IGP Dog Sport is not attack dog training

On May 14th, 2024, the South Australian Government opened a consultation on proposed changes to the Dog and Cat Management Act of 1995.  The draft Dog and Cat Management (Breeder Reforms) Amendment Bill 2024 includes amendments to increase penalties for dog attacks and implement a new system for breeder licensing as part of the government’s commitment to banning puppy factories. Reference: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/breeder-reforms

The PDTA strongly oppose the proposed amendment for including IGP-trained sport dogs as “attack-trained dogs”. The amendment threatens to stigmatise responsible dog owners and their IGP-trained companions and does so unfairly.  

What is the current legislation for attack trained dogs?

On their website, the Dog and Cat Board states that “Attack-trained dogs support police or armed forces duties and are not generally seen in the community.“

The provisions for attack-trained dogs published on their website state:

• Must be implanted with a microchip that meets Australian Standards and contains current information.
• Must be kept indoors or in an enclosure that is constructed to prevent the dog from escaping.
• No specific collar is required.
• Must be on a lead in public places. (For retired dogs of the Crown, see Exemptions)
• A sign must be displayed in areas in which the dog lives stating, ‘Attack Trained Dog Kept on These Premises’.These signs should be a minimum size of 74mm x 105mm, with a yellow background and black writing. The minimum font (letter size) should be no smaller than 20mm high.

Reference: https://dogandcatboard.com.au/dogs/guard-dogs

What is the proposed amendment for attack trained dogs?

The Dog and Cat Management Board have proposed to “update the definition of “attack trained dogs” where additional obligations apply to the owners of the dogs.”  The proposed amendment in Section 4 encompasses any dog being trained in the sport of IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshund Pruefung). 

Section 45D outlines the current conditions related to attack-trained dogs, guard dogs, and patrol dog that includes exemption from organised activities such as a show, trial or class. The proposed amendment seeks to increase the fine for a breach from $5000 to $7500.

What is the problem?

Classifying IGP-trained dogs as attack-trained dogs is a  misrepresentation of an internationally recognised dog sport that promotes responsible dog ownership and ethical breeding practices, thereby reducing the risks of dog bite incidents in the community.  Furthermore, this classification directly conflicts with the goals for proposed amendments to the South Australian Legislation, particularly the addition of the object “to require breeders of dogs and cats to adhere to standards and 10 guidelines that provide for the welfare of dogs and cats involved in breeding programs.”

The PDTA also noted that the South Australian Government had not consulted with any of Australia’s three long-standing IGP associations before releasing the Draft Bill.

• Working German Shepherd and Dog Clubs of Australasia Inc (WGSDCA)
• Working Dog Federation Australia (WDFA)
• Working Malinois Australia Inc (WMA)

The PDTA do not oppose increasing fines for breaches of Section 45D.  However, we strongly oppose the proposed amendment for including IGP-trained dogs as “attack-trained dogs”.

IGP is not attack training for dogs

IGP dog sport is an internationally recognised FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) sport used to promote the welfare of working dog breeds. It fosters discipline, teamwork, and obedience. In IGP, trainers shape the dog’s instincts to be well-defined, well-controlled, and performed under the FCI IGP Rules and Regulations. The IGP dog is trained for sports. IGP is unrelated to the tactical training for protection, guard, military working, corrections or police dogs.

Ben Geurts of Kaizen K9 has over 20 years of experience as a qualified Military Working Dog Handler both in the Australian Army and RAAF. His last role was a K9 Trainer and Developer with the Special Operations Command.  In the video below, Ben explains the distinct differences between training a sport dog vs an operational dog for Police or Military roles.  

The video below of sleeve work in an IGP trial demonstrates multiple times how IGP dog sport is not attack dog training.

German Shepherd Steffi visiting residents in an aged care home. Steffi holds titles in IGP and ANKC dog sports. 

IGP promotes animal welfare

IGP is a highly regulated sport that assesses a dog’s working abilities, physical and mental soundness, trainability, and willingness to follow commands. The training program promotes the welfare of working dogs owned by civilians, emphasising positive reinforcement and responsible ownership. IGP competitions adhere to strict rules prioritising participating dogs’ well-being, health and welfare.

