OG Thomond – Dog Sport Club
A proud German Shepherd club near Ennis, Ireland — training champions since decades. Affiliated with the GSA and focused on IGP sport at the highest level.
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What Is IGP Sport?
IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshund Prüfungsordnung) is the premier working dog sport, testing a dog's versatility, trainability, and temperament across three demanding disciplines.
Tracking
The dog follows a scent trail laid across varied terrain, locating articles dropped along the route. It demands intense concentration, a powerful nose, and a strong working drive. Precision and consistency are key.
Obedience
A series of precise exercises performed on and off lead, including heeling, retrieves, jumps, and send-aways. This phase showcases the bond between handler and dog, as well as the quality of daily training.
Protection
The dog demonstrates courage, control, and correct gripping technique while working with a trained decoy. Despite its intensity, this phase is built on obedience — a dog with a weak foundation cannot succeed here.
What We Offer
OG Thomond provides everything an ambitious IGP handler needs — from expert knowledge and qualified judges to a dedicated training venue and a community that genuinely invests in your progress.
Two Performance Judges
Two fully qualified performance judges are active members of our club, offering unparalleled insight into trialling standards and what it takes to score at the highest level.
Extensive Training Know-How
Decades of combined experience across tracking, obedience, and protection work. Our coaches have trained dogs to World Championship standard and bring that expertise to every session.
Support for Ambitious Members
If you are willing to put in the work and contribute to the team, we invest in you. Members who are active, coachable, and team-minded receive full backing from the club.
Club House & Dog Field
Our dedicated dog field in Killoo, near Ennis, gives members a proper training environment. The club house provides a social hub where the community comes together after sessions.
Our Training Philosophy
At OG Thomond, excellence is earned through discipline, patience, and respect — for your dog, your teammates, and the sport itself.
Basics First, Always
Tracking and obedience are the foundations of IGP. No matter how experienced a handler may be, these disciplines are never taken for granted. We train them thoroughly and consistently, ensuring every dog builds a rock-solid skill base before advancing.
Team Over Ego
This is a team sport. Handlers who are driven purely by personal ambition at the expense of the group dynamic do not thrive here. Mutual support, constructive feedback, and shared progress define our culture — and that makes everyone better.
High Standards, Open Doors
We set the bar high because we believe every dog and handler is capable of more with the right guidance. Our experienced coaches challenge you to grow while creating a supportive environment where learning is celebrated at every stage.
About OG Thomond
OG Thomond is one of Ireland's most respected German Shepherd clubs, affiliated with the German Shepherd Association (GSA). For decades, our members have competed — and succeeded — at the highest levels of the sport, including World Championships.
Our club is built on a foundation of genuine passion for the breed, rigorous training standards, and a tight-knit community that puts teamwork above all else. Whether you are an experienced handler or just beginning your IGP journey, OG Thomond offers the guidance, facilities, and support to help you and your dog reach your full potential.
We are based near Ennis in County Clare, and our dog field in Killoo provides an excellent environment for all three phases of IGP training.
Club at a Glance
01
GSA Affiliated
Recognised membership and standards
02
World-Class Results
Members at World Championship level
03
IGP Focus
All three disciplines — tracking, obedience, protection
04
Near Ennis
Killoo dog field, County Clare
See IGP in Action
Witness the precision, dedication, and powerful bond between handler and dog across the three core disciplines of IGP sport. These videos offer a glimpse into the fundamental skills honed by teams at OG Thomond.
Tracking
Observe the incredible concentration as dogs meticulously follow human scent trails over varied terrain, locating hidden articles with precision.
Obedience
Experience the harmony and control as dogs execute complex commands, including heeling, retrieves, and jumps, demonstrating excellent training.
Protection
Watch the disciplined courage and controlled intensity as dogs demonstrate their protective instincts and gripping skills under strict command.
Training Schedule
We train three times a week, giving members regular, structured sessions to progress consistently. All training takes place at our dog field in Killoo, near Ennis.
Tuesday
From 5:00 PM
Evening session — ideal for working handlers
Thursday
From 5:00 PM
Mid-week session for consistent progress
Saturday
From 11:00 AM
Weekend session — longer, more in-depth work
Membership & Fees
What You Pay
€35
Per Month
Monthly club membership fee
€50
Per Year
Annual GSA affiliation fee
What's Included
Your membership covers far more than just access to the training field. Here is what you receive as a member of OG Thomond:
  • Full training access — three sessions per week
  • Coaching from qualified, experienced handlers and judges
  • Comprehensive club insurance coverage
  • GSA affiliation and official membership
  • Access to the club house and all club activities
  • A supportive community invested in your success
Join the Team
OG Thomond is not just a training club — it is a community. We are actively looking for friendly, dedicated people who share a genuine love of dogs and an appetite for teamwork. If that sounds like you, you will fit right in.
Be a Team Player
Our club thrives because members show up — not just for their own training, but for each other. From helping with field maintenance to supporting a clubmate at a trial, everyone contributes.
Come with a Growth Mindset
We welcome handlers at all levels — from complete beginners to experienced competitors. What matters is your attitude: be coachable, be consistent, and be willing to put in the effort.
Love Your Dog
Everything we do is in the best interest of the dog. Welfare, respect, and a positive working relationship between handler and dog are non-negotiable values at OG Thomond.
Find Us
Location
OG Thomond Dog Field
Killoo, near Ennis
County Clare, Ireland
Training Times
  • Tuesday — 5:00 PM
  • Thursday — 5:00 PM
  • Saturday — 11:00 AM
Get in Touch
How to Reach Us
Our training ground is located in Killoo, a short drive from Ennis town centre in County Clare. The field is well-maintained and equipped for all three phases of IGP training.
If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend getting in touch by email beforehand so we can welcome you properly and make sure a coach is available to speak with you.
You are also welcome to follow our club's activities and updates on Facebook to get a feel for who we are before making contact.
Ready to Train with the Best?
OG Thomond has been producing champions for decades. Join a club where standards are high, teamwork is everything, and the dogs always come first.
📍 Killoo, Ennis
County Clare, Ireland
📧 Contact Us
💶 From €35/month
Full training & insurance included