By Isabella Oxsengendler
Where does one’s journey truly begin? Is it on the day a decision is made, or is it the culmination of events leading up to that moment?
Where is that line, that precise point in time one can define as the start?
Did our journey start eight years ago with a vision of creating something special—not just a club, but a team, a unit? Or was it when Alfred messaged me about his nutty Airedale puppy? Perhaps it was meeting Adam and Dorota in Montreal years ago before any of us moved to Calgary? Maybe it was the day John brought his three-year-old Rottweiler to the club, or when Barbora called to talk about the puppy her partner had brought from Slovakia? It could be when Serge flew all the way to Vancouver to support us at our first trial….
Or did it start that day I asked Juraj to put on the helper pants? Who could define that exact line, that beginning?
Part One: The Call to Adventure
Summer 2023. We all sat together in the clubhouse after a good training session. What started as a fun conversation soon turned serious. Before we knew it, Juraj was drawing the historical number of entries at the Czech National Championship on the board. We meticulously started studying the rules to understand what needed to be done to get us there. And the decision was made—we were going to the Czech Republic to compete with the best they had to offer.
Part Two: Crossing the Threshold
The next months became a blur. The weeks flew by, each day melding into the next as we approached the culmination of our hard work. The club had become our second home, a place where sweat and dedication paved the way for dreams. Every team member was driven by the same passion, a shared goal that kept us moving forward despite the challenges.
None of us considered ourselves "professional dog trainers." We all have day jobs, families, kids, or partners who require our attention and time. Yet, we squeezed in training every day. Those who wanted it badly enough found a way.
"I have 15 minutes to work Cobra between my jobs," a text from Juraj could come at any time. And there I was, jumping in my truck, driving to the club.
At night, I worked on smaller pieces of obedience and protection with Adam. We trained, filmed, reviewed, tried again, filmed again, adjusted, and repeated.
A conditioning and nutrition coach was hired for Cobra. Bi-weekly online sessions, a program specifically designed for him, and a nutrition plan we followed to a tee. Cobra was also under the supervision of Ang, a friend and K9 Bodyworker, receiving recurring massages to ensure his muscles were in the best shape. We did everything to ensure a successful performance.
Part Three: The Catalysts
May 2024. On Sunday, after a particularly grueling session, we sat in the quiet clubhouse, reflecting on our journey. The exhaustion was palpable, but so was the excitement. Each day brought us closer to our goal.
That day, CACIT Dobříš registration had started, and within 24 hours, almost all 90 spots were filled.
"You should stay for another week and do the CACIT," Juraj said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I’ll think about it tonight," I replied, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions.
"Nothing to think about, you are there, just do it," echoed Adam, his tone decisive and encouraging.
Two minutes later, my registration was submitted. I was the 90th on the list.
The realization hit me like a truck. I was about to take on another significant challenge. There was no turning back now. The decision, made in a matter of moments, had set the next phase of our journey in motion. The team rallied around me; their support was unwavering.
Part Four: The Ordinary World
The next week’s days were packed from dusk till dawn. Early morning sessions at the tracking field, followed by day jobs, then back to the field for more training. Every moment was dedicated to ensuring we were ready for the challenge ahead.
We secured Team Cobra sponsors, finalized the logo that would represent the team, and ordered and printed T-shirts, a tangible symbol of our unity and determination. Arranging travel and accommodation was no small feat, but we tackled it with the same commitment and attention to detail that we applied to our training.
As the day of our departure drew closer, excitement and nerves intertwined. We knew we had done everything possible to prepare. We had trained hard, planned meticulously, and built a strong, supportive team around us.
Part Five: Into the Wild
Finally, the day had arrived. Our last morning in Calgary was spent with a final tracking session. As we finished, I patted Cobra, feeling a mix of nerves and thrill.
We loaded the gear into the truck and made our way to the airport. Alfred was already waiting for us, a reassuring presence amid the bustling terminal. His calm demeanor was invaluable as we navigated through the process of checking in Cobra and my luggage.
As I boarded the plane, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The journey was truly beginning. Sitting in my seat, I texted my friend Ang, who would be joining us in ten days.
"You are ready for this," she replied, her words a soothing boost to my confidence.
Landing in Germany, we were greeted by the hot and humid air and the promise of the challenge ahead. I retrieved Cobra, who was no worse for wear after the flight, his energy undiminished. The six-hour drive to the Czech Republic was filled with a mix of awe and determination. The landscape was beautiful, and the reality of our journey set in with every passing mile.
Part Six: Heat and Hopes
We had less than two weeks to prepare for our first competition. I knew this time of year was always hot in Europe, but even in my nightmares, I couldn't have imagined the relentless 35-degree heat coupled with high humidity every day. Cobra suffered in this weather. He wasn't himself—his appetite was low, and his usual enthusiasm on the training field was noticeably diminished. Balancing the need for training with his acclimatization period was a challenge.