IGP stands for responsible dog ownership.

IGP promotes responsible dog ownership through comprehensive training programs, ensuring well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs. Participants are committed to ongoing education and high training standards, promoting mental and physical wellbeing for the dog from puppyhood to maturity and beyond.

IGP contributes to a reduction in dog bite statistics.

Irresponsible dog breeding and ownership lead to increased dog bites due to poor socialisation, inadequate training, aggression stemming from dysfunctional genetics and inappropriate selection of dogs for breeding.

In contrast, IGP dog sport prioritises breeding for temperament, stability, and health, resulting in confident and well-balanced dogs that do not risk public safety. IGP training makes dogs safer than untrained dogs because it teaches them rules and context, valuable traits for any dog today.

IGP dog sport is akin to martial arts, highlighting a dog’s exceptional trainability and ability to follow commands under high stimulation. It’s not about teaching dogs to ‘bite’—biting is a natural instinct for all dogs. The sleeve work in IGP, much like controlled sparring in martial arts, demonstrates control and obedience, not aggression. Aggressive dogs are neither tolerated nor trained in IGP, ensuring the focus remains on discipline and mastery.

This aspect is further reinforced by a German study (Statistical evaluation of expert reports on dogs involved in biting incidents in Bavaria, Roman Mikus) that found that only 2% of bites involved service or IGP-trained dogs, while pet dogs caused 88% of bites, highlighting the effectiveness of IGP training in preventing bites.

IGP promotes responsible dog breeding practices.

IGP is a sport and an internationally recognised breed assessment program designed to evaluate and validate the quality and suitability of dogs used in breeding. Dog breeders who embrace the IGP breeding standards differ from other dog breeders. IGP titles are included on the FCI pedigrees of imported dogs and are sought after by ethical dog breeders in Australia.

Dog breeders who compete in IGP thoroughly evaluate temperament, health, and working ability to ensure they only breed quality dogs.  They perform extensive health tests, comply with international performance standards, and consistently educate themselves on breeding best practices.  IGP breeders adhere to ethical welfare standards and provide an unwavering lifelong commitment to the dogs they breed and their owners to minimise the likelihood of abandonment or surrender to rescues/shelters.

Conversely, irresponsible dog breeders or puppy farmers often choose dogs based on convenience or appearance, conduct minimal health testing and neglect performance standards. They typically lack expertise in genetics and dog behaviour, invest less in education, and demonstrate limited commitment to dog welfare or supporting the owners of the puppies they breed. This results in elevated health and behavioural issues and a higher incidence of abandoned or surrendered dogs.

Haveloc Fynn IGP3 is a multiple title winner in IGP.  Fynn was bred by Haveloc German Shepherds, trained in Australia and represented the country in the 2023 WUSV World IGP Championships in Hungary. Both Fynn’s sire and dam hold IGP titles.

Positive contributions of IGP Dogsport to the Community

The comprehensive training and breeding standards of IGP ensure that puppies born from IGP parents inherit desirable genetic traits. These traits are crucial for specialised training for a variety of practical working roles within the community setting puppies with IGP titled heritage apart from their counterparts.

The stable temperaments and trainability of offspring from IGP-titled dogs are also highly valuable to pet owners. However, due to the lack of transparency in the dog breeding landscape in Australia, many potential pet owners are unaware of the importance of asking breeders about these specific qualifications.

Professional Working Capabilities

Breeders can leverage the IGP titles of parents and grandparents to assess the potential suitability of puppies for service and operational roles within our community. The standards and evaluation involved in achieving an IGP title ensure that breeding dogs have demonstrated desirable traits such as stable temperaments, high levels of trainability, and exceptional health. By selecting breeding pairs with proven IGP titles, breeders can predict that the offspring will inherit desirable characteristics with the physical and mental attributes required for specialised training required for Police, Corrections or Military working dog roles.

Assistance Dogs & Therapy Dogs

Dogs with IGP-titled heritage excel in assistance work due to their inherited stable temperaments, high trainability, and robust health. These genetic traits ensure obedience, control, and adaptability, making them especially suited for therapy work or aiding individuals with disabilities in diverse environments.

