Short answer: under the 2025 IGP rules of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the wooden-bar dumbbell for the flat retrieve weighs 650 g at IGP-1, 1,000 g at IGP-2 and 2,000 g at IGP-3; the hurdle (IGP-2, IGP-3) and wall (IGP-3 only) retrieves use 650 g. In a trial only the organiser's dumbbells may be used, so train with trial-style dumbbells at your competition weights. Add an adjustable or hold-training dumbbell if your dog mouths or rolls the bar.
IGP is the FCI's international utility dog trial, formerly known as IPO or Schutzhund, with tracking, obedience and protection phases.
Our team includes World and National Champion trainers. The retrieves are a core part of IGP obedience, and in our experience a calm, firm hold is built long before the dog ever sees a 2 kg dumbbell.
This guide covers what the rules require, what each type of dumbbell is for, and the order we'd buy them in.
On this page
- Which dumbbell for which exercise (FCI-IGP 2025)
- The types of dumbbell
- Step-by-step: building the retrieve kit
- How to tell your dog needs a different dumbbell
- Shop the kit
- What else you'll need for an IGP trial
- FAQs
Which dumbbell for which exercise (FCI-IGP 2025)
| Retrieve | IGP-1 | IGP-2 | IGP-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the flat | 650 g | 1,000 g | 2,000 g |
| Over the hurdle (100 cm high, 150 cm wide) | No retrieve | 650 g | 650 g |
| Over the wall (160 cm vertical height) | No retrieve | No retrieve | 650 g |
The rules also say the dumbbell bar must be made of wood, and must sit at least 4 cm off the ground. The 2025 rules changed which levels retrieve over the hurdle and wall, and lowered the wall to 160 cm.
If you trained under the 2019 rules, check your plan against the new table. In a trial, the 2025 rules allow only dumbbells provided by the trial organiser, so your own dumbbells are for training.
Trainer guidance: the rules cover trials, not training. Many handlers teach the hold on something lighter and work up.
The types of dumbbell
| Type | What it is (manufacturer's description) | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Trial-style IGP dumbbell | Sporthund: beech, made to the IGP trial regulations, 4 cm bar diameter, 12 cm bar length, 12 cm ends; 650 g, 1,000 g or 2,000 g. Schweikert: real beech, hard and durable, about 650 g (IGP-1), 1,000 g (IGP-2) and 2,000 g (IGP-3). | Proofing the retrieve with the weight and feel of a trial dumbbell |
| Interchangeable-bar dumbbell | Schweikert Vario: beech ends with an interchangeable beech bar | Replacing a chewed or cracked bar without buying a whole dumbbell (trainer guidance) |
| Adjustable training dumbbell | Schweikert: side pieces moved with an Allen key; stops the dog rolling it backwards; mouthing gets uncomfortable as the jaw widens; training only, not approved for trials. Sporthund Knut Fuchs "Havatar" 650 g: side pieces set with an Allen key so the dog can only take it at the front of the mouth; extended flat bar plus round bar; cord included. | Dogs that chew, mouth, or grip too far back |
| Hold-training bar | Sporthund wood centrepiece: hollow round beech bar with rope, no ends. Schweikert LC bridge: a bar on a rope that the trainer slides sideways out of the mouth if the hold gets restless. | Teaching a calm, full hold before you add weight |
| Light beech dumbbell | Schweikert beechwood: about 150 g, 250 g or 400 g | Young or small dogs, and the first retrieves |
Sporthund notes that the Havatar's adjustable side pieces are slightly less robust than a solid-wood dumbbell because of the thread, so don't throw it hard onto hard ground.
Step-by-step: building the retrieve kit
- Start with a hold bar or light dumbbell. Teach the dog to take, hold calmly and give before you ask it to fetch anything.
- Add an adjustable dumbbell if the hold isn't quiet. Both makers say moving the side pieces in makes mouthing uncomfortable as the jaw widens, so a calm, firm grip is the comfortable option; Sporthund adds that the dog can then only take it at the front of the mouth.
