IGP Training Schedule for Full Time Pros

IGP Training Schedule for Full Time Pros

A strong IGP training schedule is the backbone of consistent results. As a full time professional, you need structure that fits long days, multiple dogs, and real trial dates. At Smart Dog Training, we build schedules through the Smart Method so every session has clarity and a clear outcome. If you are a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer SMDT or working toward that level, the plan below shows how to run a professional calendar without guesswork.

This guide sets a practical IGP training schedule you can follow week by week. It blends tracking, obedience, and protection with conditioning, rest, and data. You will see how to plan an annual calendar, build monthly blocks, and shape each day. The goal is simple. Keep your dogs healthy, motivated, and prepared for the exact demands of trial day.

What IGP Really Demands Across Three Phases

IGP is a complete test of team skill. Each phase asks for control, drive, and clear communication.

• Tracking needs calm focus, pace, and deep scent commitment under changing surfaces and weather.
• Obedience needs crisp mechanics, drive in the work, and neutrality around people, dogs, and noise.
• Protection needs laser clarity, strong grips, and self control in high arousal.

A well built IGP training schedule places the right work on the right day, then repeats it often enough to build skill without overload.

The Smart Method Framework for Scheduling

Every Smart Dog Training programme follows the Smart Method. This shapes how we plan your IGP training schedule.

• Clarity Set exact criteria before each rep. Define position, pace, line handling, and release. Your dog must know when it is right.
• Pressure and Release Use fair guidance and a clear release to grow responsibility. Pressure is low and precise. Release and reward confirm the choice.
• Motivation Keep the dog in a positive state. Food, toys, and praise build a dog that wants to work.
• Progression Add distraction, duration, and difficulty step by step. Do not jump levels.
• Trust The dog believes in you because your handling is consistent. Trust protects performance under stress.

When we map an IGP training schedule for a pro, these pillars guide the order of days, the length of sessions, and the path to trial readiness.

Annual Periodisation for IGP Pros

Pros work to a season. Periodisation makes sure the dog peaks on time and stays sound. Smart Dog Training uses a simple three phase cycle across the year.

• Base Phase Build aerobic fitness, core strength, and foundation skills. High volume of easy tracking, position work, and engagement. Low intensity protection.
• Build Phase Sharpen skills and increase intensity. Add more distraction, more pressure and release moments, and more complete trial chains.
• Peak Phase Reduce volume and protect the nervous system. Short, sharp, clean reps that match the rulebook and field layout.

Repeat cycles across the year as trials come up. Dogs can hold peak only for a short time. Your IGP training schedule must respect that.

Monthly Blocks That Drive Real Progress

Each month has one main goal. This is how we keep progression clear.

• Month One Tracking foundations and scent intensity. Loose leash heel mechanics. Calm hold and bark.
• Month Two Article indication fluency. Heeling under distraction. Drive channeling in protection entries.
• Month Three Longer legs on track. Full obedience chains with fair corrections. Protection out reliability.
• Month Four Trial rehearsal. Field pictures, helpers, and judge pressure simulated. Travel and crate routine locked in.

Then reset. A pro keeps the dog fresh by rotating emphasis. The IGP training schedule shifts focus while retaining key maintenance sessions.

Weekly IGP Training Schedule That Balances Load

Here is a sample weekly plan for one competition dog. Adjust to your climate, fields, and helper access. The flow is designed by Smart Dog Training for full time pros.

• Monday Tracking primary. Short confidence track and one problem track. Obedience light focus on positions. No protection.
• Tuesday Obedience primary. Heeling pictures and retrieve mechanics. Protection light focus on grip and out.
• Wednesday Tracking maintenance. Single long leg with two articles. Conditioning day core and aerobic work.
• Thursday Protection primary. Drive building into control. Obedience skills that pair with the routine you will show after the blind.
• Friday Tracking problem solving. Crosswind or surface change. Obedience polish. No protection or very light secondary work.
• Saturday Trial chain. Track in the morning. Obedience and protection in sequence with full routine and the exact field pictures you expect.
• Sunday Recovery. Walks, stretching, massage, and mental rest. No formal work.

This weekly IGP training schedule spreads high arousal days so the dog stays fresh and clear.

Daily Session Structure That Delivers

Pros often split the day into three windows. Keep sessions short and specific.

• Morning Tracking or conditioning. Cooler air helps scent. Finish with a calm decompression walk.
• Midday Obedience mechanics. Ten to fifteen minute blocks. Reward maps are precise.
• Evening Protection or proofing. End with a simple success to protect the headspace for the next day.

