Fresh off the excitement of the K9Force CUP, Adam and I packed our bags and headed to the Netherlands to participate in a significant event—the first CACIT competition held there. This year marked a "dry run" for the Netherlands as it prepares to officially join the CACIT Golden League series next year.
For those unfamiliar, the CACIT Golden League is an annual series of prestigious competitions held in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, with the Netherlands soon to be added. These competitions stand at the pinnacle of the IGP world, showcasing the highest levels of skill, sportsmanship, and dog-handling expertise.
One of the most appealing aspects of the CACIT Golden League is its inclusiveness. Unlike the World Championships, which often involve complex qualifications and layers of bureaucracy, the CACIT Golden League is open to all. There are no prerequisites, no political hoops to jump through—just pure, open competition. The hosting organization independently selects its judges and helpers, ensuring an impartial environment. Despite being a relatively new series, only two years old, the Golden League has already established a reputation for securing top-tier judges and highly skilled helpers, attracting elite competitors from around the world.
Held in Apeldoorn, the event's organization was stellar from start to finish. From the draw night to the closing ceremony, everything was meticulously planned, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that still maintained the intensity expected at this level. Some of the biggest names in the sport joined the competition, including Yulian Hatala, winner of CACIT Germany 2024; Mathias Dögel, winner of CACIT Dobris and the 2024 Golden League; and Knut Fuchs, who claimed victory in the Golden League in 2023.
A highlight was the exceptional work by the German helper, Lars Kamp, whose long attacks were just phenomenal. The level of pressure he applied to the dogs was intense, yet he remained centered, precise, and in control always keeping the dogs safe and presenting the sleeve perfectly.
Alongside the top-level competition in protection, the tracking phase at CACIT Netherlands deserves its own spotlight. This was the third time this year I've witnessed such an exceptional level of organizational and track-laying—an experience that stands out not only for its precision but for the conditions that were provided to help each competitor succeed.
The field was a lush, vibrant green, with grass so carefully maintained it seemed almost designed for 100-point tracks. Every element was set up to allow competitors to fully showcase their training and skill, and the tracks were laid with such accuracy and consistency that each dog-handler team had a clear shot at a perfect score. It was a "go and get them" atmosphere, where the quality of track-laying reflected the high standards of the entire event.
Our time at CACIT Netherlands was unforgettable, filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and a profound sense of privilege to be part of such a prestigious event. It was a rare opportunity not only to compete at this level but also to forge new friendships and reconnect with familiar faces from past events. The sense of community here was strong, with a shared respect for the dedication and skill it takes to participate.
The true highlight of our journey was Adam’s performance. As a first-time handler, he finished an impressive 14th overall and took 2nd place among German Shepherds—a fantastic achievement that left us incredibly proud.
Competing at CACIT Netherlands was an experience that went far beyond the scores. Being part of such a high-caliber event gave us a chance to grow, not only as handlers but also as students of the sport. Surrounded by talented competitors and their exceptional dogs, we gained invaluable insights and left inspired to continue refining our skills.
The CACIT Golden League is more than just a competition; We’re already looking forward to participating again next year, eager to build on this year’s experience and reconnect with the incredible community it brings together.
K9Force (2024, December). CACIT Netherlands https://publuu.com/flip-book/199364/1605518/page/16
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this blog, contact info@k9force.ca
Images courtesy of Maatwerk Fotografie & Pieter Verheij
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