Julia Hunt and her dog Halen compete in IGP dogsport. Halen is also a therapy dog for youth. Halen bred by Vilhelm Kennels in WA competes in IGP and is also a Youth Therapy Dog.  His pedigree has a number of dogs with IGP titles. Julia’s has shared her personal thoughts on the Section 4 Amendment here >> https://youtu.be/iV43hp6z9HQ?si=SV7JSDcSR7H-fSaw 

Environmental Conservation Dogs

Puppies bred from IGP-titled heritage excel in ecological conservation due to their inherited traits of high trainability, focus, and robust health. Their inherited traits ensure their ability to be trained for wildlife detection, poaching prevention, and environmental monitoring in varied and challenging environments while maintaining reliability and precision in their duties. Some notable mentions of dogs with IGP-titled heritage include:

• Fonzie, Tasmania’s environmental conservation dog bred by Garsova German Shepherds has a pedigree of IGP-titled dogs going back multiple generations. (https://youtu.be/TsP5185Hhdk?si=Ufqtc5bJFPniUBjF)
• Vondarcor Oxzsa was exported to Japan as a Japanese Bear Detection and Chase canine contributing to bear conservation and the preservation of human life by significantly reducing incidents of human and bear interactions.
• Morekos Dasyurus (Ada) Wildlife Detection Dog has a pedigree of proven scent and tracking skills. Whilst rescue dogs are also used for conservation detection work, science has proven that known genetics sets the foundation for efficacy for detecting and saving endangered wildlife species.

Search and Rescue Dogs

IGP-titled heritage ensures dogs possess the genetic capability for focus and stability, which is essential for training them in search and rescue missions, where they must navigate rugged terrains, follow scent trails, and respond promptly to their handler.

Kovacs Shogun (Togo) has recently passed not just one, but two (PC1 & PC2) Assessments in one day with Search & Rescue Canines South Australia Inc.  Togo was bred by Kovacs Kennels in Victoria and has a pedigree of multiple IGP-titled dogs going back generations.

Pet Owners

Knowledgeable pet owners who desire well-behaved and healthy dogs often purchase puppies with IGP-titled heritage. These titles strongly indicate the puppies’ lineage, influencing their temperament, trainability, and overall health.

By choosing puppies from IGP-titled parents coupled with knowledgeable breeder support, owners increase the chances of their dogs maturing into well-adjusted, trainable, and balanced adults. This ensures that the dogs will easily integrate into family life, have fewer behavioural issues, and respond well to training.

IGP is dominated by female handlers

Labelling IGP as attack training overlooks the sport’s complexity, the skills required, and the dedication of its handlers, many of whom are women excelling in this multifaceted discipline. The significant presence of female handlers in Australian IGP Clubs underscores the emphasis on skill, patience, and understanding dog behaviour. It also highlights the sport’s accessibility and appeal beyond traditional gender roles associated with attack dog training. Of the 28 Australian IGP Clubs, 75% are comprised of female handlers from a wide age range.

This shift can be attributed to women’s increased visibility and success in the sport, fostering a supportive and welcoming community. Women are drawn to the physical and mental challenges of IGP, finding it both rewarding and empowering. Additionally, the breakdown of gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated activities has encouraged more women to participate.

The patience, consistency, and attention to detail required for training and handling dogs in IGP are skills where women often excel, further driving their success and representation in the sport.

Australia has been represented at the WUSV World IGP Championships in Europe in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2023. Two women, Glynis and Sanne, represented Australia in 2023 with their dogs, Fynn and Bindee, who were born and trained in Australia.

How will this impact IGP-trained dog owners?

Classifying IGP-trained dogs unfairly as attack-trained dogs will impose significant responsibilities and challenges that impact their financial situation, daily routines and social interactions.   

It has been confirmed with the South Australian Dog and Cat Board that this proposed legislation will apply to:

• Imported dogs with IGP sports titles earned overseas
• Any dog with a basic obedience certification with no sleeve work (ZAP, BH)
• Any dog with an IGP attained tracking title with no sleeve work
• Any dog with an IGP attained obedience title with no sleeve work
• Any dog with an IGP three-phase title (IGP1-3)
• Any dog attending an IGP Club once.

