From First Working Dog To IGP3: Jim & Jax’s Schutzhund Journey

When Jim and Missy Cowan brought home their new German Shepherd puppy from Germany, they knew they wanted the best they could find, and were stepping into something completely new: the world of working dogs and Schutzhund (IGP). With no previous working dog experience and very little knowledge of dog sport, Jim decided to commit anyway. Less than two years later, Jim and Jax have earned their IGP3 title and are well on their way in the sport.  All this before Jax's 3rd birthday, where most dogs don't even start trialing till they are close to 3!

Discovering the sport & getting started
Almost two years ago, Jim and Jax began their IGP training journey with me at DogSports4U in Englewood, Florida. At that point, Schutzhund was a foreign world to them. What Jim did have was a strong bond with his dog, a willingness to learn, and the commitment to show up and do the work.

From the beginning, we saw potential in both of them. With consistent training, guidance, and support, Jim and Jax started building the foundation required for a serious working dog team: obedience, tracking, control, focus, and confidence on and off the field.  They were coming twice weekly consistently often even motivating me to train!

Through our monthly workshops, Jim was also introduced to my dear friends and dog family Diamond and Christina Hansel of D&C Dog Training. Together with Christina, we focused on obedience work with Jim and Jax, while Diamond helped develop Jax’s protection work, shaping his grip, power, and control in the protection phase.

Milestones along the way
Over the last couple of years, Jim and Jax steadily worked their way through the IGP levels, picking up both experience and achievements along the way:

• BH in South Carolina (August 2025)
• IGP1 in Tennessee (October 2025)
• IGP2 in Indiana (May 2026)
• IGP3 in Clarksville, Tennessee (June 2026)

This progress didn’t happen by accident. Jim committed to regular training, workshops, travel, and trialing, even when the schedule got intense. In just the last 10 months alone, they fit in multiple trials, advanced from IGP1 to IGP3, and even managed to begin work on a GSD Breed Survey and narcotics scent detection training.  None of this would be complete without Missy, who is the back support, planner, caretaker and manager of this family!

The IGP3 achievement
Most recently, Jim and Jax earned their IGP3 title in Clarksville, Tennessee, at our OG Pablo Working Dogs under AWMA Judge Les Flores. 

First-time helper Jake Stoner provided a safe and fair protection routine throughout, giving Jax a solid performance opportunity in the protection phase. Jax showed the results of all the work that had gone into his training: clear grips, controlled power, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

For a first working dog team, earning an IGP3 is a major milestone. It reflects not just a well-trained dog, but real teamwork, patience, and dedication from the handler as well.

The power of a training team
What stands out most about Jim’s story is how many people came together to help make it happen. With the encouragement and support from our IGP training group and the OG Pablo club members, Jim and Jax had a full team behind them.

Training a serious working dog is rarely a solo effort. It takes:

• A handler willing to learn and stay humble
• Coaches who can see potential and guide the process while dedicating their heart into the success of each team
• Helpers who understand how to develop a dog properly in protection
• A supportive group that celebrates both struggles and wins

Jim often mentions how grateful he is for the friends, group members and teammates who have supported them through every stage, from their first BH all the way through IGP3.

What’s next for Jim & Jax
Even with an IGP3 title, Jim and Jax aren’t done. They’re proud of how far Jax has come, but they also know there is always room to grow: refining scores, tightening performances, and seeing just how far this journey will go.

For now, Jax has earned some well-deserved rest after a packed season of training and trialing. A short break for recovery and R&R is part of what keeps a working dog sound, healthy, and mentally ready for the next chapter.

And...Who knows, Missy just might end up with her own Schutzhund GSD puppy? We’ll have to wait and see? 

Why this matters for our students
Jim and Jax’s story is a perfect example of what can happen when a motivated handler partners with the right training program and sticks with the process. They started as complete newcomers to Schutzhund and working dogs. Through commitment, coaching, and community, they now stand as an IGP3 team with a bright future.

If you’re curious about getting into IGP, want to develop your dog as a working dog, or simply want better structure, obedience, and purpose in your dog’s life, their journey shows what’s possible.

Thinking about starting your own journey?
If you’d like to explore IGP, sport training, or structured obedience with your dog, we can help you take the first steps the right way, whether you’re local to Englewood, FL or traveling in for workshops.

We’re proud of Jim and Jax, and we’re excited to see where the road leads next.