UPDATED SECOND EDITION
A hands-on, practical approach to training your K9 for IGP levels 1, 2 and 3
Learn how to:
• Implement a successful training program for the three phases of Schutzhund: tracking, obedience and protection.
• Use expert tips and advice for passing the IGP trials.
• Become a better trainer by understanding the theory behind the most effective K9 training techniques.
K9 Schutzhund Training provides beginners with an excellent introduction to the field and helps expert trainers stay on top of their game with the latest techniques.
Using proven methods rooted in classical and operant conditioning, Dr. Resi Gerritsen and Ruud Haak, world-renowned specialists in training working dogs, have developed this practical and positive Schutzhund training program. The excellent results trainers achieve through positive reinforcement prove the effectiveness of Resi and Ruud’s methods, which are based on more than 30 years of research and experience.
In Resi and Ruud’s definitive guide for modern Schutzhund training, you’ll find the advice and encouragement you need to help you succeed in the IGP trials.
Dr. Resi Gerritsen and Ruud Haak are world-renowned specialists in K9 training and the authors of more than 30 titles on dog training. They train search and rescue dogs for the International Red Cross and the United Nations (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), and they have trained drug and explosive detector dogs for the Dutch police and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Gerritsen and Haak also serve as judges for the International Rescue Dog Organization.
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K9 Schutzhund Training
This book is another in the K9 Professional Training Series and was originally published in 2014; an updated second edition was issued in 2021 to replace IPO with IGP. It is divided into the same number of sections as appear in the tests; Tracking, Obedience and Protection and these are preceded by an overview of eligibility, the temperament test and scoring. Phase A is an outline of the basics of tracking, the various components of the tests, equipment, and training with treats/toys. It must be emphasised that this is just an introduction and, to be successful in this phase, it will either be necessary for the reader to have already a sound knowledge of how to train tracking in any other discipline or the availability of coaching from a mentor successful in, what is now called, IGP. The section on Obedience opens with a very brief mention of both classical and operant conditioning as well as negative/positive punishment before it explores the 9 separate exercises included in this phase of IGP It should be noted here that, whilst there have been some minor amendments to this phase especially in IGP1 since this book was published, the description and advice on what the judge is looking for in IGP3 remain the same and as rules may change at any time this edition remains a sound reference. The Protection phase opens with an outline of the importance of ensuring that a dog has the temperament and characteristics suited to for bite work and then goes on to describe the 8 disparate exercises contained within. Included in this part are Advanced Decoy Techniques, Raising Dogs for Protection Work, Building Up Protection Work and, what many beginners (to IGP not dog training per se) will find extremely useful, Training Without a Decoy; especially where access to an experienced, self-controlled decoy may be difficult. This book bridges the gap between the bare bones of the “rules” and feedback from a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced instructor/club. It is not aimed at the accomplished competitor but an extremely useful reference tool for those intending to compete in this sport, particularly for those whose training philosophy may differ from that which has been prevalent in the past in this discipline. The book is illustrated throughout with useful diagrams and photographs which are immensely helpful for the novice.
