Von Der Rod Rottweilers

October 31, 2017

	Well, I’m back home from the ADRK World IPO championships! Congratulations to all who participated and competed. This was one of the best experiences of my life as a Rottweiler IPO helper. My journey as an American traveling to Germany for several years to be part of such an amazing experience!
		It started several years ago when I decided I wanted to be part of the best Rottweiler Group in Germany—BG Allgau Bodensee! With Oliver Neubrand, my coach and friend, I attended several of his helper seminars. Each time flying from USA to Germany, each time learning more and more what it takes to be a top level helper. Then flew over again to get my ADRK license. Once I accomplished that I decided that I wanted to participate in the ADRK helper sighting in Westheim this year. Once again flying over and trying out for selections. I was nervous but excited to be among top helpers but once I settled in I knew I could compete with these guys and really enjoyed it. I was picked to be part of the ADRK IPO WM helper team! Then the real work started. Completely getting back into the mind set of an athlete! Dropping 18 lbs by October. Month after month since March running, lifting and working dogs where I could find them in the USA.
In August 2017 I flew again to Germany so I could be a part of the Marcel Wissing helper workshop! Preparing for the ADRK WM. Once the WM week came I flew early to Germany to train all week before the ADRK WM to be as ready as I could be! Unfortunately I fell short of my goal of being picked for the final two helpers. I stayed as a reserve. Thousands of miles! Several years of work to fall short of my goal! But once I wrote this down I realized I actually accomplished what no American Rottweiler helper has done to date! To participate and be on the field with Germany’s best! To be learning from one of the sports legends in the game—Oliver Neubrand, thank you for getting me here! I’m thankful for the ADRK giving me the opportunity to be a part of such an an amazing experience.
		I don’t know what’s next as in the USA Rottweiler working events are limited. My dream has always been to work a top Rottweiler event in Germany! Maybe I’ll accomplish it. Maybe God has other plans for me but the journey and dedication it took to get here is a memory that will last a lifetime! Thank you all who helped me along the way! Failing is what’s made me the man that I am now! Nothing is given—all is earned! Lastly I would like to thank my girlfriend Chelsea for all year making my meal prep and staying on top of me. Without her this wouldn’t have been possible. She sacrificed so much to support my dream.