From the Publishing Team
Who could have predicted our magazine would reach a readership of over 4,000 within six
months from our first online launch? Our photogenic sport dogs and their enthusiastic han-
dlers have definitely launched K9 Force into the digital world.
We are happy to announce our collaboration with Autumn Frizzell and Kylie Watt. With their
focus on dogs in sports, these two photographers will be a wonderful addition to our publish-
ing team. Interested in finding out more about Autumn Frizzell and Kylie Watt? You can find
them
Tilted Perspective Photography
Blonde Photography
We continue to work towards promoting dog sport by publishing high-quality, original and
interesting reads which are brought to life with world-class pictures. Thank you, readers, for
your support and feedback.
This magazine was prepared with the contribution of Isabella Oxsengendler, Jim Chrisp, Alfred de Witte, and
Yolande Hasselo. Special thank you to Erika Oxsengendler for designing the magazine. Front page image
courtesy of Adam Karabasz.
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this newsletter, contact info@k9force.ca
Table of Content
Canine Athletes - Off Season Training
and Conditioning
SV Herding with Ulf Kintzel
Dogs on Stage - Behind the Scenes
at Alberta Ballet “PHI”
Ask the Judge - Jim Chrisp
12
16
18
Alfred de Witte
Yolande Hasselo
Isabella Oxsengendler
Erika Oxsengendler
Ask the Judge:
Jim Chrisp
Dumbbell Exercise 1
The Retrieve on the Flat
In each new issue we ask GSSCC Head Judge Jim Chrisp how he judges a particular IGP
exercise. This time, he will explain what a judge is looking for in the three Dumbbell exercises.
Dumbbell exercises can truly showcase you and your dog (or the opposite). Let’s start by noting
that all dumbbells used in trials will be supplied by the hosting club. The dumbbells must meet
the requirements set by the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada. These are weight,
be made of wood, and the bar can be no less than 4 cm from the ground. They must all be in
excellent condition.
Importantly, for all three retrieve exercises, if the dog fails to release the dumbbell after three
attempts, the dog and handler will be disqualified for lack of obedience.
Dumbbell Exercise 1: the Retrieve on the Flat
This exercise is worth 15 points for IGP 1, and 10 points for IGP 2 and IGP 3.
From the basic position, at the judge’s signal, the handler throws the dumbbell approximately 10
meters away. The handler’s foot is allowed to move on the throw, as long as it is not determined
to be handler help.
Image courtesy of Blonde Photography
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CLUB & SEMINAR
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KYLIE WATT
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If it is deemed to be, the first part of the exercise can be dropped to a grade of SG, which
means a deduction of 0.5 to 0.75 of a point. If the handler help is excessive, a further 1 to
1.5 points must be deducted taking the grade to a G. A three second pause must be shown,
as well as the dumbbell has landed and stopped moving, before the command to retrieve is
given. No re-throws are allowed in the flat retrieve, unless the judge decides the dumbbell
hasn’t been thrown far enough.
On the bring/fetch command, the dog should run fast and directly to the dumbbell, pick it up
immediately, and make a quick return to the handler at the same speed as going out. During
the pick-up, return, and in-front portion, the dog should not mouth or roll the dumbbell. After
a three second pause in front of the handler, the out command is given. The dog should
immediately release the dumbbell and its focus should be on the handler. After another three
second pause, the finish command should be given. The dog must move quickly and directly
to a straight basic position. If the dog does not present the dumbbell to the handler, then a “no
retrieve” was executed, and no points can be awarded.
If the dog at any point during the exercise shows stress, is slow, leaves early, is not direct in
the pick-up, drops or mouths the dumbbell, or sits crookedly in front of its handler, points may
be deducted. For example, if the dog rolls the dumbbell on the retrieve, 0.5 to 0.75 points will
be deducted resulting in a drop of one category. If the dog rolls, then mouths in front of the
handler, an additional category (1.25-1.5 points) will be dropped. Of course, all deductions
reflect the severity of the rolling and mouthing in front of the handler. Other examples of faulty
behavior are restlessness, not sitting straight in front, splayed legs by the handler, and a
crooked basic position. If the dog drops the dumbbell or mouthes heavily, the exercise will be
judged as ‘low sufficient’ (-4). It should be noted that before the throw and after the out, the
dumbbell is to be held in the right hand, with the arm extended fully.
