One clean indication on a single article on neutral ground
• Reward only for the final indication picture you expect on the track
• No drilling that creates anticipation or vocalisation

Line Handling and Rhythm

• Two strides with light line contact to confirm handler rhythm
• Pressure and release on the line to maintain straightness without nagging
• Reset if the head pops. Clarity beats repetition

Smart Dog Training builds tracking warm ups that get your dog into a low gear fast. You enter the field with quiet confidence and a dog ready to lock in.

Warm Up for Obedience Heelwork

IGP obedience starts with attitude, rhythm, and position. Your dog should step into the ring already set for heelwork with clean left shoulder alignment and loose body.

Position and Rhythm Priming

• Two to three steps of perfect heel into a sit
• Mark for correct head height and shoulder placement
• Reset with a playful release to keep energy up

Turns and Transitions

• One left turn, one about turn at competition speed
• Brief slow pace to confirm the dog stays connected
• Immediate reward after a crisp halt with a straight sit

Focus Without Tension

• Look cue held for two to three seconds only
• If eyes get hard, break focus and breathe. Build soft intensity
• Rehearse the first step you will take toward the judge

These IGP exercise specific warm ups for heelwork avoid drilling. They spark the picture and then stop.

Warm Up for Retrieves

Retrieves require impulse control, clean mechanics, and strong jumping form. The aim of IGP exercise specific warm ups here is to light the engine without causing a premature launch.

Dumbbell Hold and Calm Start

• One to two calm holds with a still head and full bite
• Clear out cue so the dog releases without conflict
• No throws until you are ready to step into the ring plan

Power Without Breaking

• Short restrained send of one to two strides without a dumbbell
• Reward for control at the line, not the sprint
• Rehearse the wait cue you will use before the judge commands

Jumping Mechanics

• One low height hop or warm up over a pole on the ground
• Check approach angle and landing balance
• Save full height for the ring unless vet cleared and needed

Warm Up for Send Away and Down

Send away success is about a clear line and a decisive down under arousal. Your IGP exercise specific warm ups should build a clean picture without turning it into a game of fetch.

Targeting and Run Mechanics

• Mark a visual target at distance in training phases so the dog understands the line
• In trial prep, rehearse the first two strides and the handler posture only
• Reward for the dog staying straight off your cue

Arousal Control on the Down

• Two fast downs from motion in a quiet area
• One duration check of three to five seconds
• Release and praise to keep the down clean and confident

Warm Up for Protection

Protection warm ups must be ethical, safe, and structured. At Smart Dog Training, we use IGP exercise specific warm ups that bring clarity without chaos. Control and confidence come first.

Bark and Guard Setup

• One to two barks on cue into a quiet guard stance
• No leash pops or shouting. Let the picture do the work
• Reward for rhythm and intensity, not noise or lunging

Grips and Countering Preparation

• One brief full grip on a soft roll or wedge if the field permits
• Countering marked for calm, full mouth pressure
• End before you see thrashing or spinning

Outs and Returns

• Clean out on a known cue with immediate re-bite in training phases
• Before trial, prime the out and return to heel with a toy, then end
• Handler footwork rehearsed at slow speed to reduce errors

All protection preparation follows the Smart Method. Pressure and release are fair, rewards are clear, and the dog trusts the picture. This is the backbone of IGP exercise specific warm ups for the protection phase.

Ring Entry Routine

How you enter the field shapes the first judged behaviour. Build a simple script and use it every time so your dog knows the plan.

On Deck Protocol

• Leash neutral and quiet heel around the ring edge
• One engagement check, one micro rep of your first picture
• Final release and a deep breath for the handler

First 30 Seconds Plan

• Exact foot placement for your start line
• Soft cueing and still hands
• One thought only. Do not add extras that confuse the dog

Smart Dog Training coaches handlers to turn this routine into muscle memory. Our SMDTs design IGP exercise specific warm ups that carry into a composed ring entry.

Warm Up Tools and Safety

Simple kit supports clean prep. Keep it light and legal for trial grounds.