Each day, I meticulously planned our training sessions to avoid the peak heat hours. Early mornings and late evenings became our routine, but even then, the oppressive heat lingered. Despite the setbacks, there were glimmers of progress. Cobra began to adapt, slowly regaining his appetite and showing flashes of his usual self during our training sessions. Each small victory bolstered my spirits and reinforced our bond. We were in this together, facing the challenges head-on.
There were moments of doubt and frustration. The isolation weighed heavily on me. Without the immediate support of my team, I felt the pressure more acutely. I couldn't wait for my friend Ang to arrive, her energy and enthusiasm a perfect counterbalance to the fatigue and stress that had built up over the past weeks.
Two days after Ang’s arrival, we drove to Vratimov, where we were set to meet Juraj and his family and compete in the Czech Championship. It was a much-needed break from the intensity of our preparations. Surrounded by good company and good food, the evening was filled with warmth and hospitality. We shared stories and laughter, and I felt a deep sense of camaraderie and support that had been missing from our journey.
As we settled into our accommodations for the night, I felt a renewed sense of energy and determination.
Part Seven: Official Training and New Beginnings
The next day dawned with a mix of excitement and nerves. It was the day of official training, the draw, and the opening ceremony for the Czech Championship. I woke up early, the first light of dawn creeping through the window. The air was still cool, a brief respite before the inevitable heat of the day set in. We made our way to the stadium. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Handlers and their dogs from all over had gathered, each team bringing their unique energy and story.
Our official training session went well. Cobra moved with confidence, responding to my commands with precision and enthusiasm. His focus was sharp. Each successful maneuver filled me with pride and reassured me that our hard work was paying off. After training, it was time for the draw. This would determine the order of our performances. I held my breath as I picked our number—52. We were set to start with tracking around noon the next day.
Part Eight: Trials and Tribulations
The next three days flew by in a whirlwind of emotions. Our performances were strong and showcased solid basics; however, we made some significant mistakes that were reflected in our scores. Points. We train for points and always hope that on the day of the competition, there will be no significant point losses. Yet, we lost 7 points in tracking for getting up and lying on the articles, 10 points for the send-away, and another 5 for taking off on the A-wall before the command.
The protection phase was a mess from the start. I lost myself between the six blinds and failed to guide Cobra properly. That, along with an additional out command, resulted in almost a 20-point loss. Points... We train for points and always hope that on the day of the competition, they will be in our favor. Unfortunately, that did not happen for us that weekend.
Each mistake felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders. Cobra’s performance mirrored my own; where I faltered, he followed. I couldn't help but replay every misstep in my mind, dissecting what went wrong and where I could have done better. The disappointment was sharp, cutting through the veneer of confidence I had tried to maintain.
Despite the setbacks, there were moments of pride. Our strong basics were evident, and there were flashes of brilliance in Cobra’s performance that reminded me of his potential. The support from Ang, Juraj, and my Team back home were invaluable during these tough times. They provided encouragement and a much-needed perspective, reminding me that every competition is a learning experience.
The final day of the competition brought a mix of relief and reflection. As the results were announced and we saw our ranking, a wave of emotions washed over me. We placed 37th out of 70 participants. It was not the result we had hoped for and was not easy to swallow. Yet, within the disappointment, there was a determination to improve and a resolve to come back stronger.
That evening, we gathered with Ang, Juraj, and his family for one last meal before parting ways. We shared our experiences and laughed at the small victories.
As we prepared to leave Vratimov, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was clear: learn from our mistakes, train harder, and come back stronger. Cobra and I were a Team, and this competition was just one chapter in our journey. With the unwavering support of friends and the lessons learned from our challenges, we were ready to face the future with renewed determination.
Part Nine: Regrouping and Relearning
We took two days off to relax and come up with a new strategy. CACIT Dobříš was in two weeks, and I had to find a way to showcase Cobra the way he deserved. The week before I drove to our destination—Dobříš—was filled with travel. I had a unique opportunity to train with the best of the best: Václav Ouska, Jan Sedlák, Jany Böhm, Yulian Hatala, and Tatiana Pravda. These names are legends in our world, and their help was invaluable.
We trained daily, tackling the problems that had arisen in our last competition. No one can retrain a dog in ten days: it's not possible. It was more about finding the triggers that led to those major point losses. Cobra’s tendency to get up and lie on the articles during tracking, his premature takeoff on the A-wall, and our struggles with the blinds in the protection phase all needed to be addressed.
As the days counted down to CACIT Dobříš, my confidence began to rebuild. The lessons learned from the last competition, combined with the guidance from these elite trainers, had set us on a better path.
The road to Dobříš was not just a physical journey but a mental and emotional one as well. With a renewed strategy and the strength of our experiences, we were ready to face this next challenge, determined to show the world what we were truly capable of.
