IGP Rules and Points System

IGP Rules and Points System Explained

The IGP rules and points system is the backbone of modern working dog sport. It sets clear standards for tracking, obedience, and protection, so handlers know exactly what judges will reward. At Smart Dog Training, we translate the IGP rules and points system into daily training plans that deliver calm, reliable performance. Every programme is led by a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer, with the Smart Method used to build clarity, motivation, progression, and trust.

This guide lays out how the IGP rules and points system works, how judges score each phase, and how Smart prepares teams to meet those standards. You will learn what matters at IGP one, two, and three, where points are won or lost, and how to plan a clean, professional round from start to finish. If your goal is a confident title run, start here.

What IGP Tests and Why It Matters

IGP tests a dog and handler team across three linked areas. Phase A is tracking, Phase B is obedience, and Phase C is protection. The IGP rules and points system gives each phase a maximum of one hundred points, with a total of three hundred possible. The sport rewards clear behaviour, stable nerves, and precise teamwork under pressure. That is why Smart builds structure first, then adds power, speed, and accountability in a safe, fair way.

Every Smart Master Dog Trainer mentors you through the same progression we use for competition dogs. We layer skills, add distractions, and proof for real trial conditions. The result is behaviour that meets the IGP rules and points system with confidence, not luck.

Overview of the IGP Trial Structure

An IGP trial runs in three separate phases. Dogs work in different orders based on the draw, and the judge scores each routine on the field. The IGP rules and points system requires you to pass each phase to earn a title. Scores also create a rating, from Satisfactory to Excellent. Handlers must follow strict ring craft, from how they hold the lead to how they deliver commands and markers. Smart trains you to perform these details with the same precision as the exercises.

• Phase A Tracking, up to one hundred points
• Phase B Obedience, up to one hundred points
• Phase C Protection, up to one hundred points

Within each phase, the IGP rules and points system assigns value to specific skills. Judges score attitude, speed, accuracy, and the absence of handler help. Calm control is key. Smart programmes make that the default state of your dog.

Phase A Tracking Rules and Scoring

In tracking, the dog follows a human scent on a field and indicates small articles placed on the track. The IGP rules and points system rewards deep nose work, straight lines, correct corners, and a clear indication at each article. The handler follows behind on a long line, stays quiet, and lets the dog work.

Tracks, Articles, and Indication Criteria

The track has legs and corners that match the level entered. IGP one is shorter and laid more recently. IGP two and three are longer, older, and laid by a stranger. Each track has articles the dog must find and indicate with stillness. The IGP rules and points system credits a firm, unmistakable indication that holds until the judge signals you to pick up the article.

• Start with a settled, focused dog at the flag
• Consistent tracking speed, calm line tension, nose down
• Clean corners without circling or casting
• Accurate, sustained article indication

What Judges Reward in Tracking

Judges reward a stable rhythm, intensity on the scent, and minimal handler influence. Points are deducted for lifting the head, overshooting corners, loose or erratic line handling, and weak indications. The IGP rules and points system places high value on the articles, so missed or messy indications cost you. Smart trains systematic article work from day one, so the indication is automatic even under stress.

Phase B Obedience Rules and Scoring

Obedience showcases precision and attitude on the field. The routine includes heeling, positions from motion, retrieves, the send away, and a down under distraction. The IGP rules and points system rewards focused heeling, crisp positions, powerful yet controlled retrieves, and a fast send away with a clean down. Handlers must present clean setups, prompt commands, and neutral body language.

Heeling and Attention Standards

Heeling sets the tone. The dog works at the left side with a strong, upbeat attitude, steady eye contact, and correct position through turns, halts, and group. The IGP rules and points system deducts for forging, crabbing, wide turns, and loss of attention. Smart builds position with clarity and pressure and release, so the dog understands exactly where to be and why it pays.

Positions, Retrieves, and Send Away Points

Positions from motion test clear understanding. Sit, down, and stand must be decisive, with minimal handler cues. In retrieves, the dog sprints out, grips the dumbbell, returns straight, and presents a calm front and finish. One retrieve is on the flat. Higher levels add a one metre hurdle and the A frame. The send away shows speed to a target area and an immediate down on command. The IGP rules and points system links all of these to attitude and accuracy. Fast and straight wins, but only if control stays perfect to the end.