Image courtesy of Tilted Perspective Photography
For IGP 2 and IGP 3 there is a slight change in potential deductions as only 10 points can be
awarded rather than 15. If the dog rolls or mouths the dumbbell, a deduction of -0.25 to 0.5
is equal to a drop of one category. A drop of 2 categories for rolling, then mouthing in front,
would be a deduction of -0.75 to 1 points.
In both IGP 2 and IGP 3, the larger dumbbell (1000 or 2000 grams) used for the flat retrieve
exercise must be placed back on the stand. The handler then takes the 650-gram dumbbell
to be used for the wall and A-frame exercises. As change-over can either be in motion or the
dog can be in basic position no more than one meter away from the stand.
Dumbbell Exercises 2 and 3:
Retrieve over the Jump and Scaling the Wall
For all three IGP levels, the maximum
number of points for this exercise is 15.
The exercise starts at the marked line
four meters away from jump. The handler
and dog take the basic position at or
behind the line. On the judge’s signal,
the handler throws the dumbbell over
the jump. The handler’s foot is allowed
to move on the throw, as long it is not
considered handler help, but should be
returned to the basic position.
The judge can allow the handler to re-
throw the dumbbell. The dog must stay in
position if this happens. If the dog does
leave the basic position, but does not
follow the handler around the jump or
wall, a deduction of 1 category follows.
If the dog follows the handler around the
apparatus, no points are awarded for
the ‘Retrieve over the One Meter Jump’
exercise.
After the handler’s leg has returned to its position and a three seconds pause, the handler
commands the dog to jump. The dog should go over the jump with speed and power. The
bring command must be given while the dog is in the air. Once landed, the dog must go
directly to the dumbbell and return over the jump to a straight front position. After a three
second pause, the out command is given. The dog should quickly release the dumbbell
and remain in the front position whilst focused on the handler. The dumbbell is now in the
handler’s right hand. Following another three second pause, the heel command is given and
the dog should quickly move into a straight basic position.
Image courtesy of Tilted Perspective Photography
In this exercise it is critical that the dog presents the dumbbell to the handler. If the dog does
not retrieve and present the dumbbell to its handler, no points can be awarded. At least
one of two other components in this exercise (jump out and jump return) must be shown to
achieve any points.
Points can be deducted for touching the jump on the way out and/or back. Point loss is
dependent on the severity of touch. A slight touch drops that portion of the exercise down
up to 1 point per jump. A heavy touch can be up to 2 points per jump. If the jump is knocked
over on the going out, the dog will not be able to show a return jump. Points are deducted for
missing the jump out (-5). In this situation, the judge will allow a second attempt. Although the
whole exercise must be repeated, points can only be awarded for showing the return jump,
the front and completion elements of the exercise. Again, the dog should be sitting straight in
the basic position before and after, straight in the front, be fast and powerful over the jumps,
and must maintain a calm grip on the dumbbell at all times. Handler help is not allowed.
For IGP 1, the dumbbell is placed on the stand at the end of this exercise. This can be done
while in motion, or if stopped, the dog needs to sit in basic position no more than 1 meter from
the stand. For IGP 2 and IGP 3, the handler and dog go directly to the mark for the scaling
wall.
Images courtesy of Tilted Perspective Photography
Dumbbell Exercise 3: Jump over the Scaling Wall (IGP 1) and Retrieve over
the Scaling Wall (IGP 2& 3)
For all IGP levels, the maximum number of points for this exercise is 15.
In IGP 1, this exercise is performed without a dumbbell. The handler and dog take a basic
position at or behind the line situated 4 meters from scaling wall. On the judge’s signal, the
handler gives a sit command and walks around the wall. When the handler is on the other side
of the wall, he/she should be out of the dog’s view. If the dog breaks the sit but doesn’t follow
the handler around the wall, a deduction of 1 category is given. If the dog follows the handler
around the wall, or goes around on command, no points can be awarded. On command, the
dog should powerfully climb over the wall and come to a straight front position, focused on its
handler. After a three second pause, the dog is commanded into the basic position. Crooked in
the front, too far from the handler, slow, powerless climbing, slow and or crooked basic position
are all reasons for point deductions. The levels of deduction depends on the severity.
For IGP 2 and IGP 3, the handler and dog take a basic position at, or behind, the four meter
line. On the judge’s signal, the handler throws the dumbbell (650 grams) over the scaling wall.
