On Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, science teacher Ms. Carissa Kuehn and her dog Axel competed in a National event that showcased the top 50 dog/handler teams in the United States. The 2013 United Schutzhund Clubs of America’s German Shepherd Dog IPO3 (International Prufungsordnung) National Championship competition was in Merced, California this year..

“It was really nerve-wracking at first because you’re there all by yourself in the middle of a stadium and all these people are watching you,” Kuehn said.

Adding to the honor of being accepted into this competition, she is also able to pride herself with having raised her dog Axel since he was a puppy.

“We started (competing) when he was almost two. Some people I am friends with who are involved in it, they encouraged me to go to the local training club here. Back in 2005, my friend encouraged me to go to the National Event when it was in San Jose. When I saw it I was like- I want to do this.”

After gaining the desire to compete in these events, Kuehn went out and bought a German Shepard and named him Axel.

“It was a huge honor to not only qualify for this event, but to also participate in it with my first German Shepherd,” Kuehn said.

This Competition was Kuehn’s first National event ever.

“We earned our second IPO3 title at this National Championship with a score of 78 in tracking, 86 in obedience, and 84 in protection,” Kuehn said.

To prepare for the competition, Kuehn and her dog practiced a lot to become well-rounded competitors.

“We usually did training everyday and we trained with the trainer on the weekends.”

She then explained how the score they received is equal to a 248 out of 300, or a B- in school terms.

“My favorite part was seeing my dog perform the things that he does really well, and know that he’s doing them well. Axel really does want to do what I want him to do and so when we’re together in our obedience it’s very beautiful,” Kuehn said.

There are three phases to a dog competition. There’s tracking, obedience, and protection.

“The power he shows in protection is awesome, it just makes me very proud that he can bring all that power to the table. For Axel it’s always full points on his power and his strength and his desire to do the work.

“In protection, he did not want to heel with me down the field and so he needed three commands to actually heel, and if your dog doesn’t heel with you on that third command, you’re disqualified. After the third command he started coming but didn’t, so I just turned and walked off and he joined up with me fortunately,” Kuehn said.

Not only is he a Nationally-competing dog, Axel is also a companion dog.

“He hangs out in the house, hangs out with my cat, spends summer vacation with me, my family and my little niece. It’s really fun having a dog that can be so balanced. That he can be my companion dog-best buddy when we’re traveling, but then also compete in this sport where he’s doing bite work and do tracking. It’s just really cool.”

by Abi Brooks