IGP Titles and How They Work

IGP Titles and How They Work

IGP titles are the benchmark for balanced working dog sport. They prove that a dog and handler can perform with precision in tracking, obedience, and protection while remaining safe, social, and under control. If you want a clear roadmap for your dog’s development, understanding IGP titles and how they work will help you plan each step. At Smart Dog Training we prepare teams for every stage using the Smart Method, led by a Smart Master Dog Trainer. Our structured approach gives you clarity, fair accountability, and calm, reliable behaviour that stands up on the trial field and in daily life.

Many owners ask how to start, what the IGP levels mean, and how IGP titles are awarded. In this guide I will explain the full pathway from entry tests to the top levels, what judges look for, how scoring works, and how Smart Dog Training builds the foundations that make progress possible. You will also see how a certified SMDT coaches both the technical skills and the handler mindset so you arrive on trial day ready and confident.

What Are IGP Titles

IGP titles are formal sport qualifications that show a dog’s ability across three phases. These titles were created to preserve the working ability of utility breeds while proving sound temperament and reliable control. Each title is earned under a judge at an approved trial. To pass, a dog must meet strict standards for obedience, stability, and quality of work.

The sport is built around three phases. Tracking tests scent work and systematic problem solving. Obedience tests engagement, precision, and control on and off lead. Protection tests courage, grip, guarding, and control under high arousal. IGP titles confirm the team can perform all three with confidence and safety.

Why IGP Titles Matter

IGP titles give you a clear ladder for training goals. They show breeders, clubs, and the public that your dog is social, safe, and responsive under pressure. For handlers, the structure is motivating. You measure progress, fix gaps, and celebrate wins along the way. With Smart Dog Training you always know what to train, how to progress, and what standard to expect at each level.

The Pathway to IGP Titles and How They Work

To understand IGP titles and how they work, think of a ladder. You begin with basic temperament and obedience checks, then progress through level one to level three. Each step builds on the last. The tests do not just get harder. They get more exact, more independent, and more demanding of clarity and control. Smart helps you navigate that path with calm structure so your dog knows what to do at every stage.

The Title Ladder

• BH VT. The traffic safe companion dog test. A prerequisite for sport titles.
• IGP 1. Entry level sport title across all three phases.
• IGP 2. Mid level with more difficulty and independence.
• IGP 3. The highest standard in core IGP titles.
• Specialist and companion titles. IGP V, IGP FH, FH2, and AD endurance.

Each step has age requirements, equipment rules, and scoring thresholds. A Smart Master Dog Trainer will map your training blocks and trial dates so progress remains smooth and repeatable.

The Three Phases Explained

Tracking

Tracking tests how a dog follows a human track and indicates articles along the way. At IGP 1 the track is shorter and laid by the handler or a fresh track layer. At IGP 2 and IGP 3 the tracks are longer, older, and laid by a stranger. The dog must keep a deep nose, stay calm, and indicate each article cleanly. IGP titles reward harmony between precision and desire. Smart builds this with calm routine, strong reward history, and clear article indication using the Smart Method.

Obedience

Obedience covers heel work, motion exercises, retrieves, a send away, and a down under distraction. Judges look for attitude, energy, accuracy, and control. The dog must enjoy the work while staying clear and accountable. IGP titles demand a clean heel position, crisp fronts and finishes, and straight retrieves. Smart builds these elements with layered progression, split into small, attainable steps so the dog understands and loves the work.

Protection

Protection tests search, guarding, barking, grips, transports, and out behaviour. It is a control test first. IGP titles require a powerful yet safe dog that will stay in the exercise even under pressure. The helper applies pressure in a controlled, fair way. The dog must out on command and return to obedience without conflict. Smart trains this phase with calm teaching, fair pressure and release, and strong reinforcement for clean outs and steady guarding.

Entry Level Tests BH VT and AD

Before you can attempt sport IGP titles you must pass the BH VT. This proves your dog is social, stable, and safe in public. It covers obedience on the field and behaviour in traffic and crowds. Handlers learn to handle nerves, maintain clarity, and advocate for their dog’s space. Smart prepares you with proofed obedience, neutral exposure, and clean handling routines so the test feels like another training day.

