Presidential Advice

Until Dr. Henke, President of the S.V., gave me the idea, I was not really sure how and where and when I should launch this project. But his advice was clear, to come back to the Sieger show in Nürnberg and have it done. So I am working on this as I write to you. Here we are at the Herding Trials in Stettbach, where I also met Karl Fueller, legendary Shepherd and breeder. Well, if I start writing about all the things at the Herding Trial like: the first Interview with female Shepherd and Siegerin Nancy, or the owner of Von Noriswand Kennels, or the dinner at which Rheinhard Dieterich and family introduced me to their family schnapps, I would not be able to finish my project. Thanks to all those wonderful persons including Dr. Henke for spending so much time with me in the Interview and for his Presidential Advice!

The German Shepherd Dog - 110yrs Later

From Poland to Peru, I have had a pouring in of inquiries as to when we will launch. And the answer seems to be Next Year's Seiger Show. Everyone is really excited about all the individual stories from the Old Breeders and keepers of the tradition. But equally interesting are the stories of the normal persons who achieved extraordinary things with their dogs.


Like Fax Adelmannsfelder Land pictured here with his owner Birgit Gotlieb who achieved with him: 4x Teilnehmer DM DHV, 4x Quali LGA, 3x Kreismeister, 4x unter den ersten 10 der Landesmeisterschaft HSVRM, 2x LG-FH, 2x Landesmeisterschaft der Fährtenhunde.

Check out Fax doing his Schutzdienst routine with me in their club, just 4 weeks ago. Fax is now 11 years old. And he is still STRONG !

Many more stories like these I have included of some really wonderful dogs and the people who took me into their homes and hearts to show me their pride and passion- their German Shepherd Dog!

Auf Wiedersehen!!

After all the bright lights at the stadium we say Goodbye, to our many friends and supporters. Although Xito was ill for the last two phases, we earned the respect of our fellow competitors. We were there in the line-up and we tried very hard. So now we have more experience and many more admirers and friends. Next year we will be in Spain and we will be better. I now have a lot of work to do for the book and DVD and I may be travelling back to Germany to do more research, and maybe launch at next year's Seiger Show.
Thanks to all my new friends in Germany and my family and friends in Trinidad and Tobago.

Top of the Draw

Who would guess that out of 170 positions Trinidad would get the luck and I would pick #1. Unbelieveable, the feeling out here in Krefeld. I had some little problems in the warm up session with Xito and he is still looking for his German owner with whom he is used to doing big trials. So when I got to the draw ceremony I was thinking that I shouldn't draw the first position and then I got #1. Lucky for me it doesn't mean the first in all phases. I do tracking tomorrow at 6.30am and then Protection on Friday at 2pm and then on Saturday I do the obedience at 4pm. So all in all it was a good draw for position. Alot of 1's as this is the 1st Team ever for Trinidad, with just 1 competitor and in draw position #1. Maybe this is a good run so far.

Ready, Aim, Fire

The BSP results are in and I am happy that Jogi Zank won with Eric, as I must interview him about his successes in the past and now this. We are ready to go to Krefeld and will register tomorrow. Xito and I had another good day of training and we are getting alot of support from our friends in Germany. We also have earned the respect of many persons who recognise our efforts in coming to the championship given all the circumstances. We know this is a start of something and we are ready to go.....

One good Track

A good track for Xito and me today in training, I hope it goes like this in Krefeld. All else is going well, and Frederick and I are tracking in the fields with Xito trying to work on our last minute points... I will not be going to the BSP because of time lost in training, so I must double up in Krefeld and after this so I can speak with all the persons I missed in Donnau Eschingen. I will keep you posted.

Training at the Conneforde Club

Mike Tyson said when he used to run in the morning very early-' I run at this time because I know my opponent is asleep.' Well, today in some very cold temperatures for me in the North of Germany, Xito von Conneforde and I were running, and then training multiple times, until almost 9pm. I know in the Sport World this is normal but only the top competitors know about this..... So I am training and training and maybe tomorrow I will get a little exposure of the 'lesser-known event' - Oktoberfest, in the town. Yes, how can you be in Germany at this time and not partake in this tradition. But with our training schedule, it is very difficult to see much else besides the dog sports. So we continue, and this weekend we will be at the BSP in Donnau Esching and then we are off to Krefeld, for registration. Time creeps up on you when you are busy, and having fun in Germany!

