Looking back at the IGP Youngstars Camp 2025 in Gaimersheim – two days with young dog sport enthusiasts at the centre of it all.
Imagine standing on a vast training ground early in the morning. Your dog is beside you, wagging his tail excitedly, ready for a new adventure. Around you are many young people who share your passion for dogs. You gaze expectantly at the trainers who have traveled from all over the world. World champions and judges of various breeds. That's exactly what the IGP Youngstars Camp felt like – a place where young dog sport enthusiasts came together to learn new things, exchange ideas, and have a unique experience.
Working dog sport - What exactly is IGP?
IGP – the International Utility Dog Trial – is nothing less than the ultimate proof of teamwork, discipline, and pure passion between human and dog! Three breathtaking disciplines will demand everything from you:
- Tracking – Your dog becomes a detective! With incredible precision, he follows trails, discovers hidden objects, and shows what an incredible sense he has.
- Obedience – Perfect harmony in motion! This isn't just about heelwork, retrieving, and lightning-fast reactions, but about genuine teamwork where your dog shines with enthusiasm.
- Protection training – courage, control, trust! Your dog faces the challenge of confronting a "dummy perpetrator" without losing his nerve – an impressive combination of instinct and discipline.
What sounds like a technical experience is actually a thrilling journey full of excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments of success. That is exactly what the IGP Youngstars Camp was about – where passion and team spirit are paramount.
What made the camp special
On the weekend of July 19th and 20th, 2025, the grounds in Gaimersheim near Ingolstadt were transformed into a hot spot for dog sports enthusiasts under 25. Nobody had to be a professional – quite the opposite.
Whether you already had experience or just wanted to get a taste of dog sports, the camp had something for everyone.
And those who didn't have a dog of their own? No problem. Taking part, watching, learning and gaining valuable insights into dog sports worked just as well.
Knowledge and highlights from the camp
- Practical training sessions with renowned top trainers: world champions, experienced dog sports enthusiasts and instructors gave valuable tips and a completely new perspective on training your own dog. From nose work and obedience to special topics like warm-up and even fitness.
- Connecting with like-minded people: young people who share the same passion for dog sports, and friendships across national borders.
- A look behind the scenes: alongside the training there were presentations by veterinarians, physiotherapists and experienced dog sport judges. Topics such as warm-up, injury prevention and training structure help you to support your dog in the best possible way.
- Live demonstrations by police and military dogs: seeing firsthand how working dogs operate in real-life situations and why their training is so important.
Why a camp like this is worth it
Dog sports are so much more than just training – they're a way of life. It's about trust, patience, and that indescribable feeling when you and your dog are in perfect harmony as a team. That was exactly what the camp put on show. More than one participant discovered a completely new side to their dog there – or to themselves.
And the best part: thanks to the support of dedicated partners, taking part was completely free. Anyone under 18 simply needed a chaperone.
Will there be another camp?
No new date has been set so far. As soon as there is one, you will find all the information on the official website of the camp – igp-youngstars.de.
And if you want to get into dog sport yourself in the meantime: we have explained in detail what IGP is, how the three disciplines are judged and how to get started – What Is IGP? Tracking, Obedience and Protection Explained.
P.S. Your signature helps working dog sports in Austria
Why is this necessary? Because international working dog sports have now been banned for private individuals in Austria. And this despite the fact that this sport is extremely important. Not only for breeding service dogs for the police, military, customs, and search and rescue teams, but also for our society, which benefits from increased obedience in dogs and thus greater safety through participation in the sport.
So please help by signing the petition – click here!
About the manufacturer
IQ Dogsport is a German manufacturer of dog sport equipment, based in Pfaffenhofen, Germany. The range covers dog sport vests, multi-function and training jackets, reward systems and IGP training equipment – in service with K9 handlers in the police, customs service, prison service and armed forces. More about IQ Dogsport
