Front cover: Millie
Owner: Ann McGloon
Photographer: Lynn Ballard
Alfred De Witte
As the competition season kicks into full swing, we’ve already held
our first trial of the year—and what a start it was! The energy,
sportsmanship, and quality of work on the field have set a high bar
for the months ahead.
A standout moment for the club came in April with Juraj’s
certification as a national-level helper. It’s a tremendous milestone
and a source of pride for all of us who’ve watched his unwavering
commitment to helping every dog (and handler) at K9Force reach
their full potential in Protection. Looking ahead, Juraj will lead a
workshop in August specifically for beginning helpers—part of
K9Force’s ongoing mission to build a strong foundation of talent
within the sport. Details about the workshop can be found on page
32.
This issue features a special spotlight on Search and Rescue—
exploring both the sport version offered by the USCA and the
essential, life-saving work of real-world SAR teams. Whether you're
curious about IRO (International Rescue Organization) deployments
or intrigued by the overlap with IGP training, these two articles are a
must-read.
Our members continue to represent K9Force on the international
stage, with several traveling across borders—and even oceans—to
compete. Watch this space as we follow their journeys. If you plan to
travel yourself, Dr. Alex Horner has prepared a practical guide to
navigating veterinary and documentation requirements for domestic
and international trips with your dog.
As excitement builds for the K9Force Cup in September, the
selection process for the front-half helper is already underway.
We’re super excited about the back-half helper—identity still to be
revealed—who promises to bring world-class work to our flagship
event.
Finally, we’re proud to announce the launch of the official K9Force
online shop, featuring exclusive K9Force Cup merchandise. Check it
out here https://www.k9force.ca/category/all-products
Enjoy the issue, and enjoy the field
From the Editor
Connect:
www.k9force.ca
info@k9force.ca
K9 Force Working Dog Club
k9force_wdc