The Shepherds Speak

To be a fly on the wall or a flea in the grass really, today was exceptional. I got to witness a lesson from Karl Heinz, expert Sheep herder, and ovelooking as usual was Karl Fueller ( on the right) with his dog Urie vom Kirschental. Marion Fueller, helpeed alot with the translations, but Karl made it easier with his gestures and him showing the young American shepherd, who visited just for a lesson, how it's done. Much excitement as at one point, I thought the sheep didn't perceive my presence and might run me over. But the German Shepherd Dog, from Karl Heinz, rescued me by making them stop. Amazing dogs, amazing people.... I am off to see Xito my dog for the competition and my friend Frederick Garbo - his owner, in a little bit. And tomorrow we go to the Doellenwiese Kennel....

Alot at the BLH

Historic occurences today at the Sheepherding Championships. The first ever female Shepherd to win the trial. I got a surprise interview with her and her coach. Also, I got to sit with Dr. Wolfgang Henke the president of the WUSV and it was a blast. He shared his breeding ideas from his kennel, and some more stuff about the ethics of the club and his vision. I also got to see many breeders and competitors. Tomorrow, I will see Karl Füller's kennel and then I am off to start the training with Xito vom connefrode in our final leg before the WUSV. Also look out for interview updates with Bernhard Flinks as he gives me training tips he used in the Bundessieger Prüfung many times before.

Grabfeldau- A family affair

Many have said that the German Shepherd Zamp vom Thermados is the living example of a dog with perfect anatomy! Well, last evening after all the travel time, I had dinner with the Dieterich family, and Zamp was right there at our side. Just a regular guy hanging with the family. But it was truly amazing to sit with them and hear of their efforts as a family to work with the dogs and achieve such a high level of success, including Zamp as the World Champion, and now Quattro his son as a youth Champion.

I am now off to see http://www.fax-vom-adelmannsfelder-land.de/ in LangenselBold and tomorrow to Bamberg.

On the Road

From Viernheim to Bad Neustadt, I have been on the road. I was able to do my first Interview with the wonderful Sobek family and got to see the newest litter vom Morfelder Land. Then when I visited Tina Martin of Arminius 2000, I was surprised to get a group interview with cousins, Mike and Britta from the Winereau kennel. Up till late last night I was speaking with Mr. Maxein from Hassenborn kennel. I am off today by 4 trains to visit the great Zamp Thermados. And still I will have pictures for you from the BLH- Sheep herding trials this weekend.I will keep you posted

Passport Ready! 1st Stop - Mörfelder Land kennel

Fresh off the Plane I will be visiting Brigitte Sobek and her son Sebastian, who kindly agreed to shuttle me from Frankfurt airport, to the famous kennel. Their most famous bred dog being Caro, who won both the World Championships and BSP in 2006. Caro was handled by the famous Friedrich Biehler. The kennel continues to produce wonderful dogs that are both pleasing to watch and to watch do their work.

Take a look at the latest video from Eyko vom Mörfelder Land below. I am looking forward to meeting him, he's just what I need to get me to recover from my flying, totalling, when you add it all up -almost 2 days with connections ! Enjoy.

Mohnwiese Kennel - agrees in the final moments

I had said I had reached my limit of kennels and breeders as my list is over 30 persons already. But I had to make an exception for the kennel that bred the E-Litter von der Mohnwiese. Including the duo Eros- WUSV winner 2004 & 2005, and Ellute who was 10 years old at the kennel this year.

I have finally tied up all the loose ends for my visit to Germany this year and I found what Georgois and Sandra have on their website to be quite accurate - they are thanking everyone for all the support with regards to Ellute and how difficult it is to come to use him: "Nothing did stop you, neither to get around the bureaucracy to get a visa, nor for lasting for days journeys, to influence from the breeding of the German Shepherd according to the breed standard."

I know they understand how important these events, and dogs are to us. So I will see you at the WUSV !

Vom Rosseleck at the BSP

I have been watching Quasimodo vom Rosseleck for 2 years now as he goes onto BSP 2009. I had always liked his father Joker vom Schmiedegarten and heard many things about the breeding. So now I can ask all my questions at the BSP when I get to sit with Gabi Batista. Gabi pictured here with Celly vom Ecke, has persuaded Vom Ecke's Anja Lindenblat to join in on the Interview. Thanks Gabi, see you on October 2-4th.

