IGP Phases Explained

IGP Phases Explained

As a trainer who has spent years competing in IGP, I know how confusing the IGP phases can look from the outside. This guide explains the BH, IGP 1, IGP 2, and IGP 3 in plain language, and shows how Smart Dog Training prepares dogs to pass and perform with confidence. You will see how the IGP phases fit together, how the levels scale, and how our Smart Method builds calm, controlled power that lasts in real life. If you want expert help, a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer is ready to guide you from first steps to the trial field.

IGP is a three part sport that measures a dog’s tracking, obedience, and protection under strict rules. The IGP phases are the same at every level, but difficulty grows from BH entry level, to IGP 1, then IGP 2, and finally IGP 3. At Smart Dog Training we treat the IGP phases as a structured ladder. We focus on clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust so each session builds toward reliable performance.

What Are the IGP Phases

The sport has three core IGP phases. Phase A is tracking, Phase B is obedience, and Phase C is protection. The BH test sits before IGP and proves basic temperament and control in public. Each level raises the bar for precision, difficulty, and responsibility. When you understand the IGP phases, you can target your training, avoid confusion for your dog, and build a clean pathway to trial success.

Why These IGP Phases Matter

The IGP phases are designed to show complete training. Tracking tests nose work and patience. Obedience tests precision, drive, and control. Protection tests courage, grip, and obedience to the handler. Together the IGP phases show that dog and handler can work under pressure with safety and stability.

The BH Test

The BH test is the gateway to the IGP phases. BH stands for Begleithund, or companion dog test. It is a temperament and control exam that proves your dog is safe and obedient in public. There is a simple obedience routine on the field, followed by a city or traffic test off the field. Dogs must be calm, neutral to people and dogs, and reliable with basic commands.

BH Objectives

• Stable behavior around crowds, dogs, bikes, and cars
• Loose lead heeling with changes of pace
• Straight sit and down with recall
• Out of sight down stay while another team works

Smart Dog Training prepares every BH team through the Smart Method. We teach clean markers, clear leash guidance, and consistent release so the dog understands each task. We build focus without conflict and proof against everyday distractions so your BH feels routine on trial day. A Smart Master Dog Trainer mentors you through handling, rules, and ring craft from the start.

Traffic Test and Neutrality

The BH includes a public portion. Your dog must remain neutral while a jogger passes, a bike rings a bell, and a group greets you. Your dog should not lunge, bark, or show fear. We rehearse these scenarios with careful staging. We build trust and reward calm so your dog learns that neutrality is the job. This sets the tone for all later IGP phases.

Understanding IGP Levels 1 2 3

Once you pass BH, you can enter IGP 1. From there, IGP 2 and IGP 3 add complexity. The IGP phases remain the same at every level, but difficulty steps up in three ways. Tracks become longer with more legs and articles. Obedience adds jumps, retrieves, and higher precision. Protection adds more blinds, longer grips, and stricter control between actions.

How the IGP Phases Scale From 1 to 3

• Tracking grows in length, number of articles, and corner complexity
• Obedience adds retrieves over flat and jumps, plus send away at higher levels
• Protection adds blind searching, longer drives, and tighter obedience to handler commands

Smart Dog Training maps your plan across all IGP phases from the first lesson. We use progression to layer skills so each new demand feels like a natural next step.

IGP Phase A Tracking

Tracking in the IGP phases tests concentration and scent discrimination. The dog follows a laid track at a steady pace and indicates small items called articles. Judges watch for line tension, footstep precision, and a consistent nose down style.

Tracking in IGP 1

IGP 1 tracking has a shorter track with fewer corners and two articles. The track is laid by the handler or a tracklayer depending on the ruleset, and aged for a set time. The focus is on a deep nose, a calm rhythm, and clear article indication. At Smart Dog Training we start with food in each step to teach the dog that scent pays. We then fade food and keep the same clear picture so the behavior stays stable.

Tracking in IGP 2

IGP 2 adds length, extra corners, and an additional article. Wind, soil, and age now challenge the dog’s commitment. We coach handlers to manage the line with quiet hands so the dog learns responsibility. The Smart Method uses pressure and release with the tracking line. Gentle guidance when the dog lifts the head, instant release when the nose returns to the track. This builds accountability without conflict.

