February 26-28, 2016
Mrs. Carla Griffith USCA/SV Judge
Stadium Judge
Stadium Judge
I first learned about Schutzhund while I was in High school in 1979, after I graduated I went off to college and found a local club to join. I’m proud say that my local club, Greater Dallas Working Dog Club, was the first club formed in USCA. Since becoming a member of this club I have gone from a “newbie” to the President and Training Director. I have titled several dogs to various levels of IPO, my most recent title was with a Riesenschnauzer, Czara vom Schwarzen Kobold for her FH2. I’m currently training a young female Tosca vom Sitz von der Hose
I received my Judges License in November 1998, making me USCA Judge Number 26. Since then I have had the opportunity to judge numerous club trials, regionals, and was the first woman to judge in the stadium for both obedience (2008) and protection (2010) at a USCA national. Special to me is the fact that each dog that I trained and titled, thus fulfilling my qualifications to become a judge, were dogs that I co-bred and raised from puppies under the kennel name vom Spezialblut. I believe it is very important to promote the working of a breed by training and titling. I recently moved from Texas to Statesville, NC where I work as a Critical Care Technician at a Veterinary Referral Practice. I would like to wish all the competitors the best of luck this weekend.
I received my Judges License in November 1998, making me USCA Judge Number 26. Since then I have had the opportunity to judge numerous club trials, regionals, and was the first woman to judge in the stadium for both obedience (2008) and protection (2010) at a USCA national. Special to me is the fact that each dog that I trained and titled, thus fulfilling my qualifications to become a judge, were dogs that I co-bred and raised from puppies under the kennel name vom Spezialblut. I believe it is very important to promote the working of a breed by training and titling. I recently moved from Texas to Statesville, NC where I work as a Critical Care Technician at a Veterinary Referral Practice. I would like to wish all the competitors the best of luck this weekend.
Mrs. Nikki Banfield USCA/SV Judge
Tracking Judge
Tracking Judge
My name is Nikki Banfield. My career as a dog trainer, competitor, and Schutzhund USA judge began 42 years ago. Each person I have encountered in this time span has helped me grow as a person and trainer, thank you all. There are several people that came into my life at pivotal times. St. Cloud Dog Training Academy in Minnesota welcomed me into their family in 1980. Sylvia Hirt, took dog training seriously and actively competed in A.K.C. obedience trials. Sylvia successfully coached me through my first CD and CDX on a German Shorthaired Pointer and a CD on a Doberman. I was invited to become an apprentice trainer under Sylvia’s sharp eye. Sylvia took me to the “dark side” and showed me yet another dimension of dog training, K9’s and Schutzhund.
Sylvia explained to me that Schutzhund was a sport that originated in Germany as a temperament test for the GSD. I was impressed with many things, the intensity and drive of the dogs, the control demonstrated by all the handlers, and the bond and relationship that was shared between the dogs and handlers. So began my journey into the sport. Twin Cities Working Dog Association headed by Dave and Donna Rednour was the