• Flat collar, standard leash, and a long line for tracking
• Soft tug or ball used off the field as allowed
• Travel mat for down time and regulation

Surface Checks

• Walk the path for holes, glass, or slippery patches
• Test traction with a short trot before jumps or fast work
• Adjust warm up volume on hot or cold days

Gear Check

• Inspect dumbbells for chips or splinters
• Confirm jump heights with the steward
• Keep water and shade ready for recovery

Customising for Young vs Experienced Dogs

IGP exercise specific warm ups flex with age and stage. The goal stays the same. Calm confidence at the first cue.

Pups and Green Dogs

• Shorter sessions with more releases
• More food and simple pictures
• Zero drilling near the ring to prevent rehearsal of errors

Seasoned Competitors

• Fewer but sharper reps
• Fine control of arousal via release and reset
• Micro proofing that mirrors the field in front of you

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over arousal that boils the dog before the judge sees you
• Drilling instead of priming which wastes energy and blunts drive
• Changing routines on trial day which erodes trust
• Vague markers that blur criteria
• Ignoring footing and weather which invites injury

Sample 10 Minute Warm Up Templates

Use these Smart Dog Training templates as a guide. Tailor them with your SMDT to your dog and field.

Tracking Template

1. Minute 1: Quiet walk and breathing reset
2. Minute 2: Scattered food for nose switch on
3. Minute 3: Two step track pad with one reward
4. Minute 4: Single article indication and pay
5. Minute 5: Line handling drill for rhythm
6. Minute 6: Stand and breathe. Dog rests
7. Minute 7: Final engagement check
8. Minute 8: Walk to start peg calm and neutral
9. Minute 9 to 10: Wait for judge without extra reps

Obedience Template

1. Minute 1: Trot, turns, and joint mobility
2. Minute 2: Two step heel and sit with reward
3. Minute 3: One left turn, one about turn
4. Minute 4: Down from motion and release
5. Minute 5: Dumbbell hold for two seconds
6. Minute 6: Jump mechanics check at low height
7. Minute 7: Focus check without tension
8. Minute 8: Handler breath and ring entry rehearsal
9. Minute 9 to 10: Neutral waiting with mat

Protection Template

1. Minute 1: Controlled movement and engagement
2. Minute 2: Bark and guard picture with pay
3. Minute 3: One brief grip and clean out in training zones only
4. Minute 4: Heel to neutral and release
5. Minute 5: Outs and return to heel with a toy then stop
6. Minute 6: Handler footwork at slow speed
7. Minute 7: Breath work and ring focus
8. Minute 8 to 10: Quiet hold pattern until called

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.

Measuring Success

IGP exercise specific warm ups should earn you quieter first reps, fewer handler errors, and stronger recovery after each exercise. Track your data.

Logs and Data

• Note arousal on a 1 to 5 scale at entry, mid routine, and exit
• Record first rep quality. Did it match training
• Write one adjustment for next time

Adjusting Load

• If the dog is hot, cut reps and extend resets
• If the dog is flat, add one short power rep then release
• Change one thing at a time so you know what works

FAQs on IGP Exercise Specific Warm Ups

How long should IGP exercise specific warm ups take

Most dogs need 8 to 12 minutes total with planned rest. Young or sensitive dogs may need less. The aim is priming, not practice.

What if my dog gets over aroused during the warm up

Use the Smart Method. Release, breathe, and reset with simple focus work. Do one clean micro rep, then stop. Over arousal means you did too much.

Can I warm up grips right before protection starts

Only if it is allowed and safe. Often you can prime the picture with bark and guard, outs, and heel control off the field. Smart Dog Training keeps it ethical and calm.

Should I feed during warm ups on trial day

Use food only where rules allow and where it helps clarity. If food excites your dog too much, switch to calm praise and structured play off the field.

How do I adapt IGP exercise specific warm ups for bad weather

Extend the movement phase, shorten static holds, and reduce jumps. Check footing and cut any reps that risk slips. Safety comes first.

Do I need a coach to build these routines

A certified Smart Master Dog Trainer (SMDT) will shorten your learning curve and polish criteria. Our coaches design warm ups that suit your dog and the field.

Conclusion

IGP exercise specific warm ups are your secret weapon. They set body and mind, protect against errors, and carry clean pictures into the first judged rep. Built with the Smart Method, your routine becomes predictable, ethical, and effective. Smart Dog Training has SMDTs across the UK ready to tailor this system to your dog, your goals, and your trial calendar.

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