Long Down Under Distraction

While another dog works, yours remains in a down at a set distance, calm and steady. The IGP rules and points system deducts for vocalising, creeping, changing position, or handler influence. Smart teaches relaxation and neutrality as trained skills, not hopes. We build duration first, then distraction, so the down becomes automatic.

Phase C Protection Rules and Scoring

Protection tests courage, control, and clear heads. The dog must search blinds, locate the helper, hold and bark without biting, defend the handler under stress, and release the sleeve on command. The IGP rules and points system rewards powerful, full grips, fast outs, stable guarding, and safe escorts. The handler must stay precise, fair, and calm throughout.

Blind Search and Hold and Bark

The routine starts with a blind search. The dog checks each blind in order, then finds the helper and switches to a strong hold and bark. The IGP rules and points system deducts for missed blinds, weak barking, bumping, or poor guarding position. Smart builds a clear search pattern and a balanced emotional state, so the hold and bark is intense yet stable.

Bites, Outs, and Escorts

Engagements are judged on speed, line, grip quality, and control. On the out command, the dog must release fast and guard without regripping. Escorts must be close and calm. The IGP rules and points system penalises chewing, shallow grips, delayed outs, handler help, and poor stick or drive handling. Smart uses clear markers, fair pressure and release, and rehearsed routines to make these responses reliable.

Handler Conduct and Safety Rules

Handlers have strict rules on how to hold equipment, when to command, and how to position the dog. Any unsafe action or harsh handling can reduce points or end the routine. We teach trial craft as a skill set. The IGP rules and points system expects a professional presentation from entry to exit, and Smart prepares you for that.

Level Differences from IGP 1 to IGP 3

Each level adds difficulty, duration, and distraction. The IGP rules and points system scales your dog through a clear progression, which is exactly how Smart trains.

Obedience Progression Across Levels

• IGP one introduces the core routine with shorter distances and fewer jumping skills
• IGP two adds the A frame retrieve and longer work
• IGP three requires the full retrieve set, a more demanding send away, and tighter precision

The IGP rules and points system expects the same clarity at every level. The higher levels simply expose weak links. Smart fixes those early with structured reps and honest proofing.

Protection Progression Across Levels

• Search patterns get stricter, and holding behaviour must be rock solid
• Drive phases last longer, with more pressure on the dog and handler
• Outs must be faster, guards cleaner, and escorts more exact

Smart balances motivation with accountability. We build a dog that wants to work, then we shape responsibility, so the IGP rules and points system works in your favour.

Tracking Progression Across Levels

• Tracks get longer and older, with more corners
• Articles stay important across all levels, with clean, sustained indications required
• Line handling must be quiet and consistent under greater difficulty

The IGP rules and points system rewards teams that can slow down, breathe, and let the dog solve problems. We teach that rhythm early.

How Judges Allocate Points

Judges use the IGP rules and points system to grade each exercise. They look at the whole picture, then deduct for clear errors. Scores roll up to a phase rating and a total score. While details vary by judge, the standard grading scale is consistent.

Grading Scale and Ratings

• Excellent is awarded to near perfect work with only small deductions
• Very Good requires strong accuracy with few errors
• Good shows correct performance with noticeable deductions
• Satisfactory meets the minimum standard with room to improve
• Insufficient fails to meet the standard

To title, your total and individual phase scores must meet the passing threshold. The IGP rules and points system is clear about this, so every rep in training should reflect that standard. Smart programmes set targets for each exercise to protect your total.

Common Deductions and How to Avoid Them

• Tracking, head lifting, loose line, messy corners, weak article indication
• Obedience, loss of attention, crooked sits, bumping, slow fronts or finishes
• Protection, shallow grips, delayed outs, restless guards, messy escorts
• Handler, extra cues, double commands, tight lead, stepping into the dog

Smart fixes these by breaking skills into layers, then adding distraction, duration, and distance. The IGP rules and points system punishes grey areas. We create black and white clarity the dog can trust.

Entry Rules and Trial Day Requirements

Before your first IGP start, you must pass the BH obedience and traffic test. Your dog must also be healthy, with current paperwork and proper identification. On trial day, arrive early, follow the running order, and present your dog and equipment for inspection. The IGP rules and points system expects clean, safe gear and professional conduct from handlers.