Across the day, film key reps and write notes. Small improvements compound when you review data each evening.

Tracking Schedule Built for Consistency

Tracking falls apart when it lacks repetition. Smart Dog Training places tracking three to four days per week in most IGP training schedules.

• Leg Length and Pace Start short to build footstep commitment. Add length when pace and nose depth do not drift.
• Articles One clear indication every time. Reward at the article, then reset calmly. Do not rush the restart.
• Surface and Weather Rotate grass, stubble, dirt, and light cover. Train in light rain and wind to build resilience.
• Handler Mechanics Line management, footwork, and breathing. Your calm rhythm sets the dog.

If the dog loses focus, shorten the track, simplify the picture, and confirm success. Progression is step by step.

Obedience Schedule That Builds Precision

Great obedience needs clear pictures and honest proofing. Use two to three focused obedience days in your IGP training schedule, with short refreshers on other days.

• Engagement First Eyes, attitude, and energy. Start with a simple game that flips the dog into work mode.
• Heeling One theme per session. For example head position, or straight lines, or turns. Do not mix too many goals at once.
• Retrieves Build retrieve skills outside of the full send. Separate hold quality, delivery, and jump confidence.
• Down Under Distraction Proof around dogs, balls, and helpers. Reward stillness and clarity.

Corrections are fair and paired with release and reward. The dog learns accountability without conflict.

Protection Schedule That Protects Nerves

Protection puts the highest stress on the nervous system. Smart Dog Training protects the dog with two focused protection days in most IGP training schedules, occasionally three for short blocks when peaking.

• Grips Full, calm, and quiet. Reward the picture you want in trial. Fix grip issues before you chase speed.
• Control Out on command, clean transport, and no extra steps. Build one rule at a time.
• Drive Channeling Teach the dog to move between arousal and clarity. Use known patterns so choices become easy.
• Helper Team Use consistent cues and clear pictures. The whole team follows the Smart Method so the dog gets one message.

End protection sessions slightly early while the dog still wants more. Leave the dog confident and ready to work again soon.

Conditioning, Recovery, and Soundness

A pro plan protects the body as much as the mind. Schedule two conditioning days each week and one full rest day.

• Aerobic Base Long easy walks, light trot work, or terrain hikes. Keep heart rate smooth.
• Strength and Core Controlled hill work, plank holds, sit to stand reps, and balance work.
• Flexibility Warm up before sessions and cool down after. Add light stretching and massage.
• Recovery Sleep, hydration, and calm mental time. You cannot out train fatigue.

Keep logs on body weight, coat quality, stool, and general mood. These markers often change before performance drops.

Nutrition, Hydration, and Heat Management

Food and water affect focus and stamina. Set a simple routine and keep it stable.

• Feeding Times Feed after work, not before. Use small energy snacks only when needed for long days.
• Hydration Offer water often in small amounts. Add electrolytes if your vet agrees and if weather is hot.
• Heat and Cold Train early on hot days. Use shade, airflow, and cool water. In winter, extend warm ups and protect paws.

Smart Dog Training keeps nutrition plans simple and consistent so the dog always feels ready to work.

Data and Metrics for Decision Making

Pros improve what they measure. Build time for review into your IGP training schedule.

• Session Notes What was the aim, what was the outcome, and what is next.
• Video Film one to two reps per session. Review tone, timing, and clarity.
• Trial Rehearsal Scores Score your own routine weekly. Track trends and adjust the plan.

Small changes made early prevent big problems later.

Handling Multiple Dogs Like a Professional

Full time pros often run two or more dogs. Your IGP training schedule must manage arousal, time, and individual needs.

• Stagger High Stress Days Do not run two hard protection sessions back to back with different dogs.
• Rotate Focus Each dog gets a main goal for the week. Keep others on maintenance work.
• Shared Setups Use the same field layout for both dogs to save time, but change the picture enough to protect clarity.
• Crate and Rest Dogs rest in vehicles or crates between sessions. Calm in the crate is part of training.

Respect the unique traits of each dog. A one size plan will not work for a mixed team.

Trial Week Routine

The final seven days need a simple, repeatable plan. Keep the dog fresh and confident.

• Day 7 Light tracking with perfect articles. Short obedience mechanic check. No protection.
• Day 6 Protection light. Two to three clean grips. One clean out. End early.
• Day 5 Obedience chain at 70 percent. Short retrieve, calm down, and heel picture review.
• Day 4 Tracking medium with one challenge. End with success.
• Day 3 Protection touches only. Two blinds, one out, transport clarity. Finish early.
• Day 2 Rest and travel. Walks and stretch. Crate routine rehearsed.
• Day 1 Trial day. Light warm up. Trust your training. Keep your routine.

