Calling all veterinarians, biologists, zoologists & students!
We at “K9 and Sports” are committed to putting working dog sports in the right light. We are looking for committed scientists
for exciting dissertation topics relating to sporting dogs.
What we offer:
Financial support (e.g. laboratory costs)
An extensive network & collaborations
Access to huge amounts of data & volunteer test subjects
Interest? Write to Simon Bach or Patricia Pehrsson on Facebook or send us a direct pm or email: mail@k9andsports.com
Strong together: Why we support K9andSports
In the world of dog sports, there is a growing community of enthusiasts who are passionate about preserving and promoting the discipline. In this post, four dedicated voices share their motivations for supporting K9andSports. They talk about the importance of working together to preserve the values of dog sports and promote the future generation of working dogs. Learn why shared commitment is key to successful and sustainable development in dog sports.
Dental health in dogs (Part 2): Dental caps and their possible uses
Dental caps for dogs - useful or dangerous? They are becoming increasingly popular in the world of dog sports, but experts warn: Dental caps can increase the risk of fractures and dental diseases. In an interview, Dr. Martin Florian Buck explains why dental caps do more harm than good, what risks they pose and when professional dental crowning is actually necessary. Find out why aesthetics can be dangerous in this case and what alternatives there are to keep your dog's teeth healthy!
Dental health in dogs (Part 1): Important tips for sports and everyday companions
Dogs rarely show toothache, but untreated dental problems can have serious consequences for their health and performance. Find out in our interview how you can recognize dental diseases in your dog early, which preventive measures really help and why regular check-ups with your veterinary dentist are so important. Don't miss these valuable tips for a healthy dog life!
An Interview with Klaus-Jürgen Glüh (Vice President of the FCI Utility Dogs Commission)
The new International Utility Dogs Regulations have been adopted and will take effect from January 1, 2025: What changes do you need to be aware of, and how and why were the adjustments made? We had the opportunity to ask all our questions to our K9andSports ambassador Klaus-Jürgen Glüh, who is, among other roles, Vice President of the FCI Utility Dogs Commission and a member of the VDH Utility Dogs Commission.
An interview with Mirko Ritter from Herm. Sprenger GmbH
Sprenger and K9andSports share a passion for working dog sports and work together to promote its acceptance in society. As a leading manufacturer of dog necklaces, Sprenger relies on the highest quality and product safety to optimally support athletes. Through their sponsorship, they not only want to further develop their products, but also actively shape the future of dog sports.
Detection dogs in action: breeding, selection and challenges - part 2 of the interview with Horst-Dieter Träger
In the second part of this interview, Horst-Dieter Träger talks about the special characteristics and abilities of sniffer dogs, their breeding and training, as well as the challenges and perspectives in the fight against drug smuggling.
Innovative method for detecting drugs in containers: Horst-Dieter Träger brings a breath of fresh air to customs work
Horst-Dieter Träger, a retired, experienced dog handler from customs in Bremerhaven and K9 ambassador, has made a name for himself as an innovative problem solver. With his combination of expertise in the field of detection dogs and his passion for technical innovations, he has developed a new method for drug detection. This method makes it possible to detect drugs in shipping containers more efficiently and quickly. We took this as an opportunity and conducted a two-part interview with him. In the first part you will find out more about the search method he developed.
The dream of dog sports
During a conversation with Eileen Brendel, we gain exciting insights into her first steps in dog sports. After successfully mastering her first obedience test with her Hovawart dog Milla, she reflects on her beginnings, challenges and passion for this sport. Eileen shares her motivation as a youth ambassador at K9 and Sports and encourages young people to actively participate in this exciting world.
Fiete's special journey: therapy and sports dog - a success story
In the following article, Fanny, Fiete's owner, will tell you about the impressive connection between man and dog as well as Fiete's remarkable abilities both as a therapy dog and in the demanding IGP sport and make it clear that both aspects are by no means mutually exclusive.
Hubert Aiwanger praises the young talent at the SV youth and junior championship in Dingolfing
The SV youth and junior championship took place in Dingolfing at the weekend, where young participants showed their skills in dealing with German Shepherd dogs. Hubert Aiwanger, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of offspring and practical animal protection in his speech. He criticized the animal welfare regulations that were often issued by people with little experience and argued that politicians and theorists should not interfere in the breeding goals. The event not only offered exciting competitions, but also an opportunity to celebrate the next generation of German Shepherd handlers.
K9 and Sports & HOVAWART
RALF MEINS, police officer, born in 1966, was a member of the RZV from 1993 to 2018. He had 3 Hovawarts.
He has bred a litter under the kennel name AUS DEM OLDESLOER LAND.