Again, the handler is allowed to move a foot on the throw. The judge can allow the handler to
re-throw the dumbbell.
Images courtesy of Tilted Perspective Photography
After a pause, the jump/climb command is given. The dog should climb powerfully over the
scaling wall. The bring command is given while the dog is on the apparatus. Once over, the
dog should go directly to the dumbbell, pick up the dumbbell, make a quick turn, and come
back over the wall with the same speed. The dog should show a straight front, with a calm
grip on the dumbbell. After a three second pause, the out command is given. The dog should
quickly release the dumbbell and show focus to the handler. The dumbbell is put in the
handler’s right hand. After another three second pause, the heel command is given, and the
dog should quickly go into a straight, focused basic position.
In this exercise it is critical that the dog presents the dumbbell to the handler. If the dog does
not retrieve and present the dumbbell to its handler, no points can be awarded. If the dog
follows the handler around the wall, no points can be awarded for this dumbbell exercise. At
least one of two other components in this exercise (scaling out and scaling return) must be
shown to achieve any points.
If the dog leaves the sit but does not follow the handler around the wall, there will be a
downgrade of 1 category. Deductions may be given when the dog leaves early, if the dog is
slow or the climbing lacks power. Further areas for deductions could be a weak grip on the
pick-up, or mouthing the dumbbell on the return or in front. Judges may also deduct points
when the front is too far or crooked, when the handler has splayed legs, when the finish is
slow and/or crooked. Handler help to go over, or to go to basic position, automatically leads to
a loss of points.
After the judge’s signal, the handler heels to the stand to replace the dumbbell. This can be in
motion, or with the dog sitting. If sitting, the dog should not be more than 1 meter away from
the stand.
Images courtesy of Blonde Photography
SV Herding with Ulf Kintzel
Tending, a Distinct Style of Herding with German Shepherds - in
conversation with Ulf Kintzel
Ulf Kintzel is a trained shepherd and one of few dog handlers in North America who
competes in tending trials with German Shepherds. The Shepherd Working Dog title, or HGH
(Herdengebrauchshund), is a recognized accreditation in the SV Breed Survey (Verein für
Deutsche Schäferhunde).
Mr. Kintzel began training dogs some 40 years ago in Germany where
large flocks of sheep graze down areas of land where fencing is not an option. These
pastures may include hillsides, preserved lands with rare habitats, dams along rivers,
heathlands, ski slopes, and/or hiking areas. As sheep pastures are frequently adjacent to
fields with crops, shepherd dogs are used to prevent sheep from grazing outside intended
areas. Mr. Kintzel, with his German Shepherds, has tended flocks of sheep ranging up to
1,600 animals.
Tending is a distinct style of herding developed in European countries where grazing
pastures and crops flow into each other. A remarkable fact: in the tending style of herding
a shepherd trains his/her lead sheep to come when called and follow him/her. The dog’s
duty is to independently create a living physical barrier around the freely grazing sheep. The
dogs patrol at a distance on either side of the flock, keeping them within the perimeter of the
grazing areas established by the shepherd, and out of fields with fresh crops. Tending differs
from the popular sheep trials held in the UK. These dogs, predominantly Border Collies, are
trained to actively gather sheep into a flock and take them to a new grazing area. In British
trials, the dogs (not the sheep!) follow the shepherd’s commands driving a small number of
Image courtesy of Ulf Kintzel
sheep efficiently through various gates and pens. The British objective is fetching and gathering,
rather than tending.
Mr. Kintzel currently owns and operates White Clover Sheep Farm in New York State (United
States), where he raises purebred White Dorper Sheep. He also has a passion for breeding,
training, and assessing German Shepherds for tending.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Kintzel who kindly shared his experiences in tending
with German Shepherd Dogs.
1. How did you first become interested
in herding with German Shepherds Dogs
(GSDs)?
I observed GSDs at herding competitions
before I became an apprentice as a shepherd
in 1984. Initially I tended with Old German
Herding Dogs (Altdeutsche Hütehunde) but
I always wanted a GSD. There is something
about GSDs I considered unique, special,
and desirable. In 1987, I had the opportunity
to purchase two females from a litter bred by
a famous competitor in herding trials, Rudolf
Hirch. East Germany was still behind the Iron
Curtain. These two dogs became my ticket to
success. They came with me on my journey,
first to West Germany and later to the US.
