By Adam Karabasz
Czort and I have just returned from Apeldoorn, where we competed in our first international competition. It’s difficult to put into words what this trip truly meant to me. On the surface, it was just a few days in a foreign country, but to me, it represented the culmination of years of hard work, moments of self-doubt, small victories, and an unwavering belief in what could be achieved.
It’s funny to think about how it all began. Until this year, I was content training at our club, entering local trials now and then. I didn’t dare to dream of something bigger—international trials felt reserved for professionals, those with more experience, better connections, and dogs bred for greatness. I was a novice handler who just loved the sport.
When Czort came into my life, I knew from the moment I met him that he was special. He wasn’t just a dog; he was my partner. He challenged me, pushed me, and reminded me why I fell in love with IGP in the first place. Together, we began achieving things I had once thought impossible.
Each year, we set new goals: BH and IGP1, IGP2, and IGP3—always refining, always improving. For 2024, one goal was set: to compete in a bigger, multi-day trial away from home. There was no specific event in mind, just the challenge of stepping outside our comfort zone.
When the opportunity to compete at the CACIT Netherlands arose, I hesitated. It wasn’t just about signing up—it meant leaving the safety of familiarity, exposing myself to a new level of scrutiny, and risking failure. But someone close to me once said, “You don’t grow in your comfort zone.” So, I took a deep breath and signed us up.
Preparing for an event like this is an adventure in itself. It’s not just about training—it’s about planning every detail. Traveling overseas, adapting to new climates and terrains, and navigating unfamiliar competition rules was no small feat. A few weeks before the event, we flew to the Czech Republic to train with some of the best in the sport.
Watching these seasoned handlers and their dogs train was both humbling and inspiring. There were days when I felt completely out of my depth, but the kindness of strangers—their advice, their encouragement—kept me moving forward. And while IGP often feels like an individual sport, the truth is, no one achieves greatness alone. A team is an invaluable resource, offering guidance, support, and camaraderie. No individual can accomplish what a team achieves together.
The night before the competition, I drew number 36: obedience first, then tracking, and finally protection. Czort and I would follow Mathias Dögel and his legendary Malinoisd, Esh. Mathias stood up on many podiums and won numerous competitions. I went to say hi, and, yet again, met a very nice, smiling, approachable person. We had a small chat and soon were cracking Malinois vs German Shepherd jokes.
Stepping onto the field in Apeldoorn was surreal. The stadium buzzed with energy—spectators, competitors, and judges from around the world. The pressure was overwhelming. This wasn’t just about scores; it was about representing my dog, my club, and everyone who had supported us.
Our first phase was obedience. I had envisioned this moment countless times: Czort and I moving in perfect harmony. But reality wasn’t like envisioned. Czort was distracted, his focus wandering across the field, taking in every detail. My heart sank, but I held my composure. We finished with a respectable 83 points.
Tracking was a different story—a triumph. Czort was methodical and determined, his focus unwavering. It felt like we were perfectly in sync. When the judge announced our score—95 points—I was ecstatic.
Protection was the final phase, and it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Watching Czort charge into the long attack, his power and confidence on full display, was a proud moment. It wasn’t a perfect routine, but it was ours, and I was incredibly happy with the result.
The closing ceremony came quickly after, with podium presentations, photos, conversations, and bittersweet goodbyes. And just like that, the CACIT Netherlands was over.
This competition wasn’t just about titles or scores—it was about proving to myself that I belonged. It reminded me of everything I love about IGP. It’s not just the work; it’s the community that lifts you up, the team that supports you, and the dogs who teach you more about yourself than you ever imagined.
Czort and I didn’t come home with a trophy, but we returned with something even more valuable: the courage to dream and the determination to keep chasing those dreams. This isn’t the end of our story—it’s just the beginning.
K9Force (2024, December). From Doubt to Success: How Czort and I Made It Through the Biggest Challenge Yet https://publuu.com/flip-book/199364/1605518/page/8
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this blog, contact info@k9force.ca
Last image courtesy of Maatwerk Fotografie & Pieter Verheij
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