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Questions we hear every week
Straight answersto fair questions.
About IGP, bite work, protection dogs and joining the club. Don't see yours? Call the field line or send us a message.
Getting started
Is IGP right for my dog?
IGP suits dogs with strong food, prey and fight drive, stable nerves and good health. Most successful dogs are working-line German Shepherds, Malinois and Dutch Shepherds, but we've titled Rottweilers and a Boxer too. The evaluation will tell you honestly.
How old should my dog be to start?
Foundation can start at 10 weeks. Dogs can take the BH-VT at 15 months and IGP1 at 18 months. Starting an adult dog is fine; it just takes longer.
Do I need experience?
No. About a third of our members came to IGP with their first working dog. You'll need patience, about four sessions a week, and a willingness to be coached.
What should I bring to the evaluation?
Your dog on a flat collar and a 6-foot leash, its favorite toy, high-value food, water, and any vet records. Feed your dog lightly that morning.
Bite work & safety
Does bite work make a dog aggressive?
Done well, no. IGP protection is a controlled game with clear rules: the dog engages on the helper's equipment and lets go on command. Our club dogs are some of the most social dogs you'll meet. We do turn away dogs that show fear aggression, because pressure makes that worse.
Who are the helpers?
Jonah Pruitt and Cal Rourke are both certified trial helpers. Club members can train as helpers, but they work young dogs only under supervision.
Do you use e-collars or prong collars?
Some handlers do, once a dog clearly understands the exercise. Tools are always explained, properly fitted, and taught to the handler first. We never use them to create drive or to correct a dog that hasn't been taught.
Protection dogs
Are protection dogs safe with kids?
Ours are. Every dog lives in a staff home and is tested with children before placement. We also screen every family, and the handler course covers safe household routines.
Is owning a protection dog legal in Texas?
Yes. You're responsible for your dog's behavior like any owner. We cover liability, signage and insurance in the handler course, and recommend you speak with your insurer and attorney.
Can I see the dog work before I buy?
Yes, and we require it. You'll visit at least twice: once to watch the dog work on our field, and once at a public place to see its social behavior.
Trials & membership
Do I have to trial?
No. Plenty of members train for the challenge and the community. Trialing is encouraged, never required.
Which organizations do you trial under?
We host two DVG America trials a year. German Shepherd handlers often trial and breed-survey through USCA; Malinois handlers through AWMA and DVG America. All follow FCI international IGP rules.
What does membership include?
Four field sessions a week, helper work, group tracking days, mock trials and your DVG America membership. Private lessons are extra.
Step one
Every dog startswith an evaluation.
Ninety minutes on our field. We test drive, grip, environmental nerve and how your dog handles pressure, then tell you honestly what your dog is suited for.