2. You breed under “vom Quasliner Moor”.
What is your vision as a breeder for German
Shepherd Dogs? How do you select
breeding pairs to ensure the best herding
abilities in the offspring?
I breed for stable temperament with good social skills and for good nerves. Aside from that, I
need a biddable dog since herding means almost exclusively working a dog off leash and at a
distance. The dogs need to arrive pretty much in the middle of the spectrum. They can neither
be like Golden Retrievers, nor too hard and stubborn. Herding is a strong instinct in my working
dogs, which allows me the freedom to venture out at times and use stud dogs from Schutzhund
lines.
3. What do you find most rewarding about herding?
The ability of a dog to think about the job at hand and perform independently for hours with
minimal influence from me is very rewarding to watch. When a dog has a feel for sheep herding
and displays these natural skills, that is, in my view, at times breathtaking.
Image courtesy of Ulf Kintzel
4. What are some common misconceptions or myths about German Shepherds and
sheep herding that you’ve encountered?
There are many. Sheep herding is a form of hunting or prey drive. The dog sees the sheep
as prey. That means the dog is not protective of the flock and will not defend sheep against
intruders. This is the first misconception. The second misconception is that a GSD will certainly
not herd the kids of any given family. We do not want the dog to see kids as prey, do we?
Another misconception is that dogs retired from Schutzhund training can still become good
herding dogs. The nerve strength and
stamina a dog needs to tend a large flock is
greatly underestimated.
5. Can you share any memorable success
stories of your German Shepherds
excelling in herding trials?
There have been many since herding
competitions were at some point a big
part of my life. I remember the ceremony
in 1992 at the SV’s National Herding
Competition (BLH). I stood next to the three
big competitors at the time – Karl Füller,
Georg Krieg, and Manfred Voigt – with 95
points (out of 100), only two points behind
the winner. I was sure I could make it on
that podium in a subsequent year. Well,
pride comes before the fall. The next year I stood between the two last competitors during
the ceremony with only 75 points. I had made significant mistakes due to my young age and
inexperience. Yet, it helped me in my further development. In a way, both experiences are
success stories in the long run.
6. Have you noticed any changes or trends in HGH herding over the years, and how have
you adapted to them?
Fortunately, the herding competitions, organized by the German Shepherd Association (SV),
have escaped the tendency of turning trials into a dog sport. SV style herding trials continue
to emphasize competitions as a suitability test for herding. Personally, I think the changes that
happened over the course of the last three decades are rather minor and of little significance.
That means I still select dogs for training and breeding like I always have: a dog that is suitable
for herding without having to distinguish between a dog being able to do a meaningful job and a
dog that does well in competitions.
7. How do you envision the future in North America for German Shepherds in the tending
style of herding (HGH)?
I wish I had a better outlook, but I do not see new herding clubs on the horizon. Aside from the
club I am chairing, there has only been one attempt by a former student of mine to start up a
club with an interest in sheep tending competitions. That only lasted a couple of years. No other
Image courtesy of Ulf Kintzel
club has since taken on HGH herding. That is most likely because a rather large flock (200
minimum) is needed for these trials. Such large number of sheep requires a committed sheep
farmer who can both raise sheep profitably, and be
a training instructor. After several decades, I am
the only farmer and trainer remaining. And, I too
do not do herding training on the scale I used to.
Furthermore, it is difficult to find SV herding judges.
Many will be retiring in the coming years.
8. What advice would you give to someone
interested in getting involved in SV style
herding training with their German Shepherd?
Some herding clubs herd with breeds other than
Border Collies. These put on American Kennel
Club trials like the C-Course which emulates the
tending style of herding (HGH). If someone is fully
committed to herding, that might be an option.
However, I have steered people in other directions
when they wanted to do herding and could not find
a place to train. Suitable training places remain
rare; many are run by Border Collie people without knowledge or understanding
of the different nature of GSDs. Some clubs do not take GSDs. Besides Schutzhund, Tracking
and ‘Search and Rescue’ can be very rewarding for handler and dog. These dog sports do not
need the “equipment” of a few hundred sheep.
What happens at a Sheep Tending Trial organized by the German Shepherd Association
(SV)?
A sheep tending trial mimics a shepherd’s day in a miniature. The day starts with the exit
from the pen, followed by several events that may occur leading the flock from one pasture to
another. One may have to cross a bridge, walk along a road with an upcoming car, pass by
other people’s crops and two periods of grazing in different pastures are included. The trial
ends with the re-pen.