Tracking in IGP 3

IGP 3 is the pinnacle of Phase A. Tracks are longer, corners are sharper, and articles are more frequent. Judges expect a stable nose down style and clean, fast article indications. We add distraction tracks nearby and vary ground conditions to proof the picture. Motivation remains high with intermittent food at key moments and a big reward at the end. This keeps attitude and accuracy in balance across the IGP phases.

Smart Foundations for Tracking

• Clarity through step by step imprinting on fresh ground
• Motivation with food reward placed with purpose
• Progression from simple footstep boxes to long aged legs
• Trust by keeping the dog successful while adding difficulty

Our SMDT coaches ensure handling is consistent, lines are managed correctly, and article indications are clean and decisive. This consistency is vital across all IGP phases.

IGP Phase B Obedience

Obedience in the IGP phases blends precision with drive. The dog must show focused heeling, sits and downs under motion, retrieves over flat and jumps, a send away, and a long down under distraction. Judges reward energy, accuracy, and a happy attitude that stays under control.

Obedience in IGP 1

IGP 1 features focused heeling with turns and pace changes, sit and down out of motion, a recall, a retrieve on flat, and a long down while another dog works. We teach heeling as a game of alignment. Clear markers tell the dog when they are correct. Food and toy rewards build motivation. Pressure and release aligns the position when needed without conflict. This formula carries through the IGP phases as complexity rises.

Obedience in IGP 2

IGP 2 adds the retrieve over the jump and the wall. Timing, confidence, and clean grips matter. We teach a calm pick up, a fast return, and a straight front. The sit in motion, stand in motion, and down in motion become more precise. Handlers learn ring craft such as halting at the right place and holding the dumbbell properly. Smart Dog Training drills these details so points stay on the score sheet.

Obedience in IGP 3

IGP 3 includes the full routine. Heeling must be electric yet controlled. The retrieves must be straight with a firm hold. The send away demands speed out and an instant down on command. We build the send away with a strong target and then fade the target while holding the same picture. This keeps speed and clarity as we step through the IGP phases.

Smart Structured Obedience

• Marker clarity so the dog understands sit, down, stand, hold, out, and heel
• Progression from low distraction to full ring pressure
• Balanced rewards that keep energy high and precision locked in
• Trust built through consistent rules and fair corrections

An SMDT coach guides your body language, footwork, and reward timing. This is how Smart turns the IGP phases into a repeatable routine your dog loves.

IGP Phase C Protection

Protection in the IGP phases is not about aggression. It is about control, courage, and full obedience in drive. The dog must search blinds, locate the helper, guard calmly, grip with full commitment, out on command, and switch from action to neutrality at once.

Protection in IGP 1

IGP 1 often starts with a shorter blind routine, a bark and hold at the helper, an escape with a clean interception, a guarded transport, and a clear out. We teach a stable bark and hold by rewarding calm intensity at the spot. Outs are taught with pressure and release so the dog understands that letting go unlocks the next reward. Every decision reinforces that the handler is in control.

Protection in IGP 2

IGP 2 adds more blinds and longer drives. The dog must stay engaged and obedient while excitement grows. We proof the out under motion, build strong guarding between actions, and rehearse helper pressure so the dog learns to stay clear headed. This is where Smart structure and accountability keep the picture safe and reliable across the IGP phases.

Protection in IGP 3

IGP 3 demands the full sequence. The search is faster, the drives are longer, the out must be instant, and the guarding must be stable. We use controlled setups with our helpers to shape perfect entries and clean grips. Motivation remains high with targeted rewards, while rules remain clear. The result is a dog that can switch from power to calm in a heartbeat, which judges love to see in all IGP phases.

Safety, Welfare, and Control

Smart Dog Training puts safety first. We train helpers to move fairly. We keep sessions short with clear goals. We build the out and guarding before adding full drive. This keeps the dog confident and prevents conflict. The Smart Method ensures the IGP phases uplift the dog rather than create stress.