Temperament and Traffic

The judge looks for calm neutrality around people, bikes, cars, and dogs. Your dog must stay relaxed and responsive. IGP titles build on this base. If the dog cannot settle in daily life it will struggle under sport pressure. Smart focuses on calmness first, then adds energy, then returns to calm. This rhythm is at the heart of the Smart Method and it keeps dogs balanced.

Endurance AD

The AD is a cycling endurance test that shows fitness and resilience. It is not mandatory for all IGP titles but it is a useful benchmark for conditioning. Smart coaches a sensible plan for cardio, joint care, and recovery so the dog enjoys the effort and bounces back well.

The IGP 1 2 3 Levels

Once you have the BH VT, you can enter IGP 1. From there you progress to IGP 2 and IGP 3 as your team advances. Each title changes the length of work, number of exercises, and independence required.

What Changes From 1 to 3

• Tracking. Longer tracks, more corners, aged scent, and more articles.
• Obedience. Stricter heel work, harder retrieves, and a more demanding send away.
• Protection. More blinds, stronger confrontations, and tighter control in outs and transports.

IGP titles at level three are a genuine test of training depth. Smart keeps progress steady by planning each block with one primary focus and one support skill. This prevents confusion and keeps motivation high.

Scoring and Passing

Each phase is scored on quality, precision, and control. There is a minimum passing score for each phase and for the total. If you fail one phase you do not receive the title. This keeps IGP titles meaningful. Smart rehearses the full routine under show conditions so you learn to manage time, engagement, and recovery between phases.

Specialist IGP Titles

Alongside the core ladder there are specialist IGP titles. IGP V is a reduced programme that still tests the essentials. IGP FH and FH2 are advanced tracking titles that focus on scent work and problem solving. These are excellent for dogs that love methodical work. Smart can tailor a plan for the specialist route, maintaining the same clarity, motivation, and progression that define our results.

Age Requirements Equipment and Rules

All IGP titles have age minimums and equipment standards designed to protect the dog. Collars, leads, and protective gear must meet specific rules. Heeling is on a flat collar. Protection uses an approved sleeve and standardized equipment for the helper. Smart Dog Training will walk you through the rule set and ensure your kit and handling match what judges expect. This saves you from small errors that can cost points or cause stress on trial day.

Training for IGP With the Smart Method

IGP titles demand both drive and control. The Smart Method gives you both. We teach with clear markers, fair guidance, and strong rewards. We add pressure only when the dog understands the task, then release and reward for correct choices. This builds responsibility without conflict. The result is a dog that wants to work and stays accountable under stimulation.

Clarity

Commands and markers are taught with precision. The dog always knows what earns reward. This clarity is vital for IGP titles where small errors cost points.

Motivation

We build value in the work with food, toys, and praise. Motivation drives attitude, and judges reward attitude. Your dog learns to love correct behaviour.

Pressure and Release

Guidance is fair and measured. Pressure is paired with a clear release and a strong reward for the right answer. This creates accountability that holds up in all three phases of IGP titles.

Progression

Skills are layered step by step. Duration, distraction, and difficulty are added in a plan that your dog understands. This is how we move from training hall to trial field with no surprises.

Trust

Every session strengthens the relationship. Trust keeps the dog engaged and confident. It also keeps the handler calm and consistent on trial day. IGP titles are won on trust as much as technique.

Building Skills Step by Step

Foundation for Puppies and Young Dogs

We start with engagement, toy play, food motivation, and calm neutrality around people and dogs. Heeling foundations are built as short games. Retrieves start with desire and grip before any formal holds. Tracking begins as a calm ritual with simple footstep food tracks and clear article value. These foundations make later IGP titles feel easy.

Drive Building and Impulse Control

We teach your dog to switch on for work and switch off on cue. This on and off skill is what keeps the dog composed between exercises and phases. It also keeps the household peaceful. Smart uses structured play, clear out cues, and calm resets so the dog practices self control while staying keen.

