Last weekend both of our trainers as well as one of our students participated in a working dog trial for the sport of IGP in Midway, KY. This IGP trial, hosted by the club OG USA Dog Sport, was judged by Mike Karlov.
Everyone from our crew is working on bringing young dogs to the competition arena, and all 4 of the dogs successfully completed their BH at the trial. The BH is the entry level title for IGP/Schutzhund, and must be completed before your dog can move on to the higher levels. The first part of the BH is a heeling pattern, which is performed on and off leash, and a demonstration of a sit while heeling, a down while heeling, followed by a recall from 30 paces away. While one dog is working, the next team has their dog in a down stay. This is a test of control, obedience, as well as to show that the dog has a good temperament and is not aggressive toward other dogs.
Once this obedience portion is complete, the dogs all participate in a traffic test, which checks their response to a car, a bicyclist, a jogger, and a passing dog. You are not allowed to give your dog any commands, and must show their raw response when left to make their own decisions.
Dogs must be 15 months to participate in the BH test, but it is open to all breeds, and training for this test is a great way to build your relationship with your dog.
Head Trainer Sam passed with flying colors with her two young dogs, Toast and Awesome.
Trainer Kara passed with the highest score of the trial with her young dog, Fatalii.
And our student who comes all the way from Tennessee to train with us, Jennifer, passed the BH with her dog Draco,
