IGP Problem Solving by Phase

IGP Problem Solving by Phase

IGP rewards dogs that are calm, clear, and confident under pressure. When issues show, the fastest path to change is a structured plan that targets each phase on its own. This guide is a full breakdown of IGP problem solving by phase, built around the Smart Method. It shows how we fix tracking, obedience, and protection challenges in a way that holds up on trial day. Every protocol here comes from Smart Dog Training, and is delivered by a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer. If you want coaching from an SMDT near you, you can book a plan that matches your dog.

At Smart Dog Training, we use phase based plans to isolate the real cause of a problem before we add pressure. IGP problem solving by phase removes guesswork and speeds up results. The goal is to build trust, create motivation, and layer fair accountability so your dog works with focus and joy.

The Smart Method for IGP

The Smart Method is our system for reliable behaviour. It guides all IGP problem solving by phase and it is the reason our dogs stay clear when the stakes rise.

• Clarity, so the dog always knows what to do
• Pressure and Release, so guidance is fair and the dog is accountable
• Motivation, so the dog wants to work and enjoys the work
• Progression, so we add duration, distance, and distraction step by step
• Trust, so the bond grows and the dog feels safe in any ring

As we move through each phase, we set criteria, run short reps, and log data. We reduce conflict, increase understanding, and shape strong habits that last. That is how IGP problem solving by phase becomes simple and repeatable.

Phase One Tracking

Great tracking looks like a steady nose, calm rhythm, and clean article work. Many teams struggle with speed, shallow nose, missed articles, or stress on hard surfaces. Smart Dog Training fixes these issues with clarity, simple rules, and measured progression. This is the Smart approach to IGP problem solving by phase in tracking.

Common Tracking Problems and Causes

• Shallow nose or air scenting, often due to over arousal or unclear reinforcement
• Rushing and drifting, caused by handler pace or criteria that is too hard
• Missed or pawed articles, due to poor conditioning of the indication picture
• Corner blowouts, often a speed and arousal mismatch
• Surface avoidance, when the dog only knows one type of ground

Nose Down Commitment

We build a deep nose with food at every step, a slow start, and short tracks. The dog must earn the next step with a calm rhythm and correct nose. If the nose lifts, we pause, reset the step, and reward when the nose returns to the scent line. This is pressure and release in its softest form. The release is access to track and food.

• Use step by step food for young or rebuilding dogs
• Set a fixed start ritual, such as a sit, a harness fit, and a focus breath
• Reward any return of the nose to the footstep line
• Keep early tracks under five minutes, with one corner and one article

Corners, Articles, and Surfaces

We treat corners as their own skill. We slow five steps before and five steps after each corner. If the dog overshoots, we stop line movement and wait for the dog to recheck. The release is progress down the track. For articles, we create a clean down at the article with zero creeping. The first picture is static, calm, and paid with a rich reward at the article.

• Article sequence, down on the article then reward on the article
• Surface ladder, grass then stubble then soil then gravel then mixed
• Corner drills, short L shapes with food before and after the turn

Handler Influence and Line Handling

Rushed handlers create rushed dogs. We teach the handler to move with a steady tempo and neutral shoulders. In IGP problem solving by phase, line handling is a core skill. The line remains low, steady, and never pulls the dog off scent. If the dog speeds, the handler stops. If the dog checks back in with the nose, the handler allows progress. Simple and fair.

Progression for Reliable Trials

• Week one to two, short food heavy tracks with one corner and one article
• Week three to four, fewer food steps, two corners, varied surfaces
• Week five to six, full tracks with sparse food, three articles, normal wind
• Week seven plus, proof with light cross track, time gaps, and handler nerves

Track data after each session. Distance, time, wind, surface, number of corrections, and article performance. Honest data is how IGP problem solving by phase becomes a science, not a guess.

Phase Two Obedience

Obedience must blend precision and spirit. We want clean pictures, fast responses, and a dog that works with joy. When things slip, Smart Dog Training rebuilds clarity first, then adds accountability. Here is how we run IGP problem solving by phase in obedience.

Heeling Clarity and Position

Forging, crowding, and crabbing come from unclear position or too much arousal. We define heel with a precise target. Shoulder to seam, head neutral, and a smooth rhythm. We build this with a position platform, short steps, and a clear marker system. When position is correct, the dog earns the next step. When it drifts, the handler pauses, resets, and tries again.

