by Juraj Miklos
It’s hard to put into words what the Fight or Die (FoD) Academy experience meant to me. When I first got the confirmation that I’d be attending, I couldn’t believe it. Really, me? A guy from the middle of Canada, getting the chance to learn from some of the best minds in the dog sport?
Jany Böhm's achievements as a handler in dog sport are impressive, yet he remains humble in his approach. With over two decades of experience, he has earned notable placements, including 2nd at the FCI World Championship in 2016, 4th at the FMBB World Championship in 2017, and 1st at the CACIT Dobriš, competition in 2023. His success is built on a commitment to precision and growth, not just for himself, but for the handlers and dogs he works with. And being coached by him felt surreal.
I had already spent hours watching videos of their techniques, trying to absorb every small detail. But after Isabella and Cobra’s success at CACIT Dobriš, something special happened. Jan Bohm, one of the key figures at FoD, approached us and said, “You guys did an amazing job.” That moment made it clear: watching videos wasn’t enough anymore. We needed to push forward, to learn directly from the source. Isabella agreed, and we set our sights on attending FoD Academy.
When my spot was confirmed, it was like a dream come true. But soon, I realized that this was just the beginning. The reality was so much more intense than I had imagined. The moment I stepped out of the car at the academy, I saw helpers already running around, setting up the field under Jany’s direction. Without thinking, I jumped in to help. It was like stepping into a Formula 1 pit crew—everyone knew exactly what to do, and I was welcomed in immediately. That feeling of being part of the team from the get-go? Unforgettable.
As we got warmed up, I walked my dog and prepared for what would be a transformative three days of training. Once the plan was set, we suited up, and it was time to get to work. Jany came over to ask what I wanted to focus on, and I gave him a few details. What happened next left a lasting impression. The entire training session was centered on small, specific movements—things I wouldn’t have noticed without his expert eye. He even pointed out subtle changes in the dog's breathing that I needed to focus on. The level of attention to detail was beyond anything I’d experienced before.
One thing Jan Bohm repeated again and again was that we, as helpers, are not there to build our own egos or push dogs out of the field; we are there to help the judge test the dog. It’s about ensuring that the dogs are tested properly, helping them improve, and doing our part to serve the sport, not ourselves. Even though I’ve only been in the sport for four years, this experience at FoD Academy has shifted my perspective. My goal now is to prepare the dogs in my club to reach the highest levels. The academy taught me that it’s about harmony between handler and dog, building a strong, cohesive team.
Of course, there were moments at FoD where Jany’d say, “We don’t do that” or “We never do this.” Those are lessons for another time, or perhaps for a conversation if you catch me in person. But one thing is for sure: being part of FoD Academy is a privilege, and I’m committed to representing them in the best way possible, whether as a helper or handler. It’s like being in a Formula 1 team—always pushing, always motivated to do more.
Jan Bohm’s vision for the future of dog sport is truly inspiring and aligns perfectly with the values we’ve been taught and embraced at my own club, K9Force. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him, his fiancée, and the entire FoD team.
Together, let’s keep pushing the sport forward! Let’s do this!
K9Force (2024, October). Fight or Die Academy: My Unforgettable Experience
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this blog, contact info@k9force.ca
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