Hearts and minds beat as one

Gallery

GEORGE NEWS - South Cape IGP Dog Sport was proud to host the Western Cape provincial trials at Van Kervel School in George from 23 to 24 April.

The event had a great turnout, with the support of 11 entrants from four dog clubs around the country.

IGP is a tough dog sport that requires a special type of dog and handler to make the grade. It tests the character, obedience, endurance and courage of the dog and its willingness to work for its handler.

"Competitive dog sport requires a great passion and love for the sport, and for your dogs," said South Cape IGP working dog club member Candice de Jongh, a dairy farmer from Great Brak River.

"You 'go to war' when you go to trial. There are always mishaps, but you work as a team. You can really pull your dog through with your courage and your belief in them. It is a great relationship and a great test. You can see the quality of your training, the quality of your dog and the quality of the handling. That is what inspires me about this sport. Once the dogs are trained, they are invaluable as family protection dogs, especially on farms."

PHOTO GALLERY: WC provincial trials for SC IGP Dog Sport at Van Kervel School

IGP is comprised of three phases, namely tracking, obedience and protection work. The competitor must pass all three phases at one event to qualify. IPG 1 is Beginner level, IGP2 is Intermediate and IGP 3 is Advanced. BH is a basic introduction to IGP. It is a short obedience test and character test which must be passed before progressing to IGP competitions.

In IGP 3, the experienced dog and handler team of Gillian Ross and her German shepherd, Jazz, made an excellent effort and won a well-deserved first place. Sarel du Preez and his German shepherd, Byster, were second and John Rautenbach with his Malanois, Junior, third. All three will receive provincial colours.

In IGP 2, Candice de Jongh competed with her German shepherd, Eagan, and was placed first with the best trial score.

There were no IGP 1 qualifiers, but there were two BH qualifications: Elaine Swanepoel with German shepherd Cairo and Nicole da Silva with German shepherd Dayko. Judge Mike Seddon from KwaZulu-Natal, assisted by Andreas Lysandrou from the UK and with trial manager John Easingwood, ensured everything ran smoothly.

The next IGP trial will be held in November.

Follow the club on Facebook at South Cape IGP. To join, contact Trish Hall 082 849 3789 or Merelle du Preez 084 465 5530.

South Cape IGP Club members with fellow IGP competitors and supporters from across the country competed in George. Photo: Eliane Swanepoel