Advice from Bernhard Flinks

Bernhard Flinks has graciously invited me to his facility in Albersdorf, not very far from my training base at the Conneforde Kennel. So this is one interview and opportunity I didn't know if I would get, and cannot let pass me by. Bernhard ,not only is a respected international trainer of handlers and helpers, but is also an accomplished competitor. Having amassed a career in the Police with K-9, he also had some of the most impressive protection scores with his dog Packo.

He seems to like a tough dog, and so do I. So I am sure he has a lot of advice he can share with me. If I can bring Xito along for the ride, maybe I will get some of the magic Bernhard always displayed in his competitions.

Q&A at the BSP- with Schmiedegarten

The Picture says it all. Ute Razcak has maintained a strong breeding program with a solid foundation on her female lines. They have produced some strong working dogs and continue the tradition to this day. At this year's BSP I will have a chance to sit with her and ask her questions about her using one of my all-time favourites Lasco Westfalensproß for the J, L, P, Q andR litters! Thanks Ute for being part of my project. See you at the BSP

Ute with Paya!

Q&A at the BSP

Because of the overwhelming responses that I have received from Breeders, competitors and enthusiasts alike, I have had to chunk some of my Interviews with some of the events. So when I go to the BSP, there are a couple of key interviews I will be doing, in addition to capturing some footage of the dogs before the competition to get a sneak peek into the pre-trial routines and some insider secrets of the competition. This week I got confirmation from the . Waldwinkel Kennel .Guenther Poerner was very accommodating, when I told him I have many questions about the Q and V litter, about his choice of studs, and of course about Dixi - his foundation bitch

The Döllenwiese Kennel and owner of Yoschy

It is rare that the Kennel producing the dogs and the owners of the dogs that go on to 'fly their flag' come together in one place. And that is what is happening with the Döllenwiese kennel. Frank Hennicke has arranged a visit to the Döllenwiese kennel and also to sit with Martina Mosdorf- owner of the famous Yoschy vom Döllenwiese. We will discuss the changes in the kennel and the dogs produced over the many years and the plans for the future.

Martina Mosdorf with Yoschy

The List is almost complete

Vit Singh is the first competitor from Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the WUSV World Championships. Together with Xito von Conneforde, the team will make history in Krefeld in October 8-11.

The List of Interviews is almost complete and I have a plethora of information to share with you. The prominent Working, Show and Utility Breeders have agreed. Joined by some competitors with careers starting in the '60's and even the ones that are much more recent. Owners of not just famous dogs, but dogs that have shaped the breed. I also, have confirmed to do a couple surprise Interviews at the Bundesleistungshüten and the Bundessiegerprüfung. The List of Breeders is still up and we actually added another breeder, just because of so many requests, so let me know and I will try to add them, or just leave a comment.

ALL ACCESS PASS TO TEAM FIEMERECK

Jürgen Wicht has granted me access to do an Interview with him about his kennel. A great kennel with over 45 years of teamwork with a clear idea of what they want to produce. Thanks to them I will get to peek inside this collaboration to see how they have produced such excellent dogs like Melinda, and Solo pictured above.

Remembering Asko von der Lutter

Hübner Werner owner and handler of the Legend- Asko von der Lutter will share with me all his stories about one of the most famous working GSD's of our time. Asko competed in both the BSP and WUSV from 1998, 1999 and 2000.









He was Bundessieger in 1998 and won the WUSV championships in 2000! Asko had 800+ progeny, including the Q Waldwinkel litter, and many other notables. Asko passed away at 13 years of age in 2007 and has made a huge impact on the breed. Thanks to Volker Hildebrand owner of Dasko vom Wolfsblick- another great Asko son, for setting up this meeting with a renowned GSD personality.

Working kennel Del Lupo Nero

Elke and Nell del Lupo Nero

Del Lupo Nero Kennel seems to have a lot going for it. A combination of friends, family, teamwork and dedication - resulting in well conformed working dogs. The kennel though started in 1999 seems to have made its mark on the working competitions and shows alike.

Not to mention their network of colleagues that includes Youth Champion - Carina Wagner!

Together Elke and her husband have produced some super dogs and continue to progress in their career. They are close to Kresfeld, where I will be in preparation for the WUSV Championships, maybe they could share some competition tips for my big weekend Oct 8-11!

Carina and Isy at the Deutscher Jungendmeister 2007

Judges Chambers- Jürgen Ritzi is on board!

