The FCI was founded in 1911 by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. The Société Centrale Canine de France and the Société Royale Saint-Hubert in Belgium re-created the FCI in 1921 since it had disappeared in World War 1. Today the FCI has 80 member countries.


In 2004 the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) and Verein für Deutsche Hundesport (VDH) made substantial changes to the sport. The VDH adopted the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) rules that govern IPO titles, and SV and VDH gave up control in some parts of the sport to the FCI. The VDH changed the name to VPG Vielseitigkeitsprüfung für Gebrauchshunde which roughly translates Versatility examination for working dogs.


IPO/VGP is a highly competitive Sport, which is maintained by the efforts of teamwork between handler and his/her dog. IPO/VPG is designed for the dog with working ability. The training and trialing involves three phases Tracking, Obedience, Character Assessment.


All dogs participating in AUSC INC Trials must have first passed the BH Test (Begleithunde or Traffic SureCompanion Dog test), the international prerequisite for entry into an IPO/VPG Trial.