- Move to the 650 g trial weight once the hold is steady. This is the weight for the IGP-1 flat retrieve and for every hurdle and wall retrieve.
- Add 1 kg, then 2 kg only when you are training for IGP-2 and IGP-3. The heavier dumbbells change how the dog picks up and carries, so give them time.
- Proof with trial-style dumbbells before a trial, so the weight, bar diameter and sound on landing are all familiar. On the day you will use the organiser's dumbbells.
Steps 1, 4 and 5 are trainer guidance. The weights are from the FCI-IGP rules.
How to tell your dog needs a different dumbbell
- Chewing or rolling the bar: try an adjustable dumbbell or hold-bar work. Schweikert says its adjustable dumbbell stops the dog rolling it backwards, and Sporthund says the Havatar is designed to tackle mouthing.
- Dropping on the way back: go back to a lighter weight and rebuild the hold. Trainer guidance.
- Picking up by the end: check the bar is clear of the ground. The rules require at least 4 cm. In our experience a worn or wrong-size end can bring the bar too low (trainer guidance).
- A chewed or cracked bar: replace the bar on an interchangeable dumbbell, or replace the dumbbell.
Shop the kit
Shop: Schweikert IPO / IGP Dumbbell · Schweikert Adjustable Wooden Dumbbell · Schweikert Dumbbell LC Bridge with Rope · Schweikert Vario IPO / IGP Dumbbell · Sporthund Knut Fuchs Havatar 650g · Sporthund Wood Centrepiece Dumbbell with String · Schweikert Beechwood Dumbbell
Also see the Sporthund IGP 1 Dumbbell 650g, all dumbbells and dumbbell sets. K9 Store is the exclusive UK distributor of Schweikert and Sporthund.
What else you'll need for an IGP trial
Dumbbells cover the retrieves. For the rest of the trial your dog wears a single-row, loose-fitting, large-link chain collar and you carry a lead throughout (FCI-IGP 2025, p.13).
For tracking you need three articles in different materials, each about 10 × 2–3 × 0.5–1 cm, and the start of the track is marked with a starting pole or flag (p.36–37).
What you'll need:
Sporthund IGP 2 / Schutzhund 2 Dog Sport Dumbbell Wood 1kg
Sporthund IGP 3 / Schutzhund 3 Dog Sport Dumbbell Wood 2kg
Herm Sprenger Fur Saver Chain Collar Long Links 3mm Silver
Schweikert Leather Lead with Loop Handle
Schweikert Tracking Articles Sets - Wood, Felt, Leather
Schutzhund / IGP Dog Tracking Articles 3 x 3 Set
IQ Dogsport Tracking Flag Red
Sporthund Dog Tracking Flag Blue
See also: IGP obedience equipment and the IGP Obedience Starter Kit. Related guides: IGP equipment checklist for beginners and how to fit a fur saver collar.
FAQs
What weight dumbbell is used in IGP-1?
650 g for the flat retrieve. Under the 2025 rules there is no hurdle or wall retrieve at IGP-1.
What weight is the IGP-3 dumbbell?
2,000 g on the flat. The hurdle and wall retrieves at IGP-3 use 650 g.
Do IGP dumbbells have to be wood?
The bar must be. The rules say the dumbbell bar must be made of wood and sit at least 4 cm off the ground.
Can I use an adjustable dumbbell in a trial?
No. Under the 2025 rules only the dumbbells provided by the trial organiser may be used, and Schweikert says its adjustable dumbbell is for training only and not approved for trials. Train with it, then proof on a trial-style dumbbell.
Which dumbbell should I buy first?
For most handlers, a 650 g trial-style dumbbell plus a hold bar or adjustable dumbbell. Add 1 kg and 2 kg when you are working towards IGP-2 and IGP-3.
Is a dumbbell a good chew toy?
No. Trainer guidance: a dumbbell should only be used for retrieve training, so the dog learns to hold it quietly rather than chew it.
Not sure which dumbbell suits your dog? Email info@k9store.co.uk and one of our trainers will help.