03/08/2026
Sometimes dog sport is about so much more than points.
This past weekend is one I will probably never forget.
The VDH German Championship is one of the biggest and most demanding events in German IGP. The best teams in the country compete here, and that’s exactly why, after the World Championship, deciding to step onto such a big stage again wasn’t an easy decision.
The World Championship left its marks. Not because I ever doubted Barun, but because after a setback you suddenly hear all the voices – the ones in your own head and the ones from the outside. The people who are just waiting for something to go wrong. You hear them all.
And yet… we entered.
With a fever, a bad cold, plenty of doubts and quite a few fears. But also with the certainty of how much work, dedication and countless hours of training this dog carries within him—and what he is truly capable of.
In the end, we came home with an overall “Good” (240 points) and 43rd place out of 77 competitors. Everyone who was there knows that nothing was handed out at this championship—not even half a point.
That’s why today I’m simply proud.
Proud of Barun. Proud that we had the courage to face this challenge. And honestly, a little proud that my nerves somehow held together until the very end.
Something many people forget is that our dogs don’t feel the pressure we do. They don’t know about championships, expectations or people judging them. They simply do their very best that day… or sometimes whatever else happens to pop into their minds. ❤️🫣😆
That’s why I have nothing but respect for every single team that qualified and stepped onto that field. Every one of you earned your place there. Congratulations to you all.
A huge thank you also goes to the Dobermann team. This championship was filled with teamwork, support and true sportsmanship. That’s exactly how our sport should be. Congratulations to all of you—you did an amazing job and proved once again what incredible working dogs Dobermanns truly are.
A special thank you to our team leader Bernhard Flinks for all his support and dedication, and of course to the DMC for organizing such an outstanding event and for taking such great care of our dogs in the summer heat.
Thank you to everyone who trained with us, supported us, worried with us and believed in us over the last few weeks.
A very special thank you goes to my club, HSV Sommerried, for always having our backs throughout our preparation and supporting us whenever we needed it.
My biggest thank you goes to Stefan Brückmann ! Your calmness, positivity and endless commitment made such a huge difference. Thank you for always believing in us and for helping Barun become the dog he is today.
Thank you to Patricia Pehrsson and Knabl for your friendship, your help and for always being there. And of course, congratulations on your incredible results!
Thank you to my favourite „tracking buddy-FF“, Katja Kober. It honestly feels like we’ve been living out in the fields for the past few weeks. I’m so happy that all the hard work paid off for both of us. Congratulations on your fantastic performance!
And thank you to Nicole Kl for your friendship and for trusting me with such an extraordinary dog. 4th place at the German Championship, World Championship competitor and now VDH Championship… a Dobermann definitely has to bring something special to achieve that.
If I’ve forgotten anyone, please know that I’m grateful. Thank you to my friends, family, training partners, supporters and everyone who has been part of this journey.
Now it’s finally time to take a deep breath. Barun has earned a few days of simply being a dog.
And honestly… so have I.
I’m completely exhausted.
❤️ Thank you for everything.
And here’s to Barun! 🍻❤️
You little rascal… you really pulled it off. You passed the VDH German Championship!
If you’d like to watch our work, our videos are now available on Working-Dog.
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Danke an Uwe Schnappauf fürs Filmen!
