Obedience in IGP Competition

Why Obedience in IGP Competition Matters

When teams talk about obedience in IGP competition, they often picture crisp heeling, lightning fast positions, and powerful retrieves that finish straight. They are right. Obedience is the engine that drives success across all three phases. It proves control without killing drive. That balance is where Smart Dog Training excels. Every routine we build follows the Smart Method to produce calm, confident, and reliable work that holds up on any field in any weather.

I have coached handlers and high drive dogs across the UK and Europe for years, and the pattern is clear. A structured plan that blends clarity, motivation, progression, and fair accountability wins. If you want measurable progress in obedience in IGP competition, work with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer (SMDT). You will train with precision, fix weak links early, and step on the field with a confident team.

What Judges Expect in IGP Obedience

Judges score expression, accuracy, and teamwork. The picture must be powerful yet controlled. Correct positions, clean grips, straight outs and backs, and a stable down under distraction all add up to points. Handlers must show calm body language and crisp cues. Dogs must show drive without hectic energy or conflict.

Across levels, the routine is off leash and includes heeling with group and gunshots, positions out of motion, retrieves on the flat and over obstacles, a send away, and a long down under distraction. The higher the level, the more demands on precision and nerve strength.

The Heeling Picture and Attention

Heeling is the first impression. Your dog should lock on the left leg, keep a straight body, and hold focused attention with an upbeat attitude. The turns, halts, and changes of pace must be clean and coordinated. Two gunshots are fired during heeling. The dog must remain neutral and keep working without a startle or vocal response.

Positions Out of Motion

Positions show control in drive. At IGP 1 you perform a sit out of motion and a down out of motion with recall. At IGP 2 you add a stand out of motion. At IGP 3 all three positions are tested with greater pressure on speed, accuracy, and neutrality.

Retrieves and Jumps

Retrieves must be fast, straight, and clean. On the flat, the dumbbell weight increases by level. IGP 1 uses six hundred and fifty grams, IGP 2 uses one kilogram, and IGP 3 uses two kilograms. Over the one metre hurdle and the one point eight metre A frame, the dumbbell is six hundred and fifty grams at all levels. The dog must jump out and back, grip calmly, return straight, and sit in front without chewing.

The Send Away and Down Under Distraction

The send away demands clear drive forward with instant response to the down cue. The dog must run straight and committed, then drop fast on cue and remain steady until the handler returns. The long down under distraction is a bedrock exercise. Your dog has to lie calmly, ignore movement, and demonstrate trust and nerve strength.

How Scoring Works for Obedience in IGP Competition

Obedience in IGP competition is scored out of one hundred points. Judges deduct for loss of attention, forging or crabbing in heel, crooked or slow sits, slow or incorrect positions, mouthing on the dumbbell, touching the jump, wide or crooked fronts, slow finishes, and hesitation on the send away. A clean routine shows energy without chaos. It should look easy and free of handler conflict.

To protect points, Smart Dog Training isolates each skill, builds a clear picture, and layers distraction gradually. Then we run full chains that mimic the ring so the dog can hold accuracy across the whole routine. That is the heart of consistent scoring in obedience in IGP competition.

The Smart Method for IGP Obedience

The Smart Method is our proprietary system for real world reliability. Every stage of obedience in IGP competition follows these pillars.

Clarity through Commands and Markers

We teach a simple command set with precise markers for yes, no, and release. Dogs learn what starts work, what ends work, and what earns reward. Clear language removes guesswork, which reduces conflict and boosts confidence.

Motivation that Drives Precision

We use food and toys to build strong engagement and fast effort. Reward placement shapes straight lines, tight finishes, and powerful sends. When the dog loves the job, accuracy sticks.

Pressure and Release for Accountability

Fair guidance shows the dog how to meet the standard. We pair light pressure with clear release and reward at the exact moment of correct effort. This builds responsibility without stress. The dog learns to own the picture and chooses correct behaviour.

Progression from Field to Trial Day

We layer duration, distance, and distraction one step at a time. We add groups, gunshots, judges, and stadium energy only after the picture is solid at home and on training fields. This planned progression prevents trial shock and keeps attitude high.

Trust and Teamwork in the Ring

Trust is the glue. The dog must believe the handler is clear and fair. That bond produces calm work even when pressure rises. It is the reason our teams thrive in obedience in IGP competition.

