Perth Voice Interactive

IT’S like puppy class on steroids; a dozen slightly obsessed dog owners gather in Munster to take their pets to a new level of obedience and protection.

They’re all part of former Australian army and air force dog handler Ben Geurts’ Kaizen K9 training, where he helps them focus the dogs’ energy through tasks such as tracking a scent, obeying intricate commands and learning how to grab an attacker effectively but without ripping their arm off.

A working dog sport, IGP was previously known as Schutzhund and developed in Germany as a way to harness the excessive energy of domesticated German shepherds.

“It’s like rugby for dogs and the ultimate genetic fulfilment for working dogs,” Mr Guerts said.

IGP has now developed into a competitive international sport mainly focused on working shepherds however breeds such as rottweilers, dobermans, Russian terriers, cattle dogs and labradors can also enjoy the fun.

In last week’s Working Dog Federation of Australia IGP national championships Mr Geurts and his Belgian malinois Stan claimed first prize.

A dog becomes titled after competing at a trial which involves a national judge and experienced helpers who have to complete a one-year apprenticeship with an exam before they can enter the arena.

IGP3 is the highest level a dog can reach in any of the three phases which is what Stan achieved to earn his title.

Control

“The dogs must have an insane level of obedience and impulse control to compete at this level and that only comes through dedicated training and effort from the handler,” Mr Guerts said.

Stan is a member of Ironside Dog Sports which is the only IGP club of its kind in WA and one of only eight clubs nationally.

Ironside Dog Sports president Mohan Murugiah became interested in the sport 10 years ago when he got his first working dog Trip the German shepherd and said he became addicted.

“It’s the safest bite sport there is for working dogs,” Mr Murugiah said.

Ironside Dog Sport has 55 members and recently held the largest trial in Australia with 34 attendees.

Kaizen K9 holds classes three times a week with up to 15 participants in each class.

Training includes up to about 30 minutes of theory for the owners and individual training between dog and Mr Guerts.

Such intensive training comes at a price; just over $60 a session at Kaizen K9.

However that’s not all, training must continue at home with owners playing and working with their dogs anywhere from a few minutes to hours a day. 

“It’s a great way for dog owners to build a bond with their dog and reliable obedience,” Mr Guerts said.

by IMOGEN WALSH