The test of Schutzhund, or IPO, was originally developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog in the early 1900s, in order to provide breeders with a method for evaluating temperament, character, trainability, and mental and physical soundness. The protection phase of IPO is crucial for evaluating the temperament of our German Shepherd Dogs. This test has helped shape the German Shepherd Dog for the majority of the breed’s history; the traits valued in this breed are the very same traits that have been preserved through Schutzhund/IPO over the

Cherie Flores & Baxter vom Sakral, IPO3. 11/2/2018 USCA GSD National IPO Championship. Pittsburgh, PA. Brian Aghajani Photography

past 100 years.

The test consists initially of a BH, or a basic temperament, basic obedience test to ensure that the dog is suited for the demands of the sport.   After that the tests involve a combination of tracking, obedience and protection.  You may do only tracking or obedience titles and forego the protection if you wish.  The obedience goes beyond basic obedience showing off leash control, commands in motion, the ability to retrieve objects on flat ground and then over hurdles and walls, as well as  a directed go out.

Cherie Flores & Baxter vom Sakral, IPO3. 11/2/2018 USCA GSD National IPO Championship. Pittsburgh, PA. Brian Aghajani Photography

One of the myths surrounding IPO training, particularly the protection portion, is that a dog trained in IPO is not a safe and reliable dog. However, IPO training requires a stable dog with good temperament, and then furnishes this same dog with excellent obedience, control, and responsiveness to its handler. Dogs with these qualities not only make outstanding working dogs in all disciplines, including police, military, herding, and more, but also can also make excellent companions and pets as well. At its root, in IGP, its all about obedience, in the obedience phase obviously, but also obedience to the track and obedience to the handler during protection. A well trained IGP /IPO dog is highly obedient to the handler and is extremely well trained!!

We currently meet on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Check the schedule for details. We spend the first hour or so of club working on obedience to ensure each member is progressing. We help spot each other. We can offer suggestions if asked, but each member can train how they desire in obedience. If you feel you need more intensive assistance in obedience, we can make recommendations to assist you. We deal with sport level obedience, not companion obedience. If you feel like you need more intensive help in obedience you can visit  our hosts site at www.goldcountryk9.com or any other club member who may offer obedience.  After obedience time is over, we will focus on protection work. We focus on fundamentals for a rock solid foundation each week. We expect everyone to help everyone else. We focus on teaching dogs which drives to be in. How to be balanced in those drives. At the core of everything is obedience. We teach all secondary obedience without a formal “helper”. We use each other (no worries it isn’t super physical).

We regularly bring in a helper to do more trial helper work as announced (monthly or bimonthly basis). Club members will have first access to them as well as other seminars that will be hosted.