Match field pictures, helper style, and judge expectations in the weeks before. The dog should feel like the trial is just another rehearsal.

Common Mistakes in an IGP Training Schedule

• Too Much Protection High stress work too often leads to nerve fatigue and sloppy outs.
• Big Jumps in Difficulty Progression must be steady. Add one variable at a time.
• No Deload Weeks The dog needs easier weeks after hard blocks to adapt and grow.
• Poor Handler Routine Inconsistent markers and release points confuse the dog.
• Ignoring Recovery Soreness, heat, or poor sleep will erase your hard work.

Smart Dog Training avoids these traps by following the Smart Method and reviewing data weekly.

How Smart Dog Training Supports Professional Results

Smart Dog Training delivers structured, results focused coaching to pros across the UK. Our certified Smart Master Dog Trainers coach you with clear plans, real feedback, and proven progression. Every plan is tailored to dog, handler, and trial goals, and every session uses the Smart Method pillars.

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.

Sample Day by Day Plan You Can Start This Week

Use this practical model to launch a clean routine. It fits most dogs in the build phase.

• Monday Track 2 short legs with 2 articles then heel mechanics with food. Conditioning walk in the evening.
• Tuesday Heeling pictures and retrieves with low jumps. Protection touches only. End with a calm out.
• Wednesday Track 1 medium leg with crosswind. Down under distraction proofing. Core work and stretch.
• Thursday Protection primary grips and transport. Short obedience chain after protection to teach clear head shifts.
• Friday Track problem solve surface change. Obedience detail work on positions. Early finish.
• Saturday Full rehearsal. Track then obedience then protection as a show run. Film and score.
• Sunday Rest day. Soft tissue care, long sniff walk, and mental reset.

Keep this cycle for three to four weeks, then insert a lighter week with less volume to lock in gains.

Adapting the IGP Training Schedule to Your Dog

No two dogs carry drive the same way. Adjust the plan to suit your dog.

• Hot Dog Short sessions and more recovery. Extra focus on neutrality after protection.
• Soft Dog Build confidence through success. Extra clarity and patient proofing.
• Tracker More track days and fewer protection touches. Protect the headspace for scent.
• Protector Keep protection clean but short. Heavier dose of obedience and engagement games.

Your IGP training schedule is a living plan. Review weekly and change one variable at a time.

Field Logistics and Time Management for Pros

As a full time pro, your biggest edge is preparation. Set up once and train many reps.

• Kit Bag Lines, collars, articles, dumbbells, and markers in one place. Spares ready.
• Field Pictures Use cones and flags to set clear paths that match trial layouts.
• Warm Up Zones A set area for engagement and position resets. Keep it the same across fields.
• End Routines Finish in a cool down zone so the dog knows the work is done.

These habits save minutes every day, and minutes become hours over the season.

Mindset and Handler Skills

Dogs mirror handlers. Your timing, tone, and posture matter. Use the Smart Method to keep calm and consistent.

• Pre Session Plan Write three aims. One skill, one picture, one success marker.
• During Session Fewer words, clearer signals, and fair corrections with a clean release.
• Post Session Note the change you saw and the next small step. Trust the process.

When the handler is steady, the dog stays clear under pressure.

FAQs

How many protection days should my IGP training schedule include

Most dogs do well with two protection days per week. Add a short third day only during a short peak block and only if the dog stays fresh.

Can I track every day

You can track often, but three to four days per week is enough for most dogs. Quality matters more than raw volume.

How long should daily sessions be

Keep them short and sharp. Ten to twenty minutes for obedience, similar for protection, and tracking within the dog’s mental limit.

What if I do not have helper access midweek

Use grip and out drills on a tug or wedge, build control patterns, and save full pictures for the weekend. The schedule still holds.

How soon before a trial should I reduce volume

Begin to taper about seven to ten days out. Keep quality high, reduce volume, and protect recovery.

What is the best way to manage multiple dogs in one day

Stagger high stress sessions, rotate focus goals, and keep crate time calm. Plan setups that both dogs can use with slight changes to pictures.

Do I need rest days even if the dog looks fresh

Yes. Rest drives adaptation. A weekly rest day helps prevent mental and physical burnout.

Conclusion

A strong IGP training schedule lets a full time pro deliver results week after week. Use periodised blocks, a clear weekly structure, and short daily sessions that match your goals. Protect the dog’s body and mind, collect data, and trust the Smart Method. When you plan this way, the dog steps on the field clear, confident, and ready to show real work.

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