With his dog AMIRA VOM TORFMEER he became German RZV champion in IGP sport in October 2009. Today he is a member of the DMC and has a Malinois. He is involved
with K9 and Sports because he wants to raise awareness about how important working dog characteristics are not only for police, customs and
other authorities that use service dogs, but for example in rescue dog teams.
No alternative to a detection dog!
Horst-Dieter Träger is an ambassador for “K9andSports” and was a customs dog handler and trainer before his retirement. He talks about his service with the dog and the demands on the four-legged friend.
Heat stroke in dogs: risk factors, symptoms and first aid measures
Summer is just around the corner and by now everyone has probably realized that overheating is a major danger for dogs. But what about the differences between dog breeds? What to do if a dog overheats? And what factors increase the risk of overheating? You can find out all this and more in our article.
Insight into Dog Breeding: Health, Temperament, and Selection – An Interview with Astrid Hübner (Part 2)
In the second part of our conversation with Astrid Hübner from Malinois Diversity, she shares her views on maintaining genetic diversity through cross-breeding and talks about topics such as popular sire syndrome, inbreeding coefficients and the genetic identification of dog breeds.
Insight into Dog Breeding: Health, Temperament, and Selection - An Interview with Astrid Hübner (Part 1)
In an interview with K9andSports, Astrid Hübner, founder of the "Malinois Diversity" project, shares her experiences and insights into dog breeding. She describes her journey and highlights the importance of health tests for breeding dogs. Furthermore, she discusses various aspects of breeding selection, including temperament traits and environmental behavior, as well as the challenges of selection for different dog sports.
Statement on Ban of Working Dog Sports in Austria
In this letter, we address the pressing issue of the impending ban on working dog sports in Austria. As an organization deeply committed to the preservation of capable and healthy working dogs, we aim to present our concerns and arguments against this ban. Within this correspondence, we shed light on the diverse roles that working dogs play in society and illustrate the potential adverse effects of such a prohibition. We invite you to delve into our arguments and engage with this crucial issue.
"New Times in SV: 'The Era of Going Alone is Over!'
"We as the German Shepherd Dog Club (SV) e.V. have been very reserved in recent years regarding education in training activities and specifically in protection work. ... it requires ordinary protection work photos of situations as they are seen day by day on our training grounds. Also, there has been no further attempt to explain the reasons for protection dog sports. ... therefore, the SV board has decided to support and promote K9andSports. The era of going alone is over!"
An Interview with Florian Knabl
"TAKE MATTERS INTO
YOUR OWN HANDS"
A strong work ethic, resilience, and noise tolerance – that
are just a few traits of working dogs. The initiative K9and
Sports advocates for working dog breeds. Their goal is to preserve the
exceptional qualities of service dogs used in roles such as police, military, or
Customs, explained by organizer Florian Knabl.
Versatile School Therapy Dogs: A Teacher, Her Four-Legged Colleagues, and Their Passion for IGP Sport.
Lena, a primary school teacher from the Palatinate region. Her dogs Anni (Border Collie, 7 years old) and Saru (Malinois, 3 years old) are school and riding companion dogs, as well as active in IGP sports. They have undergone extensive training, are calm in their interactions with children, and have experience in the film industry. We critically question the working dog sport and emphasize responsible training.
Tetanus: Rare, but Dangerous!
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection that affects the nervous system. Caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, the disease often occurs through simple injuries such as puncture wounds or cuts. Timely treatment is crucial as tetanus can be life-threatening.
K-9 Handler Hannah Introduces Herself!
We need the selection of working dogs for multiple reasons: firstly, as a foundation for service use in various authorities. Equally important is the fulfillment of our working dogs, which live in families, ensuring they are appropriately challenged and engaged.
Who walks down the street with a protection sleeve? - Dr. Esther Schalke
Dr. Feddersen-Petersen once said the following: 'As a criterion for breeding selection, I consider today's 'protection work' (strictly conducted in a playful manner according to the examination regulations) to be indispensable.' For example, I consider the DMC approval to be much more meaningful.
Roswitha Dannenberg, SV President: "The current situation and the fact that our sport is under attack shows us that we have to explain and inform - more than ever!"
Our dogsport is much more than only Protection. But Protection is an important part of our IGP-Sport and our SV Körungen (breeding selection tests).
And it will stay that way!
Simone Stroh, Ambassador and Veterinarian: "IGP and Protection have amazing advantages for us and our dogs and should not be outlawed because of single incidents."
Dogs that are trained in IGP Protection bring a lot of positive traits to the table.
1. They are balanced and both mentally and from a physical perspective stable. They get to work according to their breed characteristics ...