What Does the Protection Phase Look Like

What Does the Protection Phase Look Like

If you are curious about the protection phase in IGP, this breakdown shows you exactly what happens on the field, why it matters, and how Smart Dog Training prepares dogs and handlers for safe, reliable performance. The protection phase is not chaos or conflict. It is structured control under pressure, with clear rules, fair tests, and calm outcomes. Every step is trained with the Smart Method so your dog understands the picture from start to finish. A certified Smart Master Dog Trainer will guide you through the process with a progressive plan that protects welfare and builds lasting obedience.

In the protection phase the dog shows courage, control, and clarity while working with a helper wearing a bite sleeve. The dog must search, indicate, guard, engage when cued, release on command, and hold position with steady nerves. Smart Dog Training builds each piece in small layers so the picture is clear, the motivation is high, and the release is reliable.

Why the Protection Phase Exists

The protection phase exists to test stability under pressure. It asks if the dog can stay obedient when arousal rises, if the handler can give clear direction, and if the team can work with precision. Smart uses the protection phase to develop real world reliability. The dog learns that control ends conflict and that compliance brings reward. This is how Smart turns drive into discipline while keeping the dog calm and willing.

How the Protection Phase Is Structured

On trial day the protection phase follows a set routine. The dog and handler enter the field and wait for the judge. The helper sets up in the blinds or at the far end for the courage test. The judge guides the sequence while scoring performance with strict criteria. Smart prepares your team to follow this pattern so there are no surprises for the dog or for you.

• Field layout and blinds placed around a defined search area
• Helper in a bite sleeve, padded suit trousers, and whip or stick as permitted
• Handler cues, judge signals, and helper actions that follow rules
• Clear points for grips, outs, guarding, heel work, and transports

We build a full rehearsal of the protection phase in training so the dog sees the same picture on trial day.

Field Layout and Equipment

The protection phase uses six blinds arranged around the field. The helper hides in one blind or stays at the end for the long bite. Equipment includes a regulation bite sleeve, padded baton, and line for control during early stages. Smart introduces each item with clarity and neutral setups to prevent equipment fixation. We teach the dog that commands and markers drive the picture, not the gear.

Roles on the Field

• Dog shows confident search, strong guard, calm grips, and a clean out.
• Handler gives precise cues, correct positions, and steady handling.
• Helper presents fair pressure and proper catches that build confidence.
• Judge observes, scores, and maintains safety.

Smart coaches you to understand every role so you and your dog can predict the flow of the protection phase and stay composed.

Blind Search in the Protection Phase

The protection phase often starts with a blind search. The dog moves around the blinds in a set pattern until it locates the helper. Smart teaches the search pattern in simple steps. We build speed, accuracy, and focus on scent and picture. The dog must ignore distractions and check each blind without cutting corners. A calm handler and clear markers keep the dog honest.

• Start with two blinds and build to six
• Use distinct cues for send and recall
• Reward correct checks and clean arcs
• Fade handler motion so the dog works independent of you

When the dog finds the helper, the protection phase moves into the bark and hold.

The Bark and Hold

At the find the dog must stand at a safe distance and deliver a rhythmic bark without biting until released. The dog must not touch the sleeve, crowd the helper, or lose focus. Smart sets this picture early with barriers, distance control, and a clear marker system so the dog knows that strong voice and steady posture earn progress. We reward intensity that stays in control.

• Steady, rhythmic bark under low and then high arousal
• Front feet planted with a safe guard distance
• Eyes on the helper, no equipment grabbing
• Release when cued, then return to guard after the grip

Consistency here sets the tone for the rest of the protection phase. Control earns access to the bite. Bite earns the out. Out earns the next step. The dog learns a clean chain of behaviour.

Escape, Pursuit, and First Grip

From the guard, the helper attempts an escape. The dog is sent to stop the escape and take a full grip on the sleeve. Smart trains deep, calm grips that stay full under movement. We coach the helper picture so the dog experiences fair pressure and a clean catch. The dog is then driven by the helper, where it must stay committed yet not thrash or chew. The judge looks for a full grip and steady nerves.

At the judge signal, the helper freezes and the handler gives the out command. This is a core checkpoint in the protection phase. The dog must release promptly, guard with focus, and resist rebites. Smart develops the out with pressure and release that is fair and consistent, so the dog learns that letting go brings relief and reward.

Handler Approach and Transport

After the out the handler approaches, heels the dog to position, and performs a side transport of the helper to the judge or a set line. Smart rehearses this at low arousal first. We reward calm heeling, steady eye contact, and clean stops. The protection phase rewards teams that stay tidy and predictable in this part of the routine.

Reattack and Drive Work

The helper reattacks during transport or at a set point. The dog must react with a decisive grip, then ride the drive without panic. Smart teaches the dog that pressure is information. When the helper is active, the dog grips. When the helper goes neutral, the dog outs. This is pressure and release in its clearest form and it is the heart of the protection phase.

The Courage Test Long Bite

The long bite is the finale of the protection phase. The dog is heeled to a mark. The handler holds the dog or sets it in a sit. The helper shouts and runs. On cue the dog is sent across the field to meet the helper in full stride. The helper gives a clean catch and drives the dog, then freezes on the judge signal. The dog must out cleanly and guard until the exercise ends. Smart builds this in stages so the speed and distance do not erode the out or the guard.

