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Schutzhund/IPO/IGP
Schutzhund means “protection dog” in German.
Competitively, it is now known as IPO/IGP and tests a dog’s obedience, tracking and protection skills.
History of Schutzhund
While originally created as a suitability test for “working-class” German Shepherds it was expanded to include Dobermans, Rottweilers and Boxes. These highly-trained dogs are used in search and rescue, policing, drug enforcement, to name a few.
While the sport is dominated by German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, many different varieties of breeds training and earning their IGP titles. While it is possible and exciting to think about big championships, the true joy is the journey of learning to work with your dog. It is an enriching, though arduous, journey with your dog! You will never regret the things you can learn should you decide to pursue this sport. IGP Dogs have some of the best obedience out there and you can never go wrong with that! You do not need to be interested in serious competition (or maybe you are which is also fine.) Interested in coming out to an IPO Protection class to see if this is right for your dog? Click here to register.
Gold Country owner, Cherie Flores, began competing in IPO/IGP in 2006. Within 18 months, she and her dog had earned a Nationals-qualifying, Schuntzhund 3 score. You can read more of Cherie’s success with IPO/IGP here.
Gold Country Working Dog Club
Gold Country K9 is proud to host Gold Country Working Dog Club, a full-member club with the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA).
Whether you’re just starting out or chasing national podiums, there’s a place for you here. Our Training Director has competed at both the national and international level — but you don’t need big goals to belong. If your ambition is to build a better bond with your dog while learning this incredible sport, you’re welcome. At our club, we prioritize the health, joy, and engagement of the dog. You’ll see happy, enthusiastic dogs working in all three phases — because we believe in training in harmony with our dogs, not in conflict.
Club membership includes access to:
- Regular group training days
- Reduced member rates for protection sessions (currently $20, subject to change)
- Spotting support during obedience sessions
- Club-only tracking sessions at least twice a month
- Discounts on seminars and trials
To join, members must be current with both USCA and our club membership dues.
Need more than just spotting in obedience? We offer additional one-on-one and small-group coaching programs for handlers who want to go deeper in obedience or prepare for serious competition. These services are not included in the club membership and are priced separately. You can check out your options here.
Club training resumes May 10th — we can’t wait to see everyone on the newly planted, nearly two-acre field!
Schutzhund IPO/IGP Gallery
Purebred Walburga
German Shepherds
Walburga German Shepherds is dedicated to preserving the true working heritage of the German Shepherd Dog. We breed moderate to high drive working German Shepherd dogs suitable for Police, Search and Rescue, Service Dogs and the most important, family companions. While our breeding program is directed towards breeding of high drive dog, not every puppy is going to be suitable for that type of work. We have many successful service dogs and family companions. However, it is important to understand that our puppies must be raised well and taught what the expectations are for them in life as they grow up, or they may make different choices!
If you're interested in one of these very special animals, click the box below.