MEMBERSHIP
What We Offer:
K9 Force WDC presents diverse training options tailored for Schutzhund's success. Our offerings encompass seminars featuring expert guest speakers, comprehensive IPO training and testing with roots tracing back to Germany's top-level dog training, which has yielded numerous elite working dogs. Participants can expect to attain certification granted by GSSCC, ensuring their achievement in Schutzhund training. (For additional information, please visit: http://gsscc.ca)
What IPO Training Includes:
The depth of difficulty differs based on the title being worked towards, but tracking is all about testing a dog’s ability to not only scent but also about his ability to stay focused enough to follow the scent without distraction or frustration. It is also a test of how confident a dog is and how well he works in front of his handler. The dog will be required to properly identify articles (by alerting in some fashion such as lying down on or near the object) to his handler that have been left on the track by the track layer.
OBEDIENCE
The obedience work is of a high level that is designed to test the dog’s intelligence, desire to work and please its handler, its ability to take directions from its handler, and its ability to work under stress (heeling around other people, during noises like gunshots, etc.) The obedience work includes heeling work, retrieval work (including over an A-frame obstacle), recalls, send outs, stay, along with position related work such as sit and down. It is important that the dog is a happy worker and interested in what he is doing.
TRACKING
PROTECTION
This is the most misunderstood of the three phases of training and is normally the one the general public focuses on. In both training and trials, the presence of a 'helper' is essential for protection exercises. A helper is the person that will be wearing the padded bite sleeve. At various points during the evaluation, they enact escape scenarios or feign threats against the dog or handler. Initially, the dog's task is to locate and hold the helper for the handler. When the helper initiates an escape or threats, the dog's response should involve active engagement by biting the bite sleeve. This demands not only the dog's confidence and mental resilience, but also its responsiveness to handler instructions, including promptly releasing the sleeve when signaled. Given the difficulty of redirecting an intensely focused dog, especially when in heightened excitement, the dog's adept training and swift obedience to handler cues become absolutely essential.
Annual Memberships
For new members:
GSSCC membership is mandatory within two weeks of joining our club, this membership offers insurance protection for training. We encourage and value dedication, therefore our annual membership fee is non-refundable.
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At K9Force, we offer tailored membership levels to suit your training needs and goals in the sport of IGP, whether you're interested in focusing on specific disciplines or aiming to compete in all three.
Starter Membership
**For those who want to start in the sport but may have time constraints or who are interested in focusing solely on IGP obedience and/or tracking training and competitions. **
1. Evaluation:
- Begin with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your dog's current skills and potential.
- No Intro to IPO course is required for this membership level.
2. K9Force Starter Membership:
- Gain access to our tailored training programs and resources.
- This membership level focuses on obedience and tracking, without the requirement to compete.
3. GSSCC Membership:
- Membership with the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada (GSSCC) is mandatory for all K9Force members.
4. Additional Information:
- No commitment to compete is necessary.
- No training in protection work until the BH title is achieved.
- This membership does not cover IGP as a whole sport (which includes 3 disciplines: tracking, obedience, and protection).
- Members are expected to support club-sponsored events, by helping out.
Main Membership
**For those committed to training and competing in all three IGP disciplines from the start: **
1. Evaluation:
- Start with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your dog's abilities and readiness.
2. Intro to IPO:
- Begin with an intensive introductory course, which is the precursor to this membership level.
3. K9Force Membership:
- Access all our training programs and resources with a focus on preparing for competition in all three IGP disciplines (tracking, obedience, and protection).
4. GSSCC Membership:
- GSSCC membership is mandatory.
5. Additional Information:
- Commitment to train and compete in all three IGP disciplines is required.
- Our members are also expected to support club-sponsored events, by helping out or supplying entries.
By joining K9Force, you become part of a community dedicated to excellence in IGP training, with personalized support and a structured path to achieve your goals. Whether you are starting with a focus on obedience and tracking or aiming to compete in all three disciplines from the start, we have the resources and expertise to help you succeed.
If you are interested in the sport and do not presently have a dog, the best advice we can offer is to take your time! Watch the dogs in the club and if there are qualities you like about them, inquire where they came from. Research other breeders and ask questions. Don’t rush into a puppy without a great deal of thought. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the sport before leaping into a purchase.