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Working dog examination: departments, performance levels and nutrition

The utility dog test is a work test, in which sporty guided four-legged friends prove their ability, as well as a performance test for the utility dog sport. 

Working dog examination


Until the year 2011, dog handlers could take the examination on a national level according to the regulations of the VDH. Until then it was called the eventing test for working dogs. Since 2012, however, there has been a uniform international examination regulation (IPO), which has been adopted by all member associations of the FCI.

What are working dogs?

Utility dogs are those animals which are used by their owners to carry out certain activities. They can be used, for example, for hunting, the police service or for searching for persons.


With working dogs the physical and character qualities of the four-legged friends are of special importance, since they are to fulfill first of all the tasks assigned to them reliably. In addition, it is important that working dogs are willing to learn and obedient.

The following breeds, for example, are classic utility dogs:

However, the participation in an IPO test is not exclusively reserved for typical working dogs, but in principle also possible with other dog breeds. The examination regulations expressly do not make any restrictions here, but merely stipulate that participating dogs must be able to fulfil the requirements of the IPO.

The different departments of the IPO working dog examination

At the working dog test according to IPO the participating dogs have to prove their ability in three different areas. These areas are called departments and include tracking, subordination and protection.


While the four-legged friend must use its sense of smell with the track work, it is to be shown in the department subordination that the dog obeys its owner and executes its commands faultlessly. 


In the department protection service the four-legged friend must master different tasks of a protection dog and place for example a fugitive or also an attack with the guards to repel. 


Up to 100 evaluation points are awarded in each department, so that a maximum of 300 points can be achieved in the working dog test. In order to pass the test, at least 70 percent of the total number of points must be achieved. 

The performance levels for the working dog test are as follows

The working dog examination can be taken at three different levels. These are referred to as IPO 1, IPO 2 and IPO 3 and each include tests in all three departments of the working dog sport.


In order to be admitted to the working dog test, a passed companion dog test is required, together with the corresponding character test. In addition, the four-legged friend must be healthy and have reached the minimum age for the respective performance level.

Age requirements for participation in the utility dog test:

  • 18 months for IPO 1
  • 19 months for IPO 2
  • 20 months for IPO 3

Utility dog sport as a demanding occupation

Utility dog sport as a demanding occupation

The utility dog sport and the associated utility dog tests are ideally suited to the workload of learning and work willing four-legged friends. Because the versatile tasks, which the dog must fulfill thereby, provide for each quantity alternation and demand the participating animals both physically and mentally.


In addition, the utility dog sport improves the relationship between dog and owner and contributes to the fact that the four-legged friend learns to obey his owner also in borderline situations.

Working dog tests and the right nutrition

Although the utility dog sport is naturally fun for your four-legged friend, you must not forget that the physical activities are connected at the same time also with a not to be underestimated load. 


It is therefore important to pay the necessary attention to the nutrition of your dog and to optimally support him with the right food during his working dog test. In this context, it is particularly important to consider the increased energy consumption of the animal.


To cover this, we recommend gluten-free Bellfor Premium PUR Aktiv dry food. The feed consists exclusively of natural ingredients and is characterised by a particularly high proportion of meat and fish. 


In addition, it provides your four-legged friend with additional energy in the form of easily digestible carbohydrates from rice and corn, so that he can easily master the challenges in the working dog sport.

How to ensure an optimal protein supply

It is not enough to limit oneself to a good dog food and a sufficient amount of drinking water for maximum performance in working dog sport. In addition, it is at least as important to ensure an adequate protein supply. 


This is because the physical strain associated with the preparation and participation in utility dog tests inevitably leads to an increased protein requirement for your dog.


We therefore recommend that you supplement the daily diet of your sporty four-legged friend with Bellfor Fitness Powder. The natural preparation supplies your dog with all essential amino acids as well as valuable vitamins and minerals and thus makes an important contribution to rapid regeneration and optimum protection of the muscles.


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