Building the Heeling Picture Step by Step

Great heel work is built, not guessed. Here is how we shape a sharp, animated, and stable picture.

Foundation Focus Games

• Name response and check in. Reward eye contact on the left side.
• Position landmarks. Teach the dog where shoulder and hip should be by rewarding at the seam of your leg.
• Micro steps. Heel for one to two steps, mark, and reward. Add a step only when the picture is clean.
• Turns and halts. Teach inside and outside turns at a walk. Reward the dog for staying parallel and tight through the turn and sitting straight at the halt.
• Tempo changes. Add fast and slow pace to build rhythm and body control.

Adding Gunshots and Environmental Stressors

Gunshot neutrality is trained like any other distraction. We start with distant pops during simple focus games, then bring the sound closer as the dog stays stable. We also train around flags, tents, speakers, and groups. The goal is a dog that treats these as background while staying in the work. This is vital for obedience in IGP competition where surprise stressors are common.

Reliable Positions Out of Motion

Fast, clean positions show clarity and nerve. We want snap into the sit, stand, and down, plus zero creeping or extra steps.

Sit Stand Down with Speed and Accuracy

• Back chain the finish. Teach the position in place first with a clear marker, then add the motion.
• Use reward magnet. Place food or toy behind the dog to drive a fast drop without stepping forward.
• Handler motion. Keep your gait the same when you cue to prevent body prompts that will cost points.
• Distance increases. Add space between you and the dog only when the position is instant and correct.

Proofing Against Anticipation

Top dogs love patterns, which can create anticipation. We vary the order of positions, mix in blanks where no cue is given, and reward holds as much as speed. We also run surprise recalls to ensure the dog waits for the cue. This keeps positions clean during obedience in IGP competition.

Rock Solid Retrieves and Jumps

Retrieves show power, grip, and control. Jumps add athletic demand. We build both with a plan that protects confidence and joints.

Dumbbell Mechanics and Grip

• Pick up skill. Teach the dog to target the bar, lift clean, and settle the grip before moving.
• Calm hold. Reward still jaws for one to three seconds, then build to longer holds with handler motion.
• Straight fronts. Use a channel or guide to teach tight, straight approaches into front sit.
• Finish options. Teach both swing and around finishes so you can choose the cleanest picture your dog offers.

Weights progress by level. Flat retrieve uses six hundred and fifty grams at IGP 1, one kilogram at IGP 2, and two kilograms at IGP 3. Over the hurdle and A frame, the dumbbell is six hundred and fifty grams. We teach mechanics first with a light trainer bell, then move to regulation weights as form holds.

Jump Technique for the Hurdle and A Frame

• Approach lines. Use cones to set straight paths to and from the obstacle.
• Height steps. Start low and raise to competition height only when takeoff and landing are safe and balanced.
• Back jump confidence. Reward the return jump generously to prevent running around on the way back.
• Handler stillness. Keep hands and shoulders calm so the dog reads the jump, not your body.

The Send Away that Holds Under Pressure

A great send away blends intensity and obedience. The picture is a straight, committed run with an instant down and a relaxed hold until pickup.

Drive Channeling and Neutrality

• Targets and zones. Teach a clear line out to a defined area. Fade the target once the dog commits to the line.
• Down on cue. Separate the down cue from the target early so the dog responds to your voice, not a prop.
• Handler return. Practice walking back past the dog while the dog remains neutral and calm.
• Distance and duration. Extend the run and the hold time in small steps. Add judge movement late in the process.

This stepwise plan prepares your team for obedience in IGP competition and prevents last second confusion that costs points.

Trial Day Handling and Nerve Control

Your routine should look the same on trial day as it does at training. That comes from rehearsed handling, calm breath, and a dog that trusts you.

Footwork Voice Cues and Timing

• Consistent footwork. Practice the same step counts for turns, halts, and set ups until they are automatic.
• Voice rules. Use brief cues with a steady tone. Avoid repeating commands, as this invites deductions.
• Ring routine. Rehearse the full approach to the field, report in, and the wait between exercises.
• Reset strategy. If something slips, finish the exercise clean and recover at the next start point.

