Short answer: for IGP tracking you need a flat-running line, a harness or collar to attach it to, trial-style articles and a few field items. Under the 2025 IGP rules of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the line is 5 m at IGP-1 and 10 m at IGP-2 and IGP-3. Flexi leads are not allowed.
The line can go on a loose collar, a chest harness or a Böttcher harness without extra straps. Articles measure 10 cm long, 2–3 cm wide and 0.5–1 cm thick.
IGP is the FCI's international utility dog trial, formerly known as IPO or Schutzhund, with tracking, obedience and protection phases.
Key points
- Under the FCI-IGP 2025 rules, the tracking line is 5 m at IGP-1 and 10 m at IGP-2 and IGP-3. Before 2025 it was 10 m at every level.
- Flexi (retractable) leads are not permitted on the track.
- Attach the line to a loose collar, a chest harness or a Böttcher harness without additional straps. A harness's rear strap must not go beyond the dog's last rib.
- Articles measure 10 cm × 2–3 cm × 0.5–1 cm, must be different materials within one track and must not differ much in colour from the ground.
- Keep a Böttcher harness for tracking only. It is a tracking aid, not a walking harness.
Our team includes World and National Champion trainers, and tracking is where a lot of new IGP handlers buy the wrong kit: a walking harness that pulls the dog's head up, or a long line that snags on every tussock.
This guide goes through what the rules allow, what each piece does, and how to set it up. Every rule below is taken from the FCI-IGP 2025 regulations, which came into force on 1 January 2025.
On this page
- What the FCI-IGP 2025 rules say about tracking kit
- Step 1: choose the harness
- Step 2: choose the line
- Step 3: set up the line on the track
- Step 4: articles and field kit
- Common mistakes
- FAQs
What the FCI-IGP 2025 rules say about tracking kit
| IGP-1 | IGP-2 | IGP-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracking line length | 5 m | 10 m | 10 m |
| Track laid by | Handler (own track) | Stranger | Stranger |
| Minimum track length | 300 paces | 400 paces | 600 paces |
| Legs / corners | 3 / 2 | 3 / 2 | 5 / 4 |
| Articles | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Track age | 20 min | 30 min | 60 min |
| Maximum working time | 15 min | 15 min | 20 min |
Other points from the rules that affect what you buy:
- No flexi leads. Retractable leads are not permitted on the track.
- Attachment: a loose collar, or a chest harness or Böttcher harness without additional straps. With a harness, the rear strap must not go beyond the dog's last rib.
- Free tracking: if you track off the line, you must stay at least 5 m behind at IGP-1 and 10 m at IGP-2 and IGP-3.
- Articles: 10 cm × 2–3 cm × 0.5–1 cm. Within one track they must be different materials (for example leather, textile or wood), must not differ much in colour from the ground, and must have been carried in a pocket for at least 30 minutes.
- Collar: the single-row, loose-fitting, large-link chain collar required for the rest of the trial is still worn; a tracking harness is allowed in addition to it.
The 5 m line at IGP-1 is new in the 2025 rules. If you are working from an older rulebook or club handout, check it.
Step 1: choose the harness
| Option | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Böttcher harness | A strap round the chest, clipped to the collar. The line attaches under the chest and runs between the front legs, so pressure on the line draws the head down towards the track. | Sport tracking where you want a deep nose and a steady pace (trainer guidance) | It is a tracking aid only, not a walking harness |
| Chest (Y or H) harness | Line clips to a ring on the back | Dogs that dislike pressure under the chest; general nose work (trainer guidance) | Rear strap must stop before the last rib in a trial (rule); avoid "no-pull" designs that turn the dog (trainer guidance) |
| Loose collar only | Line clips to the trial collar's dead ring (the ring the chain runs through) | Experienced dogs; simplest set-up (trainer guidance) | Any tension acts on the neck, so line handling matters more (trainer guidance) |
Sporthund, who supply the Böttcher harness we sell, say a correctly fitted Böttcher is permitted in IGP tracking trials, and give a chest strap adjustment of 55–88 cm. They describe it as a tracking aid only, not a walking harness.
Trainer guidance: fit the harness at home and let the dog wear it for a meal or a game before its first track, so the first thing it associates with the harness is something good.
Many handlers keep the tracking harness for tracking only, so putting it on becomes a cue that nose work is coming.
Shop: Böttcher Leather Dog Tracking Harness
Step 2: choose the line
| Line | Length | Material | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schweikert Cotton Work Lead | 5 m | Cotton webbing, sewn-in bolt snap | IGP-1 (5 m rule), early training, close handling |
| Schweikert Tracking Lead Multi Rope 12 mm | 10 m | Tear-resistant, weatherproof nylon rope, sturdy bolt snap | IGP-2 and IGP-3, wet ground |
| Schweikert Red Nylon Tracking Lead | 10 m | 20 mm nylon webbing, open end, interchangeable heavy-duty bolt snap | IGP-2 and IGP-3 |
Materials and lengths are the manufacturer's.