• Short sends, then medium, then full field
• Slow helper, then moderate, then full run
• Grip stability before distance and speed
• Outs reinforced with clear release and reward

How Scoring Works in the Protection Phase

Judges look for confident search, steady guard, full grips, prompt outs, and clean handling. Points can be lost for crowding, weak bark, chewing grips, slow outs, rebites, or handler mistakes. Smart trains to the standard so the dog knows what earns points and what costs them. We use video review and checklists to remove uncertainty and polish each step of the protection phase.

Safety and Welfare Come First

Smart Dog Training puts safety at the centre of the protection phase. We build strong foundations and read the dog’s signals. We teach helpers to present fair pictures and catch correctly. We end each session with the dog calm and confident. We keep arousal within the dog’s learning zone. We progress only when the dog can show clarity and control. Welfare is not a box to tick. It is the plan.

• Balanced sessions with movement, engagement, and rest
• Grip quality over repetition
• Structured end of session routines to lower arousal
• Consistent markers so the dog always understands

How Smart Builds the Protection Phase With the Smart Method

Every part of the protection phase follows the Smart Method. We use clarity so the dog connects each cue to a specific outcome. We use pressure and release so the dog learns responsibility without conflict. We use motivation so the dog wants the work. We use progression so the dog can perform anywhere. We use trust so the bond stays strong even under pressure. This balance is why Smart teams show calm behaviour during the protection phase, not frantic behaviour that breaks under stress.

The Out Command That Holds Under Pressure

The out is the anchor of the protection phase. Smart trains the out from day one with food and toys before the sleeve is ever shown. We pair a clear out cue with a reliable release marker. We build rules that never change. Out on cue. Guard with focus. Reengage only on permission. Later we add movement, drive, helper pressure, and distance. Because the rules never change, the out stays strong in every part of the protection phase.

• Start with clear marker language
• Reinforce release with immediate reward
• Add mild pressure and return to neutral for the reward
• Proof against motion, voice, and whip noise

Developing Calm, Full Grips

The protection phase rewards a full and quiet grip. Smart shapes this with soft tugs, then sleeves, always reinforcing depth and stillness. We teach the dog to push in and settle rather than chew. We protect nerves by avoiding rushed pictures and messy catches. The result is a dog that bites with confidence and releases with clarity.

Handler Skills That Win the Protection Phase

Handlers often determine success in the protection phase. Smart coaches precise heeling, confident sends, and calm body language. We practise line handling, approach speed, and timing at the out. We train you to hear judge signals and stay composed. The more predictable you are, the more predictable your dog becomes.

• Clean heel positions before, during, and after exercises
• Consistent cue timing at send and out
• Neutral tone to avoid over arousal
• Awareness of helper and judge flow

Differences Between IGP1, IGP2, and IGP3

As levels increase, the protection phase adds difficulty. Search patterns tighten. Guards must be cleaner. Drives are longer. Outs are judged more strictly. Reattacks and transports demand more precision. Smart scales progression so each level feels like a natural next step for your dog.

Is the Protection Phase Right for Your Dog

Many dogs enjoy the structure and clarity of the protection phase when trained by Smart. We assess temperament, nerves, motivation, and resilience before we begin. We build each piece with care and only progress when the dog shows confidence. If we decide to proceed, you will train with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer who will map each step and mentor you across your first season.

Getting Started With Smart Protection Training

If you want to see how the protection phase fits your goals, we can help you start on the right foot. We will evaluate your dog, explain the Smart Method, and set achievable milestones. You will see how each exercise links to the next so your dog understands the full picture. Our programmes are delivered in home, in structured groups, and through tailored behaviour plans, and every option follows the same Smart standards.

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.

Protection Phase FAQs

What is the protection phase in IGP

The protection phase is the part of an IGP routine where the dog searches for a helper, performs a bark and hold, engages on cue, outs on command, guards calmly, and completes transports and a long bite. Smart trains each piece with structure so the dog stays confident and obedient throughout.

How does Smart teach the out in the protection phase

We start away from the sleeve with food and toys. We pair a clear cue with a release marker and reinforce the release. We then add mild pressure and return to neutral for the reward. Only later do we add helper movement. This keeps the out strong across the protection phase.

What does a judge look for during the protection phase

Judges want a confident search, rhythmic bark and hold, full and quiet grips, prompt outs, calm guards, and tidy handling. Smart prepares teams to meet these standards step by step.

Is the protection phase safe for my dog

Yes when trained by Smart. We protect welfare by building clear pictures, using fair helper work, controlling arousal, and ending sessions with the dog calm. Safety is the priority in every part of the protection phase.

What are common mistakes in the protection phase

Slow outs, chewing grips, crowding during the guard, inconsistent handler cues, and weak transports are common. Smart corrects these with clarity, pressure and release, and a progression plan that removes confusion.

Do I need a specific breed for the protection phase

You need a dog with stable nerves, good motivation, and sound health. Breed alone does not decide success. Smart will assess your dog and advise on a training plan that fits the protection phase.

Conclusion

The protection phase is a clear, structured test of courage and control. With Smart Dog Training, your dog learns that clarity reduces conflict and that obedience brings reward. We break the routine into predictable pieces and rebuild them under pressure until the picture holds on trial day. If you want real progress, Smart will guide you with a proven system that protects both performance and welfare.

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