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:
TRACKING
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.
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.
Because IPO involves three phases, it does take a substantial amount of time. Additionally, it is not a solitary endeavor and we need members who are willing to help one another by attending training regularly and staying for the duration of the sessions. Our members are also expected to support club-sponsored events, by helping out or supplying entries.
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We are an IPO/Schutzhund club. That means that obtaining working IPO titles is our goal. Remember the three phases: tracking, obedience and protection.
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As a prospective member, you will be required to attend 8 consecutive “Intro to IPO” training sessions, during which your dog will be evaluated for working ability and temperament. A stable temperament is foremost. The training director will observe and evaluate your relationship with the dog and its drives. The Training Director will advise you of his/her opinion concerning the abilities of the dog. Please understand that these evaluations aren’t meant to hurt anyone’s feelings; they are an honest appraisal of the potential of the dog in this sport. Sometimes that means that a young dog simply needs time to grow up. Sometimes a dog doesn’t have the heart to participate. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a perfectly lovely companion, just that this particular sport is not the right choice. We do not believe in forcing participation on an unwilling candidate…this should be FUN!
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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.