Common Errors and How Smart Fixes Them

• Forging in heel. We shift reward placement back and teach impulse control at the left leg seam.
• Chewing the dumbbell. We reward calm holds and use short, precise durations before adding any movement.
• Touching the hurdle. We lower height, fix takeoff distance, and only raise when form is clean.
• Slow downs on recall. We add chase value behind the handler and reward fast, straight approaches.
• Anticipating positions. We randomize patterns and reward waits so the dog listens for the cue.

Training Plan Twelve Week Blueprint

Use this blueprint as a guide. Adjust pace to your dog. The goal is steady progress without stress. This plan is designed by Smart Dog Training to build reliable obedience in IGP competition.

• Weeks one to two. Focus games, heel landmarks, sit hold, down hold, dumbbell interest, place work, and calm grips.
• Weeks three to four. Heeling one to two step reps, first turns, halts, sit out of motion in place, down out of motion in place, flat retrieve pick ups, low hurdle approach work, send away line building.
• Weeks five to six. Heeling with tempo changes, group work at distance, down out of motion with recall, flat retrieve with short throws, low hurdle back jumps, A frame introduction at low height, down under light distraction.
• Weeks seven to eight. Gunshot neutrality at distance, stand out of motion in place, flat retrieve to full weight, hurdle at three quarters height, A frame at three quarters height, send away cue integration, long down with handler out of sight.
• Weeks nine to ten. Full heeling pattern with group, positions out of motion with handler movement, flat retrieve regulation weight, hurdle and A frame at full height, send away to down with handler return, full long down with nearby dog activity.
• Weeks eleven to twelve. Ring rehearsals with judge movement, two gunshots during heel, full sequence chains, trial day routine including approach and report in, one rest day before a mock trial.

Throughout this plan, we maintain strong motivation, use fair pressure and release, and progress only when the current step is rock solid. This is how we create stable, happy work for obedience in IGP competition.

Equipment List and Safe Use

• Flat collar and light lead for set ups and safe control around the field.
• Reward toys and food to shape lines and effort.
• Regulation dumbbells for each level. Start with a trainer bell to teach bite placement.
• Hurdle and A frame with safe surfaces. Raise heights in small steps.
• Markers or cones for line building on the send away.
• Starter pistol for gunshot neutrality under controlled conditions.

Smart Dog Training prioritises fair, safe handling. We protect joints during jump work, introduce weight slowly, and keep sessions short and crisp. Safety supports longevity in obedience in IGP competition.

When to Work with a Smart Master Dog Trainer

You should bring in a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer as soon as you feel any drift in the picture. Small errors become habits fast in high drive dogs. An SMDT will map out a clean plan, set up fair proofing, and tune your handling so the routine looks easy. We also help you balance protection and tracking with obedience so the dog carries the right energy into Section B.

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.

FAQs

What is included in obedience in IGP competition?

It includes off leash heeling with group and gunshots, positions out of motion, retrieves on the flat and over the one metre hurdle and the one point eight metre A frame, a send away with down, and a long down under distraction.

How many points is obedience worth in IGP?

Obedience in IGP competition is worth one hundred points. Judges score accuracy, attitude, teamwork, and stability under stress.

How do I stop forging in heel?

Shift reward placement to the hip, use short reps with precise markers, and add impulse control drills at the seam of your leg. A Smart Master Dog Trainer can tune footwork and reward timing fast.

What dumbbell weights are used?

Flat retrieve is six hundred and fifty grams at IGP 1, one kilogram at IGP 2, and two kilograms at IGP 3. Over the hurdle and A frame, the dumbbell is six hundred and fifty grams at all levels.

How do I build a fast send away with a clean down?

Teach a clear line to a zone, then add the down cue separate from any target. Grow distance and duration in small steps and rehearse the handler return under distraction.

When should I add gunshots in training?

Start at a safe distance once your focus games and heeling picture are clear. Bring the sound closer as the dog remains neutral. Keep rewards high so the gunshot becomes background noise.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Obedience in IGP competition rewards teams that blend power with control. With the Smart Method you will train a clear picture, add fair accountability, and progress step by step until your dog performs with confidence anywhere. If you want a plan that turns hard work into points, work with Smart Dog Training. We have the structure, the coaching, and the national support network to get you there.

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