A handler may compete with one or with two dogs. The main dog is the one being judged. The
second dog has a supporting role, working on the opposite side of the flock than the main dog.
The minimum size of the flock is 200 sheep for club trials. For the regional trials and for the
national trial (Bundesleistungshüten, BLH) about 300 sheep are required.
Each run lasts about an hour. For each element there are a maximum number of points
available. Mistakes will lead to point deductions. In addition, the dog’s performance will
be judged for obedience, diligence, and independence. Furthermore, the handler’s ability
to employ the dog and his/her ability to handle the sheep is being evaluated. The overall
maximum number of points available is 100. The minimum qualifying score is 60. Ratings
range from Satisfactory (60 to 69 points), Good (70 to 79 points), Very Good (80 to 89 points)
and Excellent (90 to 100 points).
Image courtesy of Ulf Kintzel
Dogs On Stage
Ball Crazy Ballet: a Behind-
the-Scenes Look at Alberta
Ballet’s “Phi”
With only a few minutes to go, Isabella
is contemplating the challenge ahead.
How will she gracefully navigate the
stage with two exuberant German
Shepherds, amidst fast-moving ballet
dancers, all before a live audience of
over 2000 people? Her nerves are
hard to suppress. She can hear her
heart bouncing loudly. In the same
room, two German Shepherd Dogs do
not seem to have a care in the world.
Azelle and Benny are dozing at her
feet. Isabella is not a ballet dancer; she is the President of the K9Force Dog Club.
The date is March 10, 2022, and the place is the Jubilee Auditorium. Alberta Ballet is set to
premiere “Phi”. Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître’s final contemporary sci-fi ballet was inspired
by the iconic music of David Bowie. The heavy beat in Bowie’s song “I’m Afraid of Americans”
combined with flashing strobe lights expresses an atmosphere of terror. Jean explains: “To
increase the tension, I taught having trained police dogs with their handler hidden in a costume
would make the audience cringe even more and perhaps match the violence in Bowie’s music.”
Jean visited the K9Force Dog Club in November 2021 to discuss his plans of having some
serious dogs on stage. Isabella hesitated at first, fearing that any mishap in front of so many
people would become national news. Yet, Jean’s enthusiasm and artistic perspective won her
over. Three dogs were selected to perform in pairs: Atilla, Azelle, and Benny. The three siblings
are accomplished sport dogs with numerous IGP titles, but
neither of them did have any previous stage experience.
The ballet dancers were excited to work with their new canine
cast members. The dogs inquisitively looked around whilst
the dancers moved around them. Well-trained to follow their
handler, the dogs’ calm presence did not quite match with
the sought-after ‘ready to charge’ attitude. What better magic
than Ball Crazy Ballet? Fitted with a ball on each wrist, the
dancers swirled around the dogs. Each ball shown provided
an excellent invitation for Atilla, Azelle and Benny to play, jump
and bark. Nothing new for these dogs. Ball play is how they are
rewarded in training.
The stage bell rings, and Isabella makes her way up to the big
stage of the Jubilee. The music is loud, the lights are flashing, the dancers are flying across the
stage. Azelle and Benny are ready to play. Then... one of the dancers comes too close to Azelle.
The dog doesn’t think twice and grasps a ball from the dancer’s wrist. On command Azelle
drops the ball and Isabella quickly kicks it out of the way. That’s a nice game! Two German
Shepards pull hard on their leashes, feeding of each others’ energy to fetch the rolling ball.
Isabella manages to regain control. She keeps the pair moving into the right direction of the
stage. After all, the show must go on. The audience is in awe of the impressive presence of the
dogs so well into their act. Not quite what Isabella had expected of her first performance. A sigh
of relieve escapes her back in the dressing room.
Isabella recounts that the dogs knew exactly what was expected of them, right from the
moment the car pulled into the theatre parking lot to the down time we all enjoyed together in
their dressing room. Their backstage routine, six minutes of intricate choreography and timely
exits became second nature. Not afraid of all that was brought on stage, the dogs loved the
experience and all the attention they received. Backstage before the performance, the dancers
would spend that time petting and comforting the dogs. By the fourth show, they had learned
whom of the dancers had balls attached to their wrists. Knowing they would get to play with the
balls after every exit, these became their favourite new friends.
