I have very special dog. It is Dutch shepherd and for couple years he is part of my life. I train with my dog and also go to tournaments. In June 2008 I have decided to accept invitation to tournament in accordance with IPO1, 2, 3 - Open Dutch Championship. To This tournament came also people from France, Germany and from USA. I have got my invitation from breeding station Le Dobry Hollanders - Klaas, Jack and José Stienstra.

This people in cooperation with other funs of this breed have organized not the first tournament again. They are trying to prove that this breed is a working dog and should be classified accordingly. There is no one reason to doubt. And it was proved again during the tournament.

So our team started the trip to Holland on Friday 19th October 2008. It is long trip about 900 km. We came to the destination on Saturday morning and the officials took care of us. The training was organized the same day at 10 AM. I did not feel very comfortable during the training because of other training which was done at the same time and had nothing to do with the tournament. At 5 PM were the drawing lots. I have got no. 3 which was actually no.1 in category IPO3. In the evening we have enjoyed small/big barbecue it was very nice but we were all tired after the trip and got sleep early.

Next day at 8 AM we were first going to do tracing test and the tournament has started. The terrain was ideal, than we follow with obedience and defense. It was all very interesting and good to see, we all cheered for our friends and dogs. The atmosphere was just perfect.

The results were calculated very fast after all the disciplines have finished. Than the victory ceremony was done. I would like to thank all the officials and people who have organized this nice tournament and hope we will continue and keep this tradition.

We departed home at Sunday evening after we have packed and once more seen our awards and gifts. We look forward to next year event.

Zuzana Smrcková