Part Ten: The Magic of CACIT Dobříš
CACIT Dobříš will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s a truly beautiful competition with a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and unity. The judges, helpers, and track layers were all high-level, respected, and knowledgeable. Handlers from sixteen countries traveled to Dobříš to take part in this celebration of the sport.
The night of the draw, Juraj drove in to support me and Cobra. It was a relief, as my nerves and doubts had been taking over. I drew number 29 and immediately joked that it was a lucky number—two nines. We were set to start with obedience at 6:15 PM the following day.
Obedience:
In the morning, I went to the stadium to watch the first competitors. The judging was tough. Obedience judge Jitka Jozová noticed the smallest imperfections in the performances, and the points reflected it. My heart sank. Could we do it? Then I saw a beautiful performance from a Bulgarian competitor—94 points. At that moment, I knew exactly what the judge was looking for. I knew we had it.
We presented on the field at 6 PM that day. Cobra felt powerful and contained. He nailed all the exercises with grace and precision. I heard a sigh from the stands when I had to give a second command on the send-away.
The critique was short—almost all exercises were rated "excellent" except for two.
95 points.
The feeling was surreal. The audience erupted in applause, and I felt a wave of pride and relief. Cobra had given his best, and it showed. Every step, every command, every moment of our performance reflected the hard work and dedication we had poured into our training.
Protection:
The next day was our protection phase. I always feel it’s our weakest discipline. I never feel ready. Balancing the power of my dog, his desire to fight and win with his trainability, is challenging. Juraj's presence was a calming force. He walked us to the field, calmly reassuring me that we were ready.
We stepped onto the field, and I could hardly remember the whole routine. The blind search went smoothly without any mess on my part, and Cobra showed how powerful and strong he is. Every grip, every out, every guard displayed how special he is as a dog and the solid foundation we've built at home.
Protection judge Berry Kleinhesselink did not miss a beat—he penalized me for some handler help but awarded us 91 points. I was happy.
That night, as I lay in bed, the events of the day replayed in my mind. The nerves, the performance, the applause—it all felt like a dream. But it was real, and it was ours. Cobra and I had faced our challenges head-on and emerged stronger.
Tracking:
Tracking was our last discipline. Martin Pejša, who had just won the Czech Championship two weeks prior, was the tracking judge. I am a long-standing fan of Martin and being able to compete and be judged by him in two different events was a big deal for me.
Cobra tracked beautifully, and as we approached the last article, I felt we had a solid performance. But then, to my dismay, he decided not to indicate the last article. I saw a brief stop—he acknowledged it and then continued to track. Until that crucial moment, his focus, precision, and drive were evident, but the failure to indicate the last article was a significant setback.
I quickly glanced at Martin—his disappointment mirrored my own. As someone I deeply respected, his judgment carried weight. I felt the weight of the missed opportunity and the realization that even in our strongest discipline, perfection was elusive.
Part Eleven: Farewell
After the tracking phase, we returned to the stadium.
The stadium buzzed with a mix of anticipation and celebration. Handlers and their dogs milled around, sharing stories and congratulating each other. There was a noticeable sense of camaraderie that transcended competition, a feeling of unity and mutual respect among everyone present.
This was my last day in the Czech Republic, as we were flying home the following day. I wanted to soak in the atmosphere, take pictures with fellow competitors, judges, helpers, and new friends. Each photo was a memento of the incredible experiences we’d shared. The sense of community was overwhelming, and I felt a deep sense of belonging.
When the final rankings were announced, I was very pleased with our 7th place overall and the High Obedience Award. We had worked hard for this, and the recognition felt like a validation of our efforts. The journey had been challenging but incredibly rewarding.
As I walked to the award ceremony, I knew my team and family back home were watching us live. Despite having left my phone in the car, I felt my watch buzzing nonstop with congratulations. Each buzz was a reminder of the support and encouragement that had carried us through the tough times.
The award ceremony was a beautiful culmination of the event. Standing on the podium, accepting the High Obedience Award, I felt a surge of pride and gratitude. Cobra stood by my side, his eyes bright and alert, as if sensing the significance of the moment.
Epilogue
As the sun set on our final day in Dobříš, I started driving to Frankfurt, reflecting on the journey. From the challenges of our previous competition to the intense training, every moment had led us to this point. The ups and downs, the triumphs and setbacks, had all been part of a larger narrative that had strengthened us and honed our skills. Despite my initial doubts, we had proven ourselves capable.
I know there will be more competitions, more challenges, and more opportunities to showcase our skills. But for now, as we drove away from Dobříš, I felt a profound sense of pride and grace. We had given our best, and it was enough.
My deep gratitude goes to my Team and everyone who believed in us. Your unwavering support and belief in our abilities have been the cornerstone of our success. Your encouragement, even during the toughest times, has fueled our determination and perseverance. Thank you!
Together, we can achieve anything.
K9Force (2024, August). The Journey
© K9Force WDC 2024. For permission to reproduce any article in this blog, contact info@k9force.ca
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