The warmth and inclusivity of the entire performance and support team fostered lasting
connections between dancers, dogs and their handler, even after the final curtain fell. Isabella
reminisces: “We rehearsed together for about twelve hours, and I always felt comfortable. We
had our own dressing room. The dancers,
the stage crew, the ladies from the dressing
room - they were all fantastic people.
Everyone treated the dogs with respect
and care. After several weeks of working
together, we still keep in touch.”
Artistic Director Jean was impressed by
how well the dogs supported the dancers
on the big stage. Playing bad with the
SWAT team on stage first, then only 14
minutes later they needed to be ready
for their choreographed reverence. If not
already, Atilla, Azelle and Benny ‘sitting
pretty’ surely won the audience’s hearts.
Jean looks back: “I think we learned a lot
more about working dogs and what they
can actually do. We learned to respect their
courage... which is why the responsibility
we have towards them is so enormous. I
have never seen dogs becoming actual
protagonists who move the narrative
forward before. It was a huge success!
I think it may have even been the first
time fierce dogs were included in a ballet
performance.”
Image courtesy of Paul McGrath
Canine Athletes
The Crucial Role of Off-
Season Conditioning for
Sport Dogs
For dedicated sport dog handlers,
the off-season is not a time to hit
pause on their canine athlete’s
training and conditioning. In fact,
during this period of reduced
competitive activity the foundations
for future training success are
developed. Maintaining canine
conditioning during the off-season
is a key factor in sustaining peak
performance, preventing injuries,
and fostering the overall well-being
of our hard-working athletes.
Sustaining Peak Performance:
Sport dogs require a high level of fitness and conditioning to excel in their respective fields.
The off-season provides an opportunity to fine-tune and sustain the peak physical condition
achieved during active periods. A regular schedule of targeted exercises not only prevents the
loss of muscle mass, it also supports to maintain our dog’s endurance and agility.
Injury Prevention:
One of the primary reasons for maintaining canine conditioning during the off-season is
injury prevention. Our sport dogs engage in physically demanding activities which put strain
on muscles, joints, and ligaments. Without consistent conditioning, these structures may
weaken, making the dog more susceptible to injuries when they resume intense training or
competition. Off-season conditioning helps maintain the strength and flexibility necessary to
support our sport dog’s athletic endeavours, reducing the risks of strains and sprains.
Longevity and Career Sustainability:
A well-conditioned off-season routine contributes to the longevity of a sport dog’s career.
By preserving physical health and preventing injuries, we can extend our dog’s competitive
lifespan. This not only benefits the dog’s overall well-being but also allows for a more fulfilling
and extended partnership between the dog and its handler.
Mental Well-Being:
Canine athletes thrive on routine and purpose. The off-season, if not managed properly, can
lead to boredom and restlessness. Maintaining a structured conditioning program keeps the
body in shape, provides mental stimulation, prevents behavioural issues that may arise from
inactivity. Engaging the dog’s mind through training exercises and activities during the off-
season helps preserve their mental sharpness, focus and attentiveness.
Team Bonding and Communication:
Off-season conditioning is an excellent opportunity for handlers to strengthen the bond with
their sport dogs. Working together on exercises and training activities builds trust, reinforces
precise communication, and enhances overall engagement. A strong bond is a critical
success factor for optimal teamwork in training and competitions.
Adaptive Training:
The off-season is an ideal time to introduce new training techniques or address specific
weaknesses in a sport dog’s
skill set. By identifying areas
that need improvement
and implementing targeted
exercises, handlers can
enhance the dog’s overall
performance. This adaptive
approach to training ensures
that the team continues to
evolve and progress, setting the
stage for a competitive edge
when the season resumes.
Weight Management and
Nutrition:
With reduced activity during the
off-season, it’s crucial to monitor
a sport dog’s weight and adjust
their diet accordingly. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for
overall health and prevents unnecessary strain on joints and muscles. Proper nutrition and
regular exercise ensure that the dog remains in optimal condition.
In the world of canine sports, the off-season is not a downtime but a critical phase for laying
the foundations for future success. By prioritizing off-season conditioning, we as handlers
invest in the health and performance of our sport dogs. It is a pro-active approach that
considers both physical and mental well-being, fosters a strong bond between the handler
and dog, and ensures the team is ready to conquer the challenges of the upcoming trial
season. For sport dogs, the off-season is not a break from training. It is
a strategic opportunity for growth and sustained excellence.
Image courtesy of J Shantz Photography