Trainer guidance: webbing lies flat and slides over grass; round rope is easier to feed through the hands and shakes off mud; cotton is kind to bare hands but holds water in winter.
Practise at the length you will trial at. A dog that has only ever tracked on 10 m can feel crowded by a handler at 5 m, and the reverse is also true.
Mark the line at the point you intend to hold it, so you keep the same distance on every track.
Shop: Schweikert Cotton Work Lead 5m · Schweikert Tracking Lead Multi Rope 12mm · Schweikert Red Nylon Tracking Lead 10m
Step 3: set up the line on the track
- Attach before the start. Clip the line to the harness or collar while the dog is calm, away from the scent pad.
- Let the line run under your hand. Hold it at your marked length and let it run over your palm rather than gripping, so you feel the dog slow, cast or commit.
- Keep the line low. A line held high pulls the dog's head up. With a Böttcher harness, light tension should bring the nose down, not stop the dog.
- Stop, don't haul. If the dog overshoots a corner or lifts its head, stop and let the line go still. Let the dog work it out rather than steering it back.
- Feed out and take in smoothly on corners so the line never snaps tight or drops in a loop the dog can step through.
Steps 2–5 are trainer guidance, not rules. Your club's training director may have a preferred style.
Step 4: articles and field kit
- Trial-size articles: both sets below are 10 cm long. The Sporthund 3 × 3 set has three each of leather, wood and felt. The Schweikert sets come as 3 (one each of leather, felt and wood) or 9.
- Reward articles: the Sporthund shutter article has a closable recess for a treat, so the dog is rewarded at the article during training.
- Flags: mark the start and corners so you know exactly where the track goes. Sporthund's flag has a 51 cm rod; IQ Dogsport's is 54 cm stainless steel.
- A bag: Sporthund's tracking bag has three compartments for chalk, a logbook, articles or treats.
Shop: Schweikert Tracking Articles Sets · Sporthund IGP Tracking Articles 3 × 3 Set · Dog Tracking Rotatable Shutter Article · Sporthund Dog Tracking Flag · IQ Dogsport Tracking Flag · Sporthund Dog Tracking Bag
On trial day: at IGP-1 you lay your own track, so you bring your own three articles. At IGP-2 and IGP-3 the articles belong to the stranger who lays the track, and at FCI-IGP Championships they are numbered.
The start of the track is marked with a starting pole or flag pushed into the ground to the left of the scent pad.
Your dog also wears the single-row chain collar for the whole trial, and you carry a lead throughout (FCI-IGP 2025, p.13, p.36–37).
What you'll need:
Schweikert Tracking Article (Individual) - Wood, Carpet, Leather, Rubber
Schweikert Tracking Articles Sets - Wood, Felt, Leather
Schweikert Tracking Articles FH Set of 7 - Wood, Felt, Leather, Nylcot, Jute, Rubber, Cork
Schutzhund / IGP Dog Tracking Articles 3 x 3 Set
IQ Dogsport Tracking Flag Red
Sporthund Dog Tracking Flag Blue
Herm Sprenger Fur Saver Chain Collar Long Links 3mm Silver
Herm Sprenger Fur Saver Chain Collar Long Links 3mm Black
Schweikert Leather Lead with Loop Handle
K9 Store is the exclusive UK distributor of Schweikert, Sporthund and IQ Dogsport. See the full dog tracking range.
Common mistakes
- Training on a flexi lead and then switching to a fixed line at the trial.
- Using a walking or no-pull harness that changes the dog's direction when the line tightens.
- A chest harness whose rear strap sits behind the last rib, which is not allowed in a trial.
- Practising only with one article material. The rules require different materials on each track.
- Articles that stand out from the ground. The rules say they must not differ significantly in colour from the terrain.
See also: IGP tracking equipment, tracking harnesses, tracking lines and the IGP Tracking Starter Kit. Related guide: IGP equipment checklist for beginners.
FAQs
How long is a tracking line for IGP?
Under the FCI-IGP 2025 rules, 5 m at IGP-1 and 10 m at IGP-2 and IGP-3. Before 2025 it was 10 m at every level.
Can I use a flexi lead for tracking?
Not in an IGP trial. The rules say flexible leads are not permitted.
Is a Böttcher harness allowed in IGP?
Yes. The rules permit a chest harness or Böttcher harness without additional straps, worn alongside the trial collar.
What size are IGP tracking articles?
10 cm long, 2–3 cm wide and 0.5–1 cm high, in different materials within a track and close in colour to the ground.
Can I use a tracking harness for everyday walks?
We don't recommend it. A Böttcher is designed to bring the head down under line pressure, which is not what you want on a walk. Keep it for tracking.
Do I need a 5 m and a 10 m line?
If you plan to trial at IGP-1 and then move up, yes. If you only track for fun, one line of the length you are comfortable handling is enough.
Not sure which harness or line suits your dog? Email info@k9store.co.uk and one of our trainers will help.