SCHUTZHUND-VPG/IPO
VPG = Vielseitigkeitsprufung fur Gebrauchshunde
(Versatility Test for Working (Utility) Dogs in Germany.
IPO = International Trial Rules.
 
Schutzhund (German for “protection dog”) is a dog sport which originated in Germany in the early 1900's as a breeding suitability test for the German shepherd dog and was quickly adopted for use by other working breeds such as the Malinois and Rottweiler. It provided breeders with a method to evaluate temperament, character, trainability, willingness and mental and physical soundness and to select and use only the highest quality dogs for breeding programs. In response to political forces in Germany, in 2004 the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) and the Deutscher Hundesportverein (DHV) made substantial changes to Schutzhund. The DHV adopted the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) rules that govern IPO titles, so that at least on paper the SV and DHV gave up control of the sport to the FCI. The DHV changed the name of the titles from "SchH" (Schutzhund) to "VPG" (Vielseitigkeitsprüfung für Gebrauchshunde which roughly translates Versatility examination for working dogs). The SV has retained the "SchH" title names, but otherwise conforms to the DHV/FCI rules.

Various breeds of dogs are permitted to compete in I.P.O. i.e. German Shepherd dogs, Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Bouviers, Airedales and Belgian Shepherd dogs. IPO is the equivalent to SchH for countries outside Germany. All dogs, regardless of their size, breed or proof of pedigree are allowed to participate, under FCI rules.
Each participant must have a score book. The scorebook is issued according to the regulations of the handlers corresponding organisation. Only one score book may be issued per dog. All trial results must be entered into the score book, regardless.
There are three Schutzhund titles: Schutzhund 1 (SchH/VPG/IPO), Schutzhund 2 (SchH/VPG/IPO), and Schutzhund 3 (Sch/VPG/IPO). SchH1 is the first title and SchH3 is the most advanced. Additionally, before a dog can compete for a SchH1, it must pass a temperament test called a BH (Begleithundprüfung which translates as "traffic-sure companion dog test").
To obtain a title, the dog and handler must pass three distinct phases at a trial: tracking, obedience, and protection.
Phase A: Tracking
 In this phase, the dog must draw from inherited abilities by using his nose to find a person’s track and discover articles that have been dropped along the way. Unlike search & rescue where the dog relies primarily on “air-scenting”, Schutzhund tracking is very focused on the footsteps, and is scored largely on the precision of the dog’s performance. Depending upon the title sought, tracks will vary in length, shape and age. Tracking is usually done in dirt or on grass. A perfect score is 100 points, with a minimum of 70 needed to pass.
Phase B: Obedience 
The obedience phase showcases the dog's inherent joy in the work balanced with precision and control. The exercises include heeling on and off leash, walking through a group of people, sit, down and/or stand while moving, recall, a 10+ minute long down while another dog is working on the field, retrieving, and jumping. Two shots are fired from a blank gun during the heeling and long down, and the dog must not react adversely. A set pattern is demonstrated by the handler with a perfect score being 100 points, with 70 needed to pass.
Phase C: Protection
In the protection work phase the dog must energetically locate and guard (without touching) a concealed criminal, prevent an escape by the criminal and stop a pursuing criminal. He is rated on self-confidence, ability to work under pressure, toughness and resilience, steadfast nerves, well-balanced drives and willingness to take directions and be responsive to the handler. Obedience and control are demonstrated throughout the protection phase through off-lead exercises and through guarding without biting. A perfect score being 100 points, with 80 needed to pass.
A maximum 100 points are awarded for each of the three test phases, a minimum passing score being 70 for tracking, 70 for obedience and 80 for protection. A 220 point total will earn a basic qualification degree, while higher scores of course are rewarded with more prestigious ratings and titles throughout the different levels.

TRIAL REQUIREMENTS
On the day of the trial the dog must have reached the required age. No exceptions are allowed:
BH 15 Months
IPO - 1 18 Months
IPO - 2 19 Months
IPO - 3 20 Months
IPO - FH 20 Months

IPO/VPG 1 - PHASE A
The track is laid by the handler, min 300 paces, 3 legs, 2 corners (approx 90 degrees), 2 articles that belong to the handler, at least 20mins old, time to work out track 15mins.
Staying on the track 80 pts
Articles (10 + 10) 20 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 1 - PHASE B
Ex 1: Free Healing 20 pts
Ex 2: Sit in motion 10 pts
Ex 3: Down with recall 10 pts
Ex 4: Retrieve on the flat (650g dumbbell) 10 pts
Ex 5: Retrieve over hurdle (650g dumbbell) 15 pts
Ex 6: Retrieve over scaling wall (650g dumbbell) 15 pts
Ex 7: Send-out with down 10 pts
Ex 8: Long down under distraction 10 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 1 - PHASE C
Ex 1: Search for the helper 5 pts
Ex 2: Hold & Bark 10 pts
Ex 3: Prevention of attempted escape of the helper 20 pts
Ex 4: Defence of the dog during guarding phase 35 pts
Ex 5: Attack on the dog out of motion 30 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 2 – PHASE A
The track is laid by stranger, min 400 paces, 3 legs, 2 corners (approx 90 degrees), 2 articles, at least 30mins old, time to work out track 15mins.
Staying on the track 80 pts
Articles (10 + 10) 20 pts
TOTAL 100 pts

IPO/VPG 2 – PHASE B
Ex 1: Free Healing 10 pts
Ex 2: Sit in motion 10 pts
Ex 3: Down with recall 10 pts
Ex 4: Stand in motion (walking) 10 pts
Ex 5: Retrieve on the flat (1000g dumbbell) 10 pts
Ex 6: Retrieve over hurdle (650g dumbbell) 15 pts
Ex 7: Retrieve over scaling wall (650g dumbbell) 15 pts
Ex 8: Send-out with down 10 pts
Ex 8: Long down under distraction 10 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 2 – PHASE C
Ex 1: Search for the helper 5 pts
Ex 2: Hold & Bark 10 pts
Ex 3: Prevention of attempted escape of the helper 10 pts
Ex 4: Defence of the dog during guarding phase 20 pts
Ex 5: Back transport 5 pts
Ex 6: Attack on the dog out of back transport 30 pts
Ex 7: Attack on the dog out of motion 20 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 3 – PHASE A
The track is laid by stranger, min 600 paces, 5 legs, 4 corners (approx 90 degrees), 3 articles, at least 60mins old, time to work out track 20mins.
Staying on the track 80 pts
Articles (10 + 10) 20 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 3 – PHASE B 
Ex 1: Free Healing 10 pts
Ex 2: Sit in motion 10 pts
Ex 3: Down with recall 10 pts
Ex 4: Stand in motion (running) 10 pts
Ex 5: Retrieve on the flat (2000g dumbbell) 10 pts
Ex 6: Retrieve over hurdle (650g dumbbell) 15 pts
Ex 7: Retrieve over scaling wall (650g dumbbell) 15 pts
Ex 8: Send-out with down 10 pts
Ex 8: Long down under distraction 10 pts
TOTAL 100 pts
 
IPO/VPG 3 – PHASE C 
Ex 1: Search for the helper 10 pts
Ex 2: Hold & Bark 10 pts
Ex 3: Prevention of attempted escape of the helper 10 pts
Ex 4: Defence of the dog during guarding phase 20 pts
Ex 5: Back transport 5 pts
Ex 6: Attack on the dog out of back transport 15 pts
Ex 7: Attack on the dog out of motion 10 pts
Ex 8: Defence of the dog out of guarding phase 20 pts
TOTAL 100 pts