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IGP Schutzhund Training in Tampa, FL

At Sit Show Dog Training and Resort, our IGP (Schutzhund) program is not just a training service, it’s a passion. IGP is one of our biggest hobbies, and it’s what we do with our own personal dogs. We train and compete at the highest levels, with 4 USA World Championship Teams under our belt. We are committed to building strong, confident teams that succeed, not just for the short-term, but for the long run.

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Who This Fits

 

Our IGP Schutzhund Training program is ideal for:

  • Sport beginners who want a correct start in IGP with a solid foundation
  • Obedience teams looking to transition into IGP-style precision work
  • High-drive dogs that need structure, control, and guidance to channel their energy effectively
  • Experienced teams refining their foundation mechanics for greater success in competition

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, our program will help you build the precision, control, and teamwork necessary for IGP success.

What We Teach

Our IGP Schutzhund training covers all the core components of the sport, ensuring that both dog and handler build strong, reliable skills from the ground up:

 

Tracking Foundations
 We start with the basics of footstep tracking, article indication, and line handling, helping your dog develop the ability to stay focused and methodical. 

 

Obedience Foundations

We build a solid foundation in focused heeling, sits and downs in motion, recalls, and retrieve basics. Dogs also learn positions, holds, and a clear reward system that keeps attitude high and ensures consistency. This forms the bedrock for precision and control in all phases of IGP.

 

Protection Foundations

In protection work, we focus on building drive through structured play and appropriate targeting. Your dog learns to channel their energy toward the helper, building focus and control. We introduce outs with clear expectations and work on all levels of protection concepts, ensuring your dog understands the boundaries of safe and effective engagement.

Why Choose Us

10+ Years Experience

With over 10 years in the sport of IGP and multiple national championships, we have competed at the highest levels, including making it to 4 USA World Championship teams. Our experience and success in the sport speak to our ability to develop confident, driven dogs who not only perform well but love the work they do.

Dogs That Love the Work

We believe that dogs should love what they do, and we are strict about ensuring that our training builds enjoyment in the work, not just precision. Our dogs are happy and engaged, and we focus on making sure they look and feel great in their performance. Whether it's tracking, obedience, or protection, we ensure your dog is motivated and confident.

Customized to Your Goals

We start by understanding your goals and then tailor every session to fit your dog’s unique needs. Our approach is goal-oriented, with clear targets set at the beginning. After each session, we provide updates on what was worked on and how to practice at home, ensuring consistent progress.

Owner Coaching That Works

Training doesn’t stop when the session ends, we coach you through every step. At the end of each session, you get a clear walkthrough of the work done with your dog, including hands-on coaching so you understand exactly what to focus on at home.

Send us a Message!

Call Us Today

We are always happy to help with your dog training needs.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for more info or to book a service.

813-444-5496

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What Is IGP Schutzhund

IGP, formerly known as Schutzhund, is a prestigious working dog sport that tests a dog’s drive, focus, and physical abilities across three disciplines: tracking, obedience, and protection. It is designed to showcase the teamwork between the dog and handler, focusing on precision, control, and confidence..

Tracking: This phase tests the dog’s focus, determination, and scenting ability as they follow a scent trail laid by a person. It includes finding articles along the trail, demonstrating the dog’s ability to work methodically while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Obedience: The heart of IGP lies in precision obedience. Dogs are required to perform high-level tasks with absolute focus and under high distractions. Tasks include heeling, downing, sitting, recalling, and retrieving, all with impeccable timing and control. The dog’s responsiveness and steadiness are crucial for success in this phase.

Protection: Here, the dog’s drive is tested as they demonstrate controlled aggression and confidence. This includes targeting and biting a decoy (helper) with controlled outs, showing the dog’s ability to engage and disengage under the handler’s command. It is about drive control, confidence, and ensuring the dog remains steady and focused, even in intense situations.

IGP Program Options

  • Private Lessons for focused handler mechanics and dog foundations. 

  • Group Field Sessions for all three phases of the sport in the most condisive setting to excel in this sport.

  • Workshops for groups who are looking for 2-3 days of dedicated training. We can travel to host cities anywhere in the world for workshops.
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Handler Coaching

In our IGP training, we focus on building your skills as a handler, so you can guide your dog effectively and efficiently. You will learn:

  • Marker timing: Mastering when to mark the correct behavior so your dog understands exactly what to focus on.
  • Reward delivery: Understanding the right moments to reward, ensuring motivation and reinforcing correct actions.
  • Learning techniques to achieve precision, ensure correctness, maintain speed, and keep a positive emotional connection while handling
  • Session planning: Learning how to break down training sessions into manageable short blocks, adding in distance, duration, and distractions as your dog progresses.

Each lesson concludes with a simple, clear practice plan that you can easily follow during the week. This ensures continuous progress, building your confidence and improving your dog’s performance over time.

Results You Can Expect

After working through our handler coaching, you can expect:

  • Cleaner heeling with a positive attitude, ensuring your dog moves with precision and confidence.

     

  • Steadier tracking steps, demonstrating improved focus and consistency in following scent trails.

     

  • A more confident team, where both dog and handler understand how to manage and turn drive on and off with control and focus.

     

  • Improved engagement and focus, with your dog learning to stay calm and confident even in high-arousal situations.

Handlers leave each session with a weekly plan to follow. This ensures you’re never left wondering what to work on, and you can keep progressing with confidence.

IGP Schutzhund Training FAQs

Yes at a foundation level. We focus on play, targeting, and confidence, not full pressure. There's no rush but we start puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

No, we do not require any club membership. However, if you are interested in joining a club, we can help point you in the right direction!

Yes. Engagement, heeling focus, recalls, and impulse control transfer well to daily life. This is the upper echelon of dog sports and you can apply the same concepts used to train these behaviors in many parts of every day life.

Yes. If you dog has serious behavioral issues, we will evaluate and advise if we recommend waiting to train the protection phase. In most cases dogs can still train protection while working on reactivity separately. In most reactive cases, dogs can still start the obedience and tracking foundations.

Yes, we can help with all aspects of the sport from a brand new handler and dog to trial prep at the highest levels.