Are you a dog sports fan that's still in their early stages as a dog handler or helper? Then the IGP Youngstars & Helper Camp 2025 in Gaimersheim (Bavaria) is just the thing for you – a special mix of sporting challenge, community and top-level training.
Even if you are not there this year, let us tell you everything you need to know about the ultimate event for young dog sports enthusiasts!
What is the IGP Youngstars and Helper Camp?
The two-day camp for dog sports enthusiasts offers a broad program. Working dog handlers, physiotherapists, or judges — here you'll meet experts from a wide range of fields!
Participation in the event is free, but prior application was required. The event is supported by the community ando rganizations such as K9andSports, the associations from SV to ADRK and Sponsors – we at SPRENGER are also participating!
When is the IGP Youngstars and Helper Camp?
The IGP Youngstars and Helper Camp takes place on the 19th and 20th of July 2025.
Where is the IGP Youngstars and Helper Camp?
The IGP Youngstars and Helper Camp takes place in Gaimersheim, near Ingolstadt. The venue is the Grounds of ST Kraiberg Gaimersheim and Hotel and camping options can be found on the event page.
IGP Youngstars Camp (up to 25 years)
Young dog handlers and dog sports enthusiasts under 25 years of age meet at the Youngstar Camp to experience IGP dog sports up close. IGP stands for tracking, obedience and protection work – the classic tests of working dog sports.
- Open to all experience levels
- Independent of breed and club
- 350+ participants: an international event
- Without your own dog? No problem – watching and cheering are expressly permitted
Helper Camp
In parallel you'll have the Helper Camp – professional training for all those who want to be active as helpers in dog sports. Topics such as trial agitation, young dog training or leash work are covered there and experienced mentors are available to answer any questions you may have!
- Protection service coaching by top trainers like Vincenzo Magnati, Luca Sträßer, Jörg Schwabe and Hari Arcon.
- All experience and age groups welcome, you should already be active in a team.
- Requirement: Helpers bring two dogs each.
What awaits you at the Youngstars and Helper Camp
At the IGP Youngstars and Helper Camp, one highlight follows the next:
Expert know-how and workshops
A team of IGP world champions, working dog handlers, physiotherapists, veterinarians and judges passes on its knowledge to you. You can expect specialist lectures and information booths to answer all your questions.
Dogs in action
This weekend is not just about theory, there is also a lot to expect in practice. Experience live how the police and the armed forces use their dogs in action– from tracking work to protection work.
The trainers
A selection of the mentors who make up the Allstar Team and enrich the camp:
- Anna Marchi – International IGP top ranking, dog trainer with focus on health and fitness of dogs
- Balazs Varga – FCI World Championship participant, over 20 years of experience as a helper
- Knut Fuchs – Multiple FCI World Champion, known for his incredible instinct in dog training
- Peter Scherk – 2x World Champion of all breeds, coach and trainer for many successful dog sport handler
- Hari Arcon – FCI Commission, his focus is on the (prospective) helpers
…and many more – a true who’s who of the IGP scene!
All trainers who await you on site, you can find here.
Why you and your dog should be there
This weekend at the Youngstars and Helper Camp everything revolves around the topic of community – perfect for those who don’t have many dog sports enthusiasts in their area or who still lack contacts in the scene.
Three reasons that make the camp so unique:
1. Community & Network
Meet like-minded people, exchange experiences, and become part of the IGP community. "Dog sports are a team sport!" – a motto that's lived here!
2. Top-level learning
Training with world champions, professionals, and experts – unique opportunities rarely found in such a compact package. No matter what you and your dog are currently working on, general topics like warm-up and injury prevention are important for everyone!
3. Fun & positive challenge
Whether it's the adrenaline rush of protection work, the concentration of tracking, or the joy of obedience – IGP is pure emotion and community. And it doesn't end after the group training; the camp atmosphere allows you to meet new and old friends in a completely different way.
Still looking for the right equipment for you and your dog?
Whether as a participant or spectator – anyone who has ever attended events like the IGP Youngstars & Helper Camp knows: the right equipment makes all the difference!
In July, you and your dog can expect high temperatures on site and shade is not available everywhere. Make sure you have enough fresh water and sun protection for you and your dog – how about our airy SPRENGER Caps Dog Sports to defy the sun?
Are you looking for a new collar for your dog to really shine in training? Then browse through our trial-compliant chain collar range or discover our new long link chains with hooks.
You are still missing an eye-catching leash that is also practical, functional and durable to keep your dog properly secured when it isn't your turn? In that case our bright BioThane® leashes are the perfect choice. We have so many different models – there's something for everyone!
- 3-times adjustable BioThane® leashes
- 1.2m BioThane® leashes
- BioThane® tracking leashes with football grip
- BioThane® short lead
