On January 10, 2026, a meeting will be held in Ennepetal to discuss the issues that matter to service, breeding, and sport in the working dog sector. Our goal is clear: to build bridges instead of deepening divides and to discuss, based on facts, where the work with working dogs should develop.

We are really looking forward to this coming Saturday. We have secured top-class speakers who will take theory, practice and discussion to a new level.

Participation & Registration

The in-person places are fully booked — but: A few online places are still available.

If you are interested, simply send a short email to: mail@k9-and-sports.com

We look forward to a day that will show how much is possible when science, practice and passion sit at one table.

Who's in?

Over 160 participants on site and many more online: Representatives of almost all working dog breeding and sports associations, authorities from Germany, Switzerland and Austria – and of course our K9andSports ambassadors.

This shows that exchange works if you take it seriously.

Exchange instead of divisions.
Facts instead of emotions.
Cooperation between service, sport and breeding.

The speakers:

Jens Frank (SDWI) is internationally recognized for his work with scent and detection dogs. He combines theory and practical demonstrations with us – providing insights that are equally valuable for law enforcement agencies and athletes.

Prof. Dr. Julia Metzger's presentation, "From Genes to Working Dog Traits – Modern Breeding from a Scientific Perspective," takes us into the world of genetics: How can performance, health, and responsibility be combined in breeding?

Dr. Esther Schalke (German Armed Forces) will be present to provide expert commentary on the dog evaluation moderated by Hans Ebbers. Genuine discussions are expected – factual, open, and respectful.

Hans Ebbers (Former PHK & SEK Member, Dog Handler, Trainer & Examiner for Service Dogs in North Rhine-Westphalia)
He moderates the dog evaluation and provides insights into criteria, procedures, and decision-making principles.

Customs Dog School Bleckede – “Special Techniques & Tools in Nose Work”
The experts show how modern training concepts, aids and clear structures make detection dog work more efficient and reliable – practical and directly transferable.

Daily routine – this is how Saturday goes

• 09:00–09:30 – Welcome & Intro

• 09:30–10:30 – Prof. Dr. Julia Metzger: From Genes to Working Dog Traits

• 10:30-10:45 - Break

• 10:45–12:30 – Hans Ebbers: Moderated Dog Assessment (Practical)

• 12:30–13:30 – Staggered lunch break

• 13:30 - 15:30 - Jens Frank & Zollhundeschule Bleckede: Sniffer dog work in theory & practice

• 15:30 - 16:00 - Break & change of room

• 16:00 – approx. 17:00 – Dr. Esther Schalke: Opinion vs. Data – What is important for the future

• from 17:00 – Final discussion & closing remarks