Eligibility, BH, and Equipment Checks

• BH passed under a recognised judge
• Valid membership and identification for your region
• Approved collars and leads, no non compliant gear

Smart guides you through paperwork and equipment selection, so you never lose points for simple admin or gear issues.

Draw Order, Timing, and Handler Responsibilities

Trials are strict on time and order. Handlers must report when called, stay within markers, and follow the judge and steward instructions. The IGP rules and points system allows deductions for late entry, incorrect positions, and conduct errors. Smart rehearses the full flow, from warm up to exit, so the day feels familiar and calm.

Strategy to Maximise Your IGP Score

High scores start with a plan. The IGP rules and points system rewards consistency over flash. Build what the judge needs to see, then add power only where control is certain. Smart turns this into a weekly schedule with clear goals and measurable outcomes.

The Smart Method for Reliable Points

• Clarity, we teach exact positions and markers, so the dog always knows what to do
• Pressure and Release, we add fair guidance, then release and reward, so accountability grows without conflict
• Motivation, we build desire to work, so attitude stays high under pressure
• Progression, we layer difficulty step by step until behaviour holds anywhere
• Trust, we protect the bond, so the dog stays calm, confident, and willing

When these five pillars are in place, the IGP rules and points system stops being a mystery. It becomes a checklist you can hit every time.

Proofing Distraction, Duration, and Drive

IGP puts your dog into big emotions. You must build responses that hold under that load. Smart proofing starts in a quiet space, then moves to fields, clubs, and trial like setups. We rehearse judge pressure, helpers, groups, and long waits. The IGP rules and points system does not reward training potential. It rewards what shows up on the field. We train for that.

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Understanding Exercise Value Without Getting Lost in Numbers

Many handlers obsess over the exact value of each exercise. The IGP rules and points system is precise, but the bigger lesson is simple. You protect your total by doing the basics very well. Heeling, clean positions, fast and straight retrieves, strong outs, and honest article indications will carry your score. Smart builds those fundamentals until they are boring and bombproof.

Ring Craft, Nerves, and Judge Presentation

Great teams can lose points on nerves or sloppy handling. The IGP rules and points system requires neutral body language and clean timing. We teach you to breathe, to wait for the judge, and to deliver commands without rush. Your dog will mirror your state. Calm handlers produce calm accuracy, which judges reward.

How Smart Prepares You for Titles

Smart programmes are mapped from first session to title day. We build skills that match the IGP rules and points system, then we test them under pressure. You get video reviews, field rehearsals, and clear targets. We track scores in training, so trial day feels like a repeat, not a gamble.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IGP Rules and Points System

How many points do I need to pass an IGP title

You must achieve a passing score in each phase and a passing total across all three. The IGP rules and points system sets firm thresholds, so weak phases can stop a title. Smart plans your run to protect all phases.

Is every phase worth the same number of points

Yes. The IGP rules and points system gives one hundred points to tracking, one hundred to obedience, and one hundred to protection. That balance keeps the sport honest and complete.

What counts most for judges on the day

Clarity, control, and attitude. The IGP rules and points system rewards accurate work with a willing, stable dog. Show clean behaviour and a professional presentation, and your score will reflect it.

Do judges allow extra commands

Extra or late commands lead to deductions. In some moments, they can end an exercise. The IGP rules and points system expects timely, single cues. Smart trains dogs to respond on the first cue, even under stress.

How do I avoid losing points on the out command

Teach the out as a reinforced behaviour with clear pressure and release. Build a fast release, then proof under drive. The IGP rules and points system gives away many points on slow or messy outs. Smart makes the response black and white.

What if my dog breaks the long down

Breaking position costs points and can affect the rating. The IGP rules and points system expects stillness and neutrality. We train that skill with duration and distraction from the first week, then maintain it between trials.

Does Smart train only for sport or for real life too

Both. Smart programmes are built on the same Smart Method in homes, on streets, and on trial fields. The IGP rules and points system matches our focus on calm, reliable behaviour that lasts in real life.

Conclusion

The IGP rules and points system gives you a clear target. When you understand what judges want, training becomes simple and focused. Smart turns that clarity into daily steps that build a reliable, confident dog. If you want a score you can be proud of, train to the standard, proof the work, and present like a professional. We will guide you every step of the way.

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