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Congratulations Chris Goodridge!
The National Committee would like to extend its congratulations
to Chris Goodridge who recently spent time in Germany and
became an SV licensed helper. Below is an article he wrote
about his trip:
 My
Trip to OG Melle
I first met Herr Heiko Grube (Vice President of the SV) during the British National Championships last year
where I was the long work helper. I subsequently met him again at the Irish Nationals Championships where I was the
Short work Helper; Heiko judged both trials.
After seeing my all round trials work he invited me to come and train in Germany.
At the end of March this year, I arrived at Hannover airport to be greeted by Heiko, who I would be staying
with during my visit. We set off to Heiko's house in Melle, one and half hours drive away, for a good chat,
little dinner and few drinks before bed.
The following day we arrived at the training ground of OG Melle, Heiko's club, for 10am to be greeted by the
club members and head trainer Joachim. The club its self was what they in Germany called small, but what we in the UK
would call large; they had 45 members, a large club house and outdoor seating area, there was also a changing area and
dry room for helpers. The ground is well sized, flood light and fenced off.
We got straight down to protection work. I worked many dogs at various different levels, Joachim instructed me
of the current training they were doing and some of the little training issues dogs had, this was also highlighted
to me during training.
During the morning police dog handlers arrived to watch me train, from watching they asked if they could work
their operational Malinois on me. We did operational protection scenarios. This was good fun and a good experience,
the standard was very high I feel sorry for any criminals in Germany!!!
 Later
that day Mike O' Connor arrived to work his dog's on me. I
met Mike at the Irish National Championships last year, where
he went on to win the trial. Mike is from a different landsgruppe
but liked me as a helper, so especially came to work on me,
he worked with me during me whole visit. I first worked with
his younger dog, 10 months old, very nice young dog. I then
worked his older dog Hunter to help prepare him for a big
upcoming trial in the Netherlands in April. The translation
became a lot easier now Mike had arrived as he could speak
both languages (something I will need to try and start!);
I had a great first days training. We finished at half six,
I later met up with the club for a nice Greek meal and few
drinks.
Friday Morning I was up and down the training ground for 8am. We first started with Obedience, there we two dogs
working at any time, during which all other members were on the field supporting and helping each other, this was great
to see.
From the obedience we got straight in to the protection. I had a chance the day before to see and work all dogs, some
of which had some issues. I spoke with Joachim and Mike to help translate to the handlers some ideas we could work on.
Between us we did some very nice good quality training, reflecting in good quality work in the dogs; everyone was very
happy and pleased and understood how to continue the training.
Other trainers and handlers from local areas arrived and I went on to work Schutzhund 3 dogs under trial type
conditions.
At the end of the morning I had an interview (along with Heiko) with the press. I explained my involvement with the
sport and how I sought to better myself as a trial and training helper and thus improve the sport back in the UK.
During lunch I was told how I performed as a helper and that I have impressed many people during my short time in
Germany. I was asked if I wanted to be apart of the SV, this would expand my trial helper work abroad. I have since
become a member of the SV and a special member and helper to OG Melle.
Following lunch I went to the tracking fields nearby to watch the club dogs tracking, from tracking I helped Heiko
prepare Reena his three year old bitch for the Korung. This was followed by working the rest of the Club dogs.
On Saturday Heiko left early to go to the SV Headquarters in Augsburg. I went with Sabine (Heikos wife) to the
Korung training. This was an hours drive but in the same Landsgruppe. I met many helpers including Marcus, who I has
been in England before, and is the long work helper for the second GSDL WUSV Qualifier in Sheffield this year. From
the Korung training we went back to OG Melle to work the club dogs again.
Sunday I was up at 4am to leave with Heiko for a trial at
OG Hannover (Same Landsgruppe). This was due to tracking starting
at half seven. It was a one day trial with 10 dogs entered
and 2 apprentice (training) Judges. The club had a large club
house and canteen, the field was like a stadium and was equipped
with flood lights.
I was able to see the Judging process, paperwork, and the
expectations of the Judges at close hand. We did not finish
from the trial until half six, from which we went for a meal
and few drinks. 
The following day and my last day! I was down the training group for 10am to train the club dogs and say bye to all
the club members. I was picked up by Joachim from Heiko's house at 4pm to travel back to Hannover airport.
A big thank you to Heiko, Sabine, and all my new friends at O G Melle for their hospitality and friendship; I will
be back in Germany for the WUSV in October and may be the end of the year to Melle.
I would like to thank Heiko and Sabine Grube and all my new fellow club friends at OG Melle for their great
hospitality, I look forward to seeing them all very soon
Current major trials to date:
- British National Championships 2007 Long Work Helper
- First WUSV / FCI Qualifier 2008 Short Work Helper
- Third WUSV / FCI Qualifier 2008 Long Work Helper
- British National Championships 2008 Long Work Helper
- Irish National Championships 2008 Short Work Helper
By: Chris Goodridge
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