Schutzhund Training in Durham, NC

Professional Schutzhund & IGP Training for Working Dogs

Schutzhund, now commonly known as IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungs-Ordnung), is one of the most demanding and comprehensive working-dog sports in the world. It develops a dog’s obedience, tracking ability, confidence, control, and protection skills while testing the relationship between handler and dog.

At Tellez K9 Dog Training, we specialize in Schutzhund and IGP training for owners who want to take their dogs beyond basic obedience and develop them into reliable, confident working and sport dogs.

Our training is designed around the individual dog, with a focus on building strong fundamentals and progressing toward the skills necessary for IGP competition.

Training for the Complete Working Dog

One of the biggest advantages of IGP is that it develops multiple aspects of a dog's working ability.

Rather than focusing exclusively on obedience or protection, Schutzhund training challenges the dog mentally and physically through tracking, obedience, and protection.

This makes IGP an excellent outlet for working breeds and high-drive dogs that need a structured job.

What Is Schutzhund?

Schutzhund was originally developed as a working-dog evaluation for German Shepherd Dogs and has evolved into the international sport known today as IGP.

IGP consists of three primary phases:

  • Tracking develops a dog's ability to follow a human foot trail while demonstrating concentration, independence, and accuracy.

    Dogs learn to methodically work a track, identify articles, and maintain focus regardless of environmental distractions.

  • IGP obedience requires much more than basic commands. Dogs must demonstrate precision, engagement, control, and willingness to work with their handler.

    Training can include:

    • Heeling

    • Sit, down, and stand exercises

    • Recall

    • Send-away

    • Retrieve

    • Long down

    • Position changes

    • Off-leash obedience

    • Engagement and handler focus

    The goal is to develop a dog that is highly responsive while maintaining confidence and enthusiasm for the work.

  • The protection phase tests a dog's courage, control, obedience, and ability to work under pressure.

    Dogs learn to work with the handler while demonstrating controlled aggression, grip development, environmental confidence, and obedience during protection exercises.

    Protection work is carefully structured and should only be performed under the supervision of an experienced trainer.

Take Your Dog to the Next Level

Whether you're starting with a young working prospect or already have experience in Schutzhund, the right training program can help you build a stronger relationship, improve your handling skills, and develop your dog's natural working abilities. A dog does not necessarily need to already have Schutzhund experience to begin training. However, not every dog is suited for IGP, particularly the protection phase. An evaluation is recommended before beginning a structured IGP training program so we can determine the dog's temperament, drives, confidence, and potential.

Enrollment in Schutzhund Training includes a year long membership to USCA (United Schutzhund Clubs of America) affiliated club Sandhills Working Dog Club in Lillington, NC.

Ready to Start Training?

Call (919) 230-1604
Email: info@tellezk9.com