Thanks to the help of my friend Koos Hassing of the Tiekerhook Kennels, Jürgen Ritzi who was a Chief Judge at last year's WUSV Championship is going to be part of my Interviews. Mr. Ritzi is also the tracking supervisor for this year's WUSV in Kresfeld.Even more impressive than his Judging career, is his breeding and training career under his kennel name Koerbelbach !

A HUGE name in the working world - even my Axel's father is linebred on the famous Gildo vom Koerbelbach !

TEAMSPORT JOGI ADDED

Jürgen (Jogi) Zank and Jenny Seefeld aka 'vom fluchtweg ' have been added to the list of interviews. Jogi will be in this years BSP with 2007 Vice Bundessieger Eric vom Sportpark. Here he is with an all time favourite Janko vom Vorwerkswald. Jenny Seefeld has helped put this together and I thank her for all the coordinating efforts. I am really looking forward to some extra coaching from this team as I shape up for the championships.

Let's talk ! 1 Vit to another - from the Czech Rep !

vit glisnik !

Vit Glisnik is no stranger to competition. In fact his wife is on the WUSV Czech team. So when I heard of his outstanding career in the Czech Republic and also that he has worked with many legendary persons in his country, I could not resist the chance for VIT to Interview VIT. Hopefully at the WUSV we can find some time to get his views and recommendations.

Ha. Ha ! Best of luck to the Czech team and thanks to Mr. Glisnik for making this project more International !

Gearing up for September

If you know anything about the activities in Germany you know that from this weekend all through October 11th is German Shepherd Time.

I am putting together my schedule and working with my Interview subjects in an effort to fit it all within the time I have. The three Major events I will be attending are:

SV-Bundesleistungshüten September 25-27 in Stettbach

SV-BundessiegerPrüfung October 2-4 in Donaueschingen

WUSV World Championships October 8-11 in Kresfeld

Also, I will be working on the list of personalities with your help, of the ones you want me to interview. This is -THE September to remember -and I'll make sure as much of it is recorded for you to see.

Sieger Show results are in

Vegas does it again!

The Sieger Show was held in Ulm this weekend and the results are in:

VA01 *Vegas du Haut Mansard
VA02 *Yerom vom Haus Salihin
VA03 *Yukon von der Bastillie
VA04 *Kwantum vom Klostermoor
VA05 *Ober von Bad-Boll
VA06 *Shicco von der Freiheit Westerholt
VA07 *Remo vom Fichtenschlag
VA08 *Bojan vom Pendler
VA09 *Paul vom Bierstadter Hof
V01 *Ustinov vom Römerland
V02 *Arex von der Wilhelmswarte
V03 *Paer vom Hasenborn
V04 *Clinten vom Holtkämper See
V05 *Gigolo von der Bärenschlucht
V06 *Dux de Intercanina
V07 *Fanto vom Renderau
V08 *Digger vom Elzmündungsraum
V09 *Igor von der Rommelsbach
V10 *Panjo vom Kirschental

We are 1 step closer to the WUSV. I am really excited to see some of the the kennel names in the top 10, that have agreed to be interviewed.

Q&A with Thomas Lapp

Thomas Lapp a renowned competitor and successful breeder with von den Wölfen kennels ,will be included in the Interviews Project. Thomas has competed in the BSP more than 15 times and has had such greats as Ahron vom Granit Rose and Falk von den Wölfen. Over the years we have seen may outstanding dogs from his kennel and I am interested in his breeding practices and ideas, in addition to his competitive experience. Looking forward to it !

TWO OF MY FAVES QUALIFY FOR BSP 2009

Jörg Sauer has qualified with his two dogs for the Bundessiegerprüfung 2009.

They have caught my attention for some time now and I am really excited they will both be there. Quintus Eqidius and Amigo von der Holzinger Au. Jörg also competed with Tyson von der Schiffslache in the BSP 2004, '05 and '06. He marks the first of the premier competitors that have agreed to take me down memory lane back to dogs like Sid vom Haus Gremm.

Certainly he competes with dogs that are well bred, Quintus (left) and Amigo (right), but Jörg definitely has some hidden secrets I intend to uncover.

Arminus?...... JA!

Tina Martin - Heiress to the Arminius Kennel will be joining our Interviews. The legacy of Hermann Martin lives on in his breeding and also because of the tireless efforts of Tina.

Quando Arminius' impact on the breed is far-reaching and to this day you can find him in pedigrees of some of the more successful dogs in the BSZS.

I know I will have much to ask about Hermann's impact and now Tina's successes with Arminius 2000.