The PSA Trials, or Protection Sports Association Trials, were hectic but rewarding. The event gave Indian dog trainers a platform to gain international recognition, especially those who competed and earned titles. Despite the ups and downs, it became a turning point for dog training in India.
A crucial part of protection dog training is the decoys—individuals who help train dogs by acting as “bad guys” for them to protect against. The first day featured a trial camp for potential decoys from all over the world. Teams from across India participated, and their dedication was inspiring.
The Teams Worth Mentioning
Titanium K9s (Pune): This team helped introduce PSA sports to India. Anway Chavan, a key member, became the first national PSA decoy after clearing all certification rounds.
Progressive Kennel (Hyderabad): Chandra Shekar and Priyanka Nair attempted the decoy trial, with Chandra clearing two out of three rounds. His dog, Czar, impressed everyone by clearing the first PDC (Protection Dog Certificate) round with fantastic results.
Wolfmaster K9 (Delhi): Raju Trainer and Bunty Trainer cleared their partial certifications, and their dogs, Drago and Spartan, passed the PDC certificate. Spartan even attempted the second round of PSA, barely missing the mark by a few points.
Mumbai United Canine Club (Mumbai): Sandeep Lad represented this team in the decoy trial. Max, handled by Bunty and owned by Mr. Chetan Chauhan, successfully cleared the PDC on his second attempt.
Special Mentions
Special thanks to Tarheel Canine from North Carolina, USA. Girard Bradshaw and Stefanie Lynn not only flew in to judge and mediate but also conducted an eye-opening seminar on Canine Drives. Their trust in Indian trainers boosted morale.
Aliana Myburgh from South Africa also deserves recognition. She cleared the decoy trial and worked as a testing decoy with Anway during the dog trials.
The K9 School team, led by Adnan Khan, along with dedicated members like Sanya Bhutani, Indrajit Dutta, Sahil Verma, and countless volunteers, worked hard to make this event a success. Special thanks to Abhinav Sahai for offering his property to help ensure everything ran smoothly.
The PSA Trials of 2016 were not just an event; they were a milestone for dog training in India. We are proud of everyone involved and look forward to more achievements in the future.