 Some of the requirements for keeping an IGP-trained dog classified as an “attack-trained” dog in South Australia will have the following impacts:

Loss of training knowledge

IGP positive reinforcement and engagement skills contribute to pet dog training. The stigma of “attack dog” training will negate that contribution to the broader pet dog and sport dog communities.

Sharonika shares her experience with the sport of IGP / IPO and how that has helped her to help countless other dogs and people build strong bonds through training at Clear Canine. Sharonika’s story is just another example of how IGP contributes positively to the broader dog community.

Inability to host trials/shows

Whilst the proposed legislation provides leniency for sanctioned “events”, interstate competitors to either a dog sports trial or dog show (imported show dogs with IGP titles) will need to declare their dog as “attack-trained” before entering South Australia to align with legislative requirements

Housing Modifications

IGP-trained dog owners must invest in secure enclosures or modify their homes to prevent a dog from escaping.  This could involve substantial costs for construction or renovation to meet the specific requirements.  Some rental properties may not permit these enclosures to be constructed for a dog.

Dog Boarding Implications

Boarding kennels must also align with legal requirements for enclosures, signage and additional insurance.  Not all boarding kennels are compliant to board “attack-trained dogs.”

Signage Requirements

The requirement to display specific signage will have the following implications:

Privacy Concerns

Displaying such signs can draw unwanted attention to the household, potentially compromising the owner’s privacy and security

Stigmatisation

Neighbours and visitors may perceive the presence of an attack-trained dog negatively, leading to social stigma and possibly strained community relations.

Cost and aesthetics

The need to produce and display signs to exact specifications involves additional costs and may affect the property’s aesthetics.

From a well-being perspective, the social stigmatisation and inability to train in public removes a significant aspect of their lives that provides structure, purpose, and mental engagement. This disruption could lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a decline in overall mental health for both dogs and owners.

For Dog Owners:

Loss of Community and Support

IGP provides dog owners with a strong community and support network. Restrictions in training will lead to feelings of isolation and loss of social connections built through the sport.

Decreased Mental Wellbeing

Engaging in IGP activities gives many participants a sense of purpose, achievement, and enjoyment. Restrictions could lead to reduced mental wellbeing, increased stress, and potential depression.

Loss of Structured Activity

The comprehensive training and competition schedule of IGP offers a routine and focus for dog owners. Without this, there may be a loss of motivation and increased difficulty in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

For Dogs:

Lack of Mental Stimulation

IGP training and competitions provide significant mental stimulation for dogs. Without this outlet, dogs may experience boredom, leading to anxiety, excessive barking and destructive behaviours.

Reduced Physical Exercise 

IGP training keeps dogs in peak condition. Restrictions in training will lead to decreased physical activity, weight gain, health issues, and associated mental stress.

Behavioural Issues 

Without the structured environment of IGP, dogs might develop behavioural problems due to a lack of routine and insufficient outlets for their energy and drive.

Loss of Purpose

Working dogs, particularly those bred for specific tasks, thrive on having a job. The inability to train frequently will lead to a lack of purpose, causing frustration and mental distress.

What others have to say about this Draft Bill.

Julia Hunt – New South Wales

Mollie Bass – South Australia

Pro Dog Training – Victoria

Yani Botha – Queensland

Yani is a dedicated and committed young woman competing in the sport of IGP. She shares her thoughts on the current  proposal to classify ANY dog participating in the sport of IGP as an “attack dog” below. Yani and her girl Seneca were the 2023 WGSDCA BH-VT Champions. Seneca’s full sister Scorpia with her owner Jenny were New Zealand’s BH-VT and tracking National Champions as well. 

From Yani:

“Come train with us! If South Australia’s proposed legislation change goes ahead, this dog will be classified an “attack dog” just for competing in IGP. How many dogs do you know with this level of joy, motivation and most importantly control? Wouldn’t it be cool if MORE dogs got to play fun games and learn exciting things and work with their person? There is no valid reasoning behind this change. In fact, the dogs are the ones that suffer if it goes ahead. Fear is powerful. But, so is education! Hoping to showcase the beauty and fun in this sport for these dogs”