Over the past weekend, the grounds of ST Kraiberg and parts of the Xaver-Ernst Sports Complex in Gaimersheim were transformed into a vibrant meeting place for young working dog sport enthusiasts. The IGP Youngstars & Helper Camp 2025 welcomed around 250 participants under the age of 25 as well as 65 “helpers” of all ages, providing a platform for training, learning, and international exchange.

Under the patronage of Dr. Reinhard Brandl (Member of the German Parliament), who personally opened the event, the camp presented itself as a unique blend of hands-on practice, knowledge transfer, and community spirit. In his welcoming speech, Dr. Brandl emphasized the societal importance of working dogs and highlighted the UNESCO recognition of the German service dog tradition as intangible cultural heritage (added to the national registry in April 2025) as a major milestone. He acknowledged the vital contributions of police and rescue dogs to public safety, inclusion, and social cohesion. According to Brandl, IGP dog sport plays a key role in preserving the working abilities of service dog breeds.

Mayor Andrea Mickel also attended the event and expressed her appreciation to the organizing club K9andSports e.V. for its commitment to youth development and social engagement.

Over 40 international instructors, including twelve world champions, provided professional training in the three IGP disciplines:

• Tracking (locating hidden objects and following scent trails)

• Obedience (precise teamwork between dog and handler)

• Protection work (controlled interaction with a decoy in a sporting context)

The participants and helpers (i.e., the “decoys” in protection work) trained free of charge over the weekend on eleven large training fields. Whether beginners or advanced, all were able to deepen their skills under expert guidance—in an atmosphere shaped by motivation, camaraderie, and mutual respect.

A special highlight was the participation of the German Armed Forces Military Working Dog School as well as the Bavarian Police, who demonstrated impressive performances in search and detection, crowd control, and protection scenarios – an impressive testament to the capabilities of working dogs.
Sergeant First Class Kevin Kröber explained why the German Armed Forces actively support this event:

“We cannot breed enough dogs ourselves to meet the demand for new service dog handlers. Only if working dogs – German Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, and others – are also bred in the civilian sector will we have a strong genetic pool to rely on. That is why this sport must reach the broader public. It is not about training dangerous dogs – quite the opposite. This is not just a hobby. Dog sport is a service to society.”

Visitors had the opportunity to learn about careers in working dog handling, training pathways, and breeding projects. The German Armed Forces currently deploy about 250 dogs, while the Bavarian Police use around 400 – including cadaver, drug, currency, and search dogs. The training typically takes 10 to 12 months. After retirement, the dogs continue to live with their handlers.

The educational aspect was also well represented: at information booths and expert lectures, physiotherapists, veterinarians, trial judges, and professional handlers shared their knowledge. A particularly outstanding presentation was “The Working Dog on a School Trip,” which demonstrated how trained school dogs can reduce stress in the classroom and support children’s social development.

The focus was on ethical, welfare-oriented training methods and responsible handling of the dog. The young participants practiced patience, discipline, self-confidence, and teamwork, while the dogs—driven by joy and motivation—demonstrated their impressive skills and strong bonds with their handlers.

With over 20 dog breeds, many mixed breeds, and numerous interested visitors, the event was a shining example of diversity and unity in dog sport.

“We want to show how much good this sport does—for people and animals,” said Patricia Knabl, chairwoman of K9andSports e.V. “Today, dogs are trained very differently and much more modern than 20 years ago. Respect, fairness, and teamwork are central. Especially in today’s tense security climate, it is important to preserve working dog breeds and their abilities—because these dogs will be needed again. Through the sport, we create opportunities for youth and make a valuable contribution to society.”

Thanks to a powerful blend of professional input, practical training, and human connection, the IGP Youngstars Camp 2025 became not only a special experience—but also a beacon for the future of the working dog world.