IGP Rules for Beginners

IGP Rules for Beginners

If you are starting in the sport and you want a clear view of IGP rules for beginners, this guide gives you the structure you need. As the UK authority in results driven training, Smart Dog Training prepares dogs and handlers for real ring success using the Smart Method. From entry requirements to scoring and equipment, we translate the rulebook into simple actions so you can step onto the field with confidence. For hands on help, a Smart Master Dog Trainer will coach you through each phase and keep you on track.

What IGP Is and Why Rules Matter

IGP is a three part sport that tests tracking, obedience, and protection under strict judging. The rules protect fairness, safety, and clarity. For beginners, the rules are your roadmap. They tell you what the judge wants to see, what equipment is allowed, how the exercises are laid out, where points are lost, and how to earn a pass. This is why we teach IGP rules for beginners early in every Smart Dog Training programme. When you understand the rules, you make better training choices and your dog understands what is expected.

Key Terms to Know

• BH VT: The traffic and temperament test required before IGP titles
• IGP1, IGP2, IGP3: Progressive levels of the sport
• Articles: Items placed on a track for the dog to indicate
• Out: The release of the sleeve on command in protection
• Transport: Escorting the helper while the dog remains focused and under control
• Send away: Fast straight run to a point followed by a down

Entry Requirements and Eligibility

Before you can chase titles, your dog must pass the BH VT. Dogs must be of sound temperament and in good health. Identification such as a microchip is required. Handlers present a scorebook and registration on the day. Your Smart trainer will confirm age minimums for each level and help you prepare the documents you need. We include this in our planning for IGP rules for beginners because admin mistakes can end your day before it starts.

The BH VT Foundation Test

The BH VT is your first goal. It has two parts. The obedience routine shows basic control on and off lead. The traffic phase confirms your dog is safe and stable in public settings. Expect a heeling pattern with turns, sits, downs, and a recall, plus a down under distraction while another team works. In traffic, your dog must be calm around cyclists, runners, vehicles, and other dogs. Smart Dog Training prepares you for BH VT using the Smart Method so your dog is clear, motivated, and reliable.

How IGP Titles Work

Once you pass the BH VT, you can enter IGP1. The three phases are tracking, obedience, and protection. At IGP2 and IGP3, track length and complexity increase, the obedience routine adds difficulty, and protection grows in intensity and control. The step by step approach matches the Smart method of layering clarity, pressure and release, motivation, progression, and trust. Understanding IGP rules for beginners helps you build a plan that scales simply from the first title to the highest level.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

Each phase is scored out of a set number of points. You must earn a minimum in each phase and a total above the pass line to title. Judges reward precision, attitude, and teamwork. They deduct for crooked sits, extra commands, forging, slow responses, touching equipment, missing an article, weak barking, late outs, and handler influence. At Smart Dog Training, we coach you to meet the rule standard at each step so your points stay safe on trial day.

Tracking Rules You Must Know

Tracking tests the dog’s nose, method, and stability. The handler lays a foundation with calm, deep nose work and a clear style that holds up under scrutiny. We break IGP rules for beginners into a few must know parts.

Track Layout, Length, and Aging

• Tracks are laid in a field on natural ground with marked starts
• Each level has set leg lengths and turns with a required aging time
• The dog must track on a line held at a set length with the handler following

The judge watches for a deep nose, consistent speed, and correct corner work. Rushing, air scenting, and wide turns cost points. Your Smart coach will set real field conditions so your dog learns to solve problems within the rules.

Articles and Indication

• Articles are small items placed on the track
• The dog must indicate an article with a trained response, usually a down
• Handler raises the article for the judge after the indication

Common faults include missing an article, creeping forward after the indication, or handler cues. Smart trainers build a fluent indication and handler routine so you can present articles cleanly without influence.

Obedience Rules and Ring Picture

Obedience shows precision, drive, and control. The pattern is set and the judge wants to see clear commands, quick responses, and a dog that is happy to work. We teach IGP rules for beginners by breaking down each exercise and building consistent ring routines.

Heeling and Gunfire Neutrality

• Off lead heeling through a set pattern with about turns, right and left turns, halts, and group
• Dog remains neutral and steady during distant gunfire

Faults include forging, crabbing, lagging, wide sits, and loss of focus during gunfire. Smart Dog Training builds rhythmic heeling that is clear and enjoyable so the dog understands heel position and stays confident.

Sit, Down, and Stand in Motion

• From a brisk heel, you cue a position and keep moving
• The dog must perform the position instantly and remain there until you return

Extra steps, slow responses, or creeping lower your score. We polish these with clarity of cues, fair pressure and release, and proofing so positions look crisp in any environment.

Retrieves and Jumps

• Retrieves on the flat, over the hurdle, and over the A Frame
• Controlled pick up, fast return, clean front sit, and calm finish

Touching the jump, mouthing the dumbbell, or looping on the return are common deductions. Smart drills tighten lines, set safe mechanics, and reinforce a calm hold so your picture is tidy and strong.

Send Away and Down

• Fast straight send to a target area
• Immediate down on command, then a clean recall or pick up as required

We teach speed with a clear stop cue so your dog drives out with confidence and responds the moment you ask for the down. This blends motivation with accountability, a core feature of the Smart Method.

Long Down Under Distraction

• Your dog lies calmly while another team works
• Dog remains quiet and still until released

Breaking the down or vocalising costs points. Smart conditioning builds duration, neutrality, and trust so your dog can settle even with intense activity close by.

Protection Rules and Safety

Protection is a test of courage under control. The judge expects confident searching, a strong bark and hold, clean grips where allowed, and instant, conflict free outs. IGP rules for beginners emphasise safety, handler control, and a clear picture for every part of the routine.