Titles, Scoring, and Trial Mindset

Each routine in the IGP phases is scored for precision and attitude. Points are lost for crooked fronts, slow sits, loose grips, line pressure, and slow responses. We track your scores in training and build habits that bank points. We coach ring entry routines, equipment checks, and mental prep so you walk onto the field calm and ready. Confidence flows from structure and rehearsal.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Loose heel. Rebuild with position games, short reps, and fast release
• Messy retrieve. Split hold, pick up, and front position. Reward each piece cleanly
• Weak out. Teach out as a release cue that unlocks the next bite or toy
• Nose up on track. Use line pressure and quick release the moment the nose returns down
• Nerves on trial day. Run full mock trials with our coaches and helpers

The Smart Method turns obstacles into wins by treating the IGP phases as a clear system of steps. You will know what to train this week and why it matters for your next title.

Building a Pathway From Family Dog to Sport Dog

Many families start with basic obedience and later fall in love with IGP. We welcome that journey. We shape foundation skills right away. Focused engagement, clean markers, toy play with rules, and a reliable out. These skills carry straight into the IGP phases. Whether your goal is a BH or an IGP 3, our coaches build the same clear language from day one.

Training the IGP Phases With the Smart Method

All Smart programmes follow one progressive map for the IGP phases. Clarity in commands. Pressure and release that is fair and consistent. Motivation that keeps the work joyful. Progression that adds duration, distance, and distraction step by step. Trust that grows because the dog wins through effort and teamwork. This is how we produce steady scores and happy dogs.

Ready to turn your dog’s behavior around and make real gains in the IGP phases? Book a Free Assessment and connect with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer. We are available across the UK and will build your plan from BH to IGP 3.

How Smart Dog Training Runs IGP Programmes

Our programmes combine in home sessions, structured field classes, and tailored behavior plans, all mapped against the IGP phases. You train with an SMDT who has real ring experience. You get detailed homework, video feedback, and progressive proofing days. When your routine is ready, we set mock trials so you and your dog feel at home on the field.

What to Expect in Coaching

• Assessment and a clear roadmap across all IGP phases
• Foundation blocks for tracking, obedience, and protection
• Weekly progression targets and skills checks
• Ring craft and rule coaching for each title
• Mentorship from a Smart Master Dog Trainer who has been there

FAQs

What are the IGP phases

The IGP phases are tracking, obedience, and protection. They appear in IGP 1, IGP 2, and IGP 3 with rising difficulty. The BH test is the entry requirement before you can compete in IGP.

Do I need the BH before IGP 1

Yes. The BH test proves public safety and basic control. It is required before entering the IGP phases at level 1.

How do the IGP phases change from 1 to 3

Tracks get longer with more articles and corners. Obedience adds retrieves over jump and wall and a send away at the top level. Protection adds more blinds, longer drives, and stricter control.

What breeds do well in the IGP phases

We train any suitable, stable dog with strong food and toy motivation. Suitability is assessed by a Smart Master Dog Trainer who will guide you on the best path for your dog.

How long does it take to pass BH and IGP 1

Timelines vary. With consistent training, many teams pass BH within months, then build to IGP 1 within a year. The Smart Method keeps your plan steady and measurable across the IGP phases.

Is protection work safe

Yes when done correctly. Smart Dog Training puts safety first. We teach control before power, and build clear outs and guarding. Dogs learn to switch on and off, which is essential across the IGP phases.

What is Schutzhund and how does it relate to IGP

Schutzhund is the old name for the sport. The modern sport is called IGP. The structure and intent remain similar with the same IGP phases of tracking, obedience, and protection.

Can a family dog enjoy the IGP phases

Yes. Many family dogs thrive when training is structured and fun. Smart Dog Training tailors the IGP phases to your dog so learning stays safe, positive, and productive.

Conclusion

The IGP phases create a complete test of a dog’s training, nerve, and partnership with the handler. BH proves public safety. IGP 1 builds the base. IGP 2 raises the standard. IGP 3 crowns the journey. With Smart Dog Training you train through a proven system that blends clarity, motivation, and accountability so your dog performs with confidence. Your plan is mapped from day one and guided by an SMDT who knows the ring. That is how we turn effort into titles and produce calm, reliable behavior in real life as well as on the field.

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