by Alfred De Witte
With the same fiery determination that once made her a fearsome competitor, Atilla pursues Darius, the K9Force club helper in training, in the “escape exercise”. Afterward, she prances away proudly, carrying the training sleeve like a trophy. Though it’s been nearly two years since her last competition, Atilla, now 8.5 years, hasn’t lost her edge. These days, she plays a pivotal role in fine-tuning helper skills, proving that retirement is far from the end of an active life for an IGP dog.
IGP competition represents the pinnacle of canine sports, demanding peak physical and mental performance from dogs. From precise tracking to flawless obedience and adrenaline-charged protection work, each phase of IGP requires years of dedicated training. Most handlers begin preparing their future competition dogs as puppies, with the coveted IGP3 title—a prerequisite for competing—typically achieved after at least three years of intense effort.
Just as in human sports, where most top athletes retire in their 30s, dogs also have their prime years. Most IGP dogs step back from competition around six or seven years old to avoid overexertion or injury. For comparison, RCMP working dogs retire from police service between seven and eight.
However, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down completely. For K9Force dogs, it marks the beginning of a fulfilling new chapter. These dogs remain integral parts of their K9Force families and continue to lead active, meaningful lives. Take Kaia, for example, who became the first dog in Canada to pass an advanced Article Indication Test last year. The "fearsome three"—Atilla, Azelle, and Kaia—still light up with excitement every time they visit the club for helper training, eager to play and engage. Meanwhile, Hector and Azelle are preparing to compete for advanced tracking titles next spring. Tracking, a lower impact or less taxing yet challenging discipline, allows dogs to compete often until the age of nine or ten.
Shifting from high-intensity competition to a less strenuous lifestyle requires careful planning. Angie Auger of K9 Muscleworks, and owner of Atilla, highlights key focus areas to help dogs like Atilla thrive in their golden years. She says that managing a retired IGP dog’s physical health is paramount and careful monitoring for early signs of joint pain, arthritis, or soft tissue ensures timely intervention. Lower-impact exercises like swimming, fitness conditioning at home and controlled off-leash play keep dogs fit without adding unnecessary pressure or impact on their joints. Additional pro-active/preventative measures such as consistent stretching exercises and regular massage therapy help maintain/improve flexibility, circulation, and relaxation.
As activity levels decrease, adjusting a dog’s diet becomes essential. Reducing calorie intake helps maintain a healthy weight, easing the strain on aging joints. Green-lipped mussel and glucosamine-chondroitin supplements help support joint health and overall vitality.
Finally, IGP dogs thrive on purpose. After retirement, finding meaningful activities to keep them engaged is crucial to avoid boredom. As seen with dogs like Atilla and her peers, continued involvement in training, tracking, or mastering new skills offers the mental stimulation they crave.
By prioritizing physical health, mental engagement, and emotional well-being, retired IGP dogs transition smoothly into this new chapter of life. Their years of dedication are rewarded with new experiences in the same loving environment as during their incredible achievements in the sport.
K9Force (2024, December). Life after IGP. Living With Retired IGP Sport Dogs
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this blog, contact info@k9force.ca
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