Blind Searches and Bark and Hold

• Dog searches the blinds in a set pattern and locates the helper
• Dog performs a strong, rhythmic bark and hold without bumping

Early engagement, touching, or handler cues create deductions. Smart Dog Training builds independent searching with a stable hold so the judge sees courage without chaos.

Drives, Outs, and Transports

• Drive phases test power and grip quality where allowed
• Out must be immediate and clean on a single command
• Transports must be focused and composed at a set distance

Late outs, chewing, double commands, and handler conflict are costly. Smart trainers teach a conflict free out that holds up in trial pressure and pairs it with composed transports that impress judges.

Equipment Rules on Trial Day

Only approved collars are allowed in the ring. No training devices or rewards are permitted during the routine. Leads are used where required and carried correctly when removed. Dumbbells and jumps conform to standard sizes. Smart Dog Training coaches you to handle equipment the right way so you avoid automatic deductions. We include this in every plan that covers IGP rules for beginners because ring craft can win or lose points fast.

Judging, Deductions, and What Judges Notice

Judges reward teams that show clarity, energy, and teamwork. They watch handler posture, lead handling, and stewarding. They mark late responses, extra commands, crooked fronts, wide finishes, tight leads, and any handler influence. They expect a steady picture under stress. We train you to build that picture one layer at a time so your performance matches the rule standard.

Handler Conduct and Sportsmanship

Respect for the judge, the helper, the tracklayer, and other competitors is part of the sport. You must follow steward instructions, enter and exit on cue, and keep your dog under control at all times. Smart Dog Training sets this culture from day one. You will know where to stand, how to present articles and reports, and how to accept scores calmly. IGP rules for beginners are easier to master when your conduct is consistent and professional.

Trial Day Flow and Ring Etiquette

• Arrive early and check in with documents ready
• Follow the running order and be ready well in advance
• Use the warm up area correctly and keep it fair for others
• Enter the field when called, wait for the judge, and begin on command
• Finish cleanly, leash up, and exit the field as directed

Smart coaches rehearse this flow so nothing on the day feels new. Your routine becomes automatic, which lets you focus on your dog.

Training the Rules with the Smart Method

Smart Dog Training follows one system for all programmes. The Smart Method turns IGP rules for beginners into consistent progress that holds up on trial day.

• Clarity: Simple commands, clean markers, and clear positions
• Pressure and Release: Fair guidance with an instant release into reward
• Motivation: Rewards that bring eager, focused work
• Progression: Planned layers of distraction, duration, and distance
• Trust: A strong bond that keeps your dog confident and calm

Each pillar is applied to every exercise in tracking, obedience, and protection. This keeps the work conflict free and accountable so your scores survive judge pressure.

How Smart Prepares First Time Teams

We build a simple path for IGP rules for beginners and deliver it step by step.

• Assessment and goal setting to map your first trial
• Foundation blocks for heel, positions, retrieve, out, and track style
• Ring routines and handling practice that mirror the real field
• Proofing for noise, weather, helpers, and new grounds
• Mock trials with coaching so you feel ready

Training is delivered by a Smart Master Dog Trainer with real trial experience. You get a plan that fits your dog and keeps you moving toward a confident pass.

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.

Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Skipping the BH VT prep and rushing into IGP1
• Inconsistent heel position that looks different in the ring
• Teaching a slow out that fails under pressure
• Tracking too fast on easy fields then failing on aged tracks
• Poor lead handling and ring craft that cost avoidable points
• Changing cues late in training and confusing the dog

Smart Dog Training prevents these by setting clear criteria early, then holding that picture as we add stress. With IGP rules for beginners as your map, you know exactly how to practice.

Practice Schedule and Milestones

Plan your work so you peak at the right time.

• Weeks 1 to 4: Foundation for heel, positions, article indication, out
• Weeks 5 to 8: Add duration, distance, aged tracks, jump mechanics
• Weeks 9 to 12: Proofing for noise, helpers, weather, and new grounds
• Week 13: Mock trial with full routine and coaching
• Week 14: Taper, settle the dog, confirm routines, and rest

Your Smart trainer will adapt the plan to your dog’s learning speed and the trial calendar. The aim is calm, repeatable performance that meets rule standards.

FAQs on IGP Rules for Beginners

What is the first step for IGP rules for beginners

Pass the BH VT with a clear, confident performance. Smart Dog Training prepares you through targeted obedience and traffic proofing so your dog is safe and steady.

How many points do I need to pass

You must achieve a minimum score in each phase and a qualifying total. Your Smart coach will explain the exact numbers and help you build a point secure routine.

What equipment is allowed in the ring

Only approved collars and leads are allowed as the rules state. No training tools or rewards are permitted during the routine.

Can my young dog start training before the BH VT

Yes. Smart Dog Training starts foundations early so the BH VT feels simple and calm when you enter.

What gets the biggest deductions in protection

Late outs, handler conflict, and weak barking at the hold are common. We teach a fast, conflict free out and a stable hold that scores well.

How do I know my dog is ready for IGP1

Your Smart trainer will run a mock trial to test performance under stress. When you can deliver the full routine cleanly with rule level precision, you are ready.

How often should I track each week

Two to four quality sessions on varied grounds is common. Focus on method, not distance, then age the track as your dog stays correct.

Can a family pet succeed in IGP

Yes. With structured training, many family dogs earn titles. The Smart Method balances motivation and accountability so the work stays fun and reliable.

Start Your IGP Journey with Smart

IGP rewards clarity, consistency, and teamwork. When you follow IGP rules for beginners and train with a system that fits the sport, you build results that last. Smart Dog Training delivers that system across the UK through certified SMDTs who coach you step by step from BH VT to advanced titles.

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