Since April 15, 2025, biting and attack training for private individuals has been officially banned in Austria. This has reignited the debate surrounding IGP sport – also in Germany. While animal welfare organizations here are raising criticism, lawyer and dog sports expert Patricia Knabl sees no legal grounds for a ban. However, she warns of another danger: Working dog sport is increasingly losing substance – not due to legal bans, but due to outdated structures, a lack of openness, and a lack of young talent.

With her initiative K9andSports, Knabl is committed to making the sport more accessible and sustainable. She calls for modernized testing formats, more objective evaluation systems, and greater transparency. Promoting young talent is particularly important to her: With innovative projects like the "Youngster Camp" and free seminar places for those under 25, she aims to inspire young people to get involved in dog sports – and make it easier for them to get started.

Scientific foundation also plays a central role: K9andSports supports studies aimed at dispelling common prejudices against working dogs. At the same time, the initiative advocates for stronger cooperation between dog sports, service dog organizations, and breeding—across association and national borders.

In an interview with SPORTHUND, Patricia Knabl speaks openly about grievances, opportunities, and necessary changes. She explains why the recognition of working dogs as intangible cultural heritage is an important signal—but why change must begin somewhere else entirely.