Gebrauchshundesport als gesellschaftlicher Beitrag IGP Youngstars 2025 in Gaimersheim (Donaukurier, Autorin: Tanja Mayer)

Am 05.08.2025 erschien im Donaukurier ein Beitrag von Tanja Mayer über die IGP Youngstars 2025 in Gaimersheim.
Der Artikel beleuchtet, wie der Gebrauchshundesport nicht nur sportliche Leistung, sondern auch einen wichtigen gesellschaftlichen Beitrag leisten kann.
Mit freundlicher Genehmigung des Donaukurier stellen wir den vollständigen Artikel hier als PDF zur Verfügung.
Gebrauchshundesport (IGP) ist jung und dynamisch. Schutzdienst im IGP-Sport ist ungefährlich.

Das IGP Youngstars Camp 2025 war ein voller Erfolg und hat hat in Bezug auf den IPG Gebrauchshundesport vor allem drei wesentliche Aspekte klar gezeigt:
1. Der Gebrauchshundesport lebt und ist jung und dynamisch
2. Der Schutzdienst als Teildisziplin des Gebrauchshundesports ist keine Gefahr für Menschen
3. Der Gebrauchshundesport ist mehr als ein Hobby, er ist ein Dienst an der Gesellschaft
IGP Youngstars 2025: A celebration of talent, commitment and knowledge in working dog sports

A weekend full of team spirit, training, and animal power:
At the IGP Youngstars & Helper Camp 2025, over 300 young dog sports enthusiasts met in Gaimersheim to learn, train, and exchange ideas with world champions, police, and military professionals. The event became living proof of the social potential of modern working dog sports.
Politics meets dog sports: IGP Youngstars Camp 2025 sets a strong example in Gaimersheim

Over 250 young people, three disciplines and a strong political message: At the IGP Youngstars Camp in Gaimersheim, Dr. Reinhard Brandl personally acknowledged the importance of working dog sports – and, together with K9andSports, set an exclamation mark for the future.
Maintaining dog sports in the future – An interview with Patricia Knabl

Working dog sport is threatened not by political bans, but by its own structures. Patricia Knabl discusses problems with young talent, the need for reform, and new impetus for IGP sport.
Welcoming address from Dr. Reinhard Brandl, Member of the German Bundestag, to the IGP Youngstars Camp 2025

In his welcoming address to the IGP YOUNGSTARS 2025, Dr. Reinhard Brandl, Member of the German Bundestag, acknowledged the commitment of the organizers, trainers, and participants. He emphasized the importance of working dogs as an intangible cultural heritage and wished all two- and four-legged friends exciting and educational days in Gaimersheim.
IGP officially recognized in South Australia – An important milestone for the IGP community across Australia

A milestone for IGP sport in Australia:
The government of South Australia has now explicitly excluded IGP dogs from the definition of "aggressively trained dogs." This recognizes that IGP is not a form of training that increases aggression, but rather a sport that promotes work ethic, discipline, and the well-being of both dogs and owners.
This decision is the result of many committed voices – especially Connie Bonaros, who fought for fairness, education, and well-founded decisions. It's an important step for the IGP sport, for animal welfare, and for the coexistence of dogs, owners, and the public.
Survey on working dogs in veterinary practices – your support counts!

How do working dogs behave in veterinary practices – differently than "normal" dogs?
A new survey among veterinarians aims to provide answers. K9andSports supports the project to counter rumors and half-truths with real data. Help now: Share the survey link and strengthen research!
Ban on working dog sports in Austria: Growing criticism from ministries

The ban on protection services and working dog sports is causing heated debate in Austria. Now, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the Federal Armed Forces have also taken a stand – and their reactions demonstrate that the issue has long since gone beyond dog sports. Here are the statements in full.
The Working Dog as a School Dog

Working dog and school dog - a contradiction? Many people can hardly imagine that high-performance dogs from IGP sports also play a valuable role in the classroom. But this is exactly where the "The Working Dog as a School Dog" project comes in: It shows how German Shepherds can support not only in sports or service, but also in everyday school life with their calm charisma and strong bond with people. From September 2025, a unique project seminar for high school students will start - with practical examples, expert knowledge and the aim of breaking down prejudices.
German Shepherd Dog: Why Protection Service is Indispensable

The aggressive behavior of dogs is often viewed critically - but it plays an important role in social interaction. The behavioral biologist Dr. Dorit Urd Feddersen-Petersen has studied the social behavior of various dog breeds and comes to a clear conclusion: the breeding of the German Shepherd Dog seems to be going in the right direction. A decisive factor here is the protection service - if carried out correctly, it is indispensable for the breed.
From successful entrepreneur to dedicated dog sportsman: Interview with Tayfun Ledin

In the interview, Tayfun talks about his first experiences with dogs, how he became fascinated with dog sports and how he became a sponsor of K9-and-Sports through the support of the dog sports community. He also gives us insights into his views on the Doberman's strong nerves. He shares his vision for the future of dog sports and why it is important to him to preserve and pass on this tradition. His commitment shows that he strives not only professionally but also personally to create lasting connections - be it between people and brands or between people and dogs.
An Interview with Klaus-Jürgen Glüh (Vice President of the FCI Utility Dogs Commission)

The new International Utility Dogs Regulations have been adopted and will take effect from January 1, 2025: What changes do you need to be aware of, and how and why were the adjustments made? We had the opportunity to ask all our questions to our K9andSports ambassador Klaus-Jürgen Glüh, who is, among other roles, Vice President of the FCI Utility Dogs Commission and a member of the VDH Utility Dogs Commission.