• Start with three to five steps, then reward
• Add turns only when the straight line holds
• Fade food to a hidden reward once the dog shows stable pictures

Static Positions Sit, Down, Stand

We teach each position with a single clear cue and a clean finish. Cue once. Mark once. Pay fast. In IGP problem solving by phase, we avoid mixed messages. We add light pressure only when the dog understands the cue and chooses to ignore it. The release is the reward or the next task.

• Build the down as a calm default between reps
• Train the stand on a platform for straightness
• Proof one element at a time, such as distance or distraction

Recall, Front, and Finish

Slow recalls often come from conflict or confusion at the front. We split the chain. First build a fast recall to a hand target. Then teach a clean front against a channel or guide. Only then do we link the two. The same plan applies to finishes. Clarity first, then add speed.

Retrieve Problems and Fixes

Common issues include a choppy grip, chewing, early release, and jump refusal. Smart Dog Training solves these with a calm hold and clean mechanics.

• Hold, start with a static hold on a platform, pay stillness, not biting
• Pick up, add a clear pick up cue after the hold is clean
• Return, shape a straight return with a channel or guide
• Jump, teach the jump as a separate skill before adding the dumbbell

When a dog drops on return, we lower arousal and simplify. When a dog refuses the jump, we rebuild confidence with a low height ladder. In IGP problem solving by phase, we never punish confusion. We rebuild understanding, then expect responsibility.

Focus, Arousal, and Neutrality

Trial pressure exposes weak arousal control. We teach the dog how to turn focus on and off. We use breathing, micro breaks, and calm rewards. We train beside distraction dogs, helper noise, and dumbbell impacts. The dog learns that neutrality is the default and focus is an earned switch. This is how obedience stays crisp in the ring.

Phase Three Protection

Protection is the art of control in drive. We want a full steady grip, clear outs, strong guarding, and a dog that stays safe and confident. Our IGP problem solving by phase model removes conflict and builds a dog that chooses the right answer under pressure.

Search and Locate

We design a simple search pattern and pay the dog for locating quickly. Early lessons use short blinds with clear entries. The dog learns to commit to the search without handler chatter. We add distance and complexity only when the pattern is stable.

Bark and Hold without Conflict

An honest bark comes from confidence. We teach the dog that stillness and rhythm in the guard bring the reward. If the dog crowds, we reset the picture. If the dog goes silent, we wait for a clear bark before any progress. Pressure and release keeps it fair.

Grips and Targeting

We want a full calm mouth. We build this with slow presentations and a clear target. When the grip is full and quiet, we give a small counter. If the grip is shallow or noisy, we freeze. The dog learns that calm behaviour makes the game move. This is core to IGP problem solving by phase, because a dog that understands the rule will hold a good grip even when stress rises.

Outs, Guarding, and Re engagement

The out must be clean and fast. We teach out as a calm behaviour, not a frantic one. The helper stills the sleeve. The handler gives a single cue. When the dog outs without a second cue, the helper re animates. The reward for letting go is more game. If the dog sticks, nothing moves until the dog clears the sleeve. Fair, simple, and trusted.

• Teach out on a dead sleeve first
• Move to a soft re bite after a clean out
• Add guarding after the out only when the out is reliable

Courage Test and Pressure Proofing

We build courage by layering speed and distance in small steps. We never rush the picture. If the dog shows concern, we reduce distance, slow the helper, and reward commitment. Pressure proofing is about trust. The dog must believe the rule holds under stress. That is the heart of Smart Dog Training and the reason our dogs stay willing and safe.

IGP Problem Solving by Phase in Practice

Let us put the pieces together. We start with a single behaviour that needs change. We rebuild the picture with clarity, then add light, fair accountability. We then progress until the dog can do the same work under higher arousal. This cycle repeats in every phase. That is what IGP problem solving by phase looks like day to day.

• Define the picture you want, not the one you do not want
• Rehearse the right picture many times in short reps
• Add pressure only when the dog understands the rule
• Log each session and adjust the next step based on data

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.

Energy Management Across Phases

Trial days test the handler and the dog. Smart Dog Training teaches routines that keep the dog in the right zone for each phase. IGP problem solving by phase includes energy plans for warm up, reset, and cool down.

