In January 2025, IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung) will see rule changes aimed at increasing the sport’s accessibility for newcomers while preserving its competition standards.
Jim Chrisp, judge and the newly appointed President of the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada (GSSCC), shares his insights on these upcoming changes in this interview.
K9Force Magazine: The 2025 rule changes are being presented as a way to make the sport more accessible to newcomers. Some critics argue that these changes risk 'watering down' the sport. As someone with many years in the sport and over 10 years of experience as a judge, do you believe these changes strike a successful balance between the sport's integrity and opening doors to newcomers?
Jim Chrisp: I started Schutzhund (IGP) in 1990. Over the years, there have been many rule changes; some felt like they watered down the sport (as you put it), while others seemed to preserve its traditional essence. I’ve never felt that softening rules was specifically about opening doors, rule changes are just part of the sport.
For example, take the blind search—it’s now back for IGP1, which theoretically makes the protection phase more challenging. The real opportunity for newcomers, I believe, is in the introduction of new sport titles. For most newcomers, the first dog in this sport is more of a pet. These new titles allow handlers to achieve success, even if their dog may not excel in every discipline.
K9Force Magazine: Some believe the rule changes compromise standards. How do you respond to concerns that these changes could potentially lower the quality of performances or dilute the level of competition?
Jim Chrisp: I don’t believe the rule changes will significantly impact the quality of performances or the level of competition. The highest level we have—IGP 3—has changed very little over the last few rule updates. As a judge and former competition helper, I still see dogs and performances that give me goosebumps!
Fifteen years ago, you might see 10 dogs demonstrating high-level heeling at big events; now, nearly all dogs do. Training methods and tools have advanced rapidly, and this progress is reflected in the performances we see today.
K9Force Magazine: You’ve witnessed the evolution of the sport over two decades. There’s a growing debate about whether commercialization is a positive way to promote IGP and expand its reach. Do you think commercialization is a sustainable approach to attract more people while preserving the core values of the sport?
Jim Chrisp: I believe commercialization is necessary for growth, but it must be handled carefully. Let’s be honest—not everyone can or wants to do this sport. It’s often muddy, sometimes painful, and definitely sleep-depriving! This isn’t a sport where you can show up once a week and expect success, nor should it be advertised as such.
We cannot bring in a huge influx of people and try to change the sport to suit them. If participation suddenly doubled, where would everyone go? We’d need more clubs, and trainers and helpers—especially those competing themselves—have limited time. I’m not opposed to significant growth, but we need to consider these practical challenges.
K9Force Magazine: Looking at the sport’s trajectory, how do you envision its future? Do you believe encouraging accessibility and commercialization could help grow the sport, or is there a risk of losing the essence that makes it special?
Jim Chrisp: I don’t believe IGP organizations will lose their identity through accessibility or commercialization. Lower titles may become easier over time, but the top titles—like IGP3 and IFH—will remain rigorous tests of a dog’s character and strength.
Maintaining identity largely depends on the quality of helpers and judges, whose roles are critical. Helpers must have the speed and ability to apply appropriate pressure on the dog, and judges must avoid favoritism and bias, focusing on evaluating the dog’s specific traits, whether good or bad.
K9Force Magazine: With new rule changes aimed at making IGP more accessible, what steps should be taken to ensure that performance standards remain high, even as the sport becomes more open to beginners?
Jim Chrisp: Newcomers usually start at the lower titles and work their way up. Experienced club members play a crucial role in guiding them. Seasoned handlers within a club often mentor newcomers, helping them not only with training but also with understanding club culture.
It’s essential to treat newcomers with respect—they’re learning the ropes, and many may not have prior experience with dog training. Patience and support from experienced handlers can make all the difference.
K9Force Magazine: For those new to the sport, what advice would you give to help them approach training and competition with the right mindset?
Jim Chrisp: One thing I always tell newcomers is that while watching training videos on YouTube and professional courses can help, what happens on the field at that moment matters most. Trust the experience within your club—seasoned members have faced similar challenges and can offer invaluable guidance.
Start with the lower titles and build from there. Many new handlers dream of going to the Worlds with their first dog. While I always wish them luck, they often don’t realize the dedication required. But with hard work and perseverance, they might just get there
K9Force (2024, December). Ask The Judge: Balancing Tradition and Progress.
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