IGP vs. PSA: Dog Bite Sports Overview
Schutzhund (IGP) vs. Protection Sports Association (PSA): Understanding the Differences
Dog sports that test protection, obedience, and control are some of the most exciting and demanding canine competitions. Two of the most well-known protection sports are Schutzhund—now officially called IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshund Prüfung)—and the Protection Sports Association (PSA).
While both involve obedience and protection work, they have distinct histories, purposes, and rule sets. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between IGP and PSA to help you understand which sport might be the right fit for you and your dog.
The Origins and Purpose of Each Sport
Schutzhund (IGP)
Schutzhund, meaning "protection dog" in German, was originally developed in the early 1900s as a breed test for the German Shepherd Dog. Its primary goal was to evaluate a dog's working ability in protection, tracking, and obedience, ensuring that only the best-tempered and most capable dogs were bred.
Over time, it evolved into a competitive sport open to various breeds. Today, IGP remains a highly structured and standardized test that assesses a dog’s trainability, nerve strength, and overall working ability.
Protection Sports Association (PSA)
PSA is a relatively newer sport, founded in 2001 in the United States by Jerry Bradshaw. Unlike IGP, which originated as a breed test, PSA was created as an extreme challenge for dogs and handlers in real-world-style protection and obedience scenarios. The sport focuses on preparing dogs for unpredictable and high-pressure situations, requiring strong nerves and solid obedience under intense distractions. It is considered one of the most difficult protection sports in the world due to its dynamic and unpredictable nature.
Rules and Structure of Each Sport
IGP: Precision and Tradition
Schutzhund is like 3 sports wrapped into one! IGP is divided into three phases, and dogs must pass all three in a single trial to earn a title:
Tracking – The dog must follow a scent trail, identifying articles along the way.
Obedience – Dogs perform precise heeling, retrieves, and other exercises in a structured routine.
Protection – The dog engages with a “helper” (decoy), demonstrating controlled guarding, pursuit, and release on command.
IGP titles range from IGP1 to IGP3, increasing in difficulty at each level. The rules are highly standardized, and precision is emphasized. The sport requires a balance of drive, control, and teamwork between dog and handler.
A dog must first earn the BH-VT to qualify for the IGP1.
PSA: Unpredictability and Challenge
PSA tests a dog’s ability to perform obedience and protection work under extreme distractions and stressors. It consists of two primary phases:
Obedience – Dogs must complete a series of heeling patterns, object retrievals, and position changes under distractions, including loud noises and moving objects.
Protection – Dogs engage in bite work against decoys who may use objects like chairs, tarps, and physical pressure to test the dog’s courage and control.
PSA has multiple levels: PDC (entry-level), PSA1, PSA2, and PSA3, each requiring more complex obedience and protection exercises. Unlike IGP, where routines are known in advance, PSA routines can change, requiring dogs to adapt on the spot.
Key Differences Between IGP and PSA
Purpose: IGP was originally a breed suitability test; PSA is designed for extreme real-world protection scenarios.
Tracking Requirement: IGP includes tracking, while PSA does not.
Predictability: IGP routines are standardized; PSA routines can change and include unexpected elements.
Obedience Focus: IGP emphasizes precision and tradition; PSA prioritizes control under chaos.
Difficulty and Pressure: PSA often applies more intense pressure on dogs than IGP does.
Which Sport Is Right for You?
Both IGP and PSA require a highly driven, stable, and well-trained dog. If you enjoy structured routines, precision training, and a balance of tracking, obedience, and protection, IGP may be the right fit. If you’re looking for a high-intensity challenge that pushes both dog and handler to their limits in unpredictable scenarios, PSA might be your sport.
It may also depend on your dog. Some dogs have a temperament/genetics for one or the other.
No matter which you choose, both sports demand dedication, skill, and a strong bond between you and your dog. Training for either IGP or PSA will take your dog’s obedience and working ability to the next level, making them a highly disciplined and confident partner.
Have you trained in IGP or PSA? Share your experiences in the comments!