• Tracking warm up, quiet, slow, and focused, no play
• Obedience warm up, short games that raise engagement then a calm settle
• Protection warm up, a few clear grips, then stillness before the send

Between phases, we use structured rest. Walk on lead, allow a drink, and block random interaction. The dog learns that energy rises when you ask for it and settles when you ask for it. This keeps the head clear and the heart rate stable.

Handler Skills and Ring Craft

Even smart dogs struggle if the handler picture changes on trial day. We coach handlers to keep their voice, posture, and timing the same. That is part of IGP problem solving by phase because the dog relies on predictability. A second SMDT often films and directs handler rehearsals so the plan stays tight.

• Use a single cue for each behaviour
• Stand tall, breathe, and avoid chatter
• If an error happens, move on and finish the plan

Criteria, Data, and Progression

Progress without data is luck. We track metrics for each phase. This turns IGP problem solving by phase into a simple, repeatable process.

• Tracking, nose level, pace, article accuracy, corner accuracy
• Obedience, heel position, response time, clean fronts, hold time
• Protection, grip quality, out time, guarding rhythm, search time

When the data stalls for a week, we do not push harder. We reset a single piece, win easy, then climb again. Progress returns because the dog regains clarity and confidence.

Age and Stage Adjustments

Puppies need short, sweet lessons. Adolescents need structure and patience. Adults need purposeful pressure and clear goals. Smart Dog Training adapts the plan, but the framework stays the same. That is the strength of IGP problem solving by phase. The method scales to the dog in front of you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Stacking pressure on top of confusion
• Changing two variables at once
• Hiding weak areas until trial day
• Letting arousal run the session
• Skipping rest and review

Stay patient, keep reps short, and protect your dog’s trust. Long term success in IGP comes from many small wins that add up.

Sample Week Plan

Here is a simple seven day plan that uses IGP problem solving by phase. It keeps sessions short, focused, and progressive.

• Day one, tracking, short food heavy track with one corner
• Day two, obedience, heel micro steps and fast recall to target
• Day three, protection, calm grips and clean outs on a dead sleeve
• Day four, rest or light fitness and play
• Day five, tracking, two corners and one article in mixed surface
• Day six, obedience, retrieve hold and straight fronts with guides
• Day seven, protection, search picture and bark rhythm

Adjust volume to your dog. The aim is quality, not fatigue.

When to Seek Coaching

If you keep seeing the same error after a reset, get help. A Smart Dog Training coach can spot small handler patterns that you cannot see. That is the benefit of a structured system and an external eye. It keeps you honest and saves time.

FAQs

What does IGP problem solving by phase mean?

It means we fix issues in tracking, obedience, and protection one phase at a time. We build clarity, add fair accountability, and then proof the skill under stress. This prevents mixed signals and speeds up progress.

How fast will I see results with this approach?

Most teams see change in one to two weeks when they follow the plan and track data. The timeline depends on history and handler habits. Short, clear sessions win faster than long marathons.

My dog rushes tracks. What should I do first?

Slow the picture. Use step by step food, hold a steady line, and reward a deep nose. If the dog lifts the nose, stop. When the nose returns to the scent line, allow progress. This is simple pressure and release.

How do I fix a slow or sticky out?

Teach the out on a dead sleeve with a single cue. Reward the out by re animating the game. The dog learns that letting go makes the game return. Avoid nagging cues and keep the helper neutral until the dog outs.

Why does my dog lose precision in trial obedience?

Nerves and arousal change the handler picture. Rehearse ring craft. Use short warm ups, clear cues, and calm rewards. Proof against noise and movement. Keep your voice and timing the same as in training.

Can this work for a soft or sensitive dog?

Yes. The Smart Method is built on clarity, motivation, and fair guidance. It avoids conflict and builds trust. IGP problem solving by phase lets a sensitive dog learn in small, safe steps.

Should I combine phases in one session?

Yes, but with care. Keep each block short and manage energy. If one phase is under rebuild, keep the others in maintenance. Do not stack big challenges back to back.

Do I need special equipment for this plan?

You need a tracking harness and line, a dumbbell set, a jump, and access to a skilled helper. Smart Dog Training will guide you on safe gear use and correct pictures so your dog learns fast.

Conclusion

Great IGP teams are built, not found. Use IGP problem solving by phase to create calm, confident performance in every part of the sport. The Smart Method gives you clear rules, fair guidance, and a progression that makes sense to both dog and handler. If you want a plan designed for your team, Smart Dog Training is ready to help.

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