Preparing for Trial Day

Good teams make IGP titles look smooth because everything has been rehearsed. Venue practice, judge style, helper energy, weather, and travel all affect the dog. We train for these variables early.

Handler Routine and Mindset

We build a repeatable routine for warm up, entry, and reset. You learn to regulate your own nerves so your dog reads confidence from you. A SMDT will coach your body language, timing, and footwork so your handling matches the picture judges want to see.

Dog Welfare and Fitness

Fitness, joints, hydration, and nutrition matter. Smart plans your work and rest balance, conditioning, and travel timing so the dog arrives fresh and focused. This is vital for the demands of IGP titles across a full day.

Common Mistakes and How Smart Fixes Them

• Rushing levels. We fix this by setting clear criteria and not moving up until your dog meets them calmly.
• Too little proofing. We add smart distractions and new locations so the behaviour holds anywhere.
• Weak outs. We use fair pressure and release with strong reinforcement for clean, quick releases.
• Flat heeling. We rebuild value and rhythm so heel work shows attitude and precision.
• Nervous handlers. We coach breathing, pacing, and ring craft so your dog can relax into your routine.

These changes protect your scores and make IGP titles achievable without stress.

How Smart Programmes Support IGP Teams

Our programmes are designed for real progress. We offer private coaching for tailored skill building, structured group sessions for proofing and distractions, and behaviour support for dogs that need calmer foundations before they tackle sport work. Every programme follows the Smart Method and is delivered by a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer where required. Your plan is mapped from BH VT to IGP 3 so you always know what you are working toward.

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.

Costs Timeframes and What to Expect

Timelines vary by dog, handler experience, and training frequency. As a guide, teams often spend months building foundations for the BH VT, then move to IGP 1 within a season if training is consistent. IGP 2 and IGP 3 require deeper conditioning and proofing. Smart sets realistic milestones so your journey remains positive. We track progress with video review, score cards, and mock trials so you know when you are ready to enter.

Success Measures Beyond the Trophy

IGP titles are a clear win, but the real value is a calm, confident dog that is easy to live with. Smart focuses on behaviour that holds in daily life. We want a dog that can relax at home, settle in public, and then switch on to work with joy. This balance is what keeps the sport safe and enjoyable for everyone.

FAQs

What are IGP titles and how do they work

IGP titles are sport qualifications earned at judged trials. They cover tracking, obedience, and protection. You start with the BH VT, then progress through IGP 1, IGP 2, and IGP 3. Each level has stricter requirements and higher standards.

How long does it take to earn IGP 1

With consistent training and good foundations, many teams reach IGP 1 within a season after the BH VT. The exact timeline depends on the dog, the handler, and training frequency. Smart will map your plan and set milestones to keep you on track.

Can any breed earn IGP titles

Many breeds can train and trial successfully. Judges focus on performance and temperament. The key is sound health, stable nerves, and good structure. Smart will evaluate your dog honestly and build a plan that suits their strengths.

How are IGP titles scored

Each phase has a maximum score and minimum passing score. Judges reward precision, attitude, and control. They deduct for inaccuracy, conflict, and loss of obedience. You must pass all phases on the day to earn the title.

Do I need protection training before I start

No. You start with engagement, obedience, neutrality, and tracking foundations. Protection is introduced only when the dog is ready. Smart builds the picture step by step so the dog stays confident and clear.

Is the sport safe for my dog

When trained with structure and care, yes. IGP titles follow strict rules for welfare and equipment. Smart prioritises fitness, joint care, age limits, and fair training so your dog enjoys a long, healthy journey in the sport.

How do I find help from a Smart trainer

We have certified trainers across the UK. You can start with a free call to plan your route to IGP titles and your first trial date.

Conclusion

IGP titles are a clear, motivating path for building a confident, controllable, and happy working partner. From the BH VT to IGP 3, the journey teaches you to communicate with precision and to show your dog how to succeed under energy and pressure. With Smart Dog Training you get a structured plan, a proven method, and support from a Smart Master Dog Trainer or a certified SMDT at every step. If your goal is to understand IGP titles and how they work, and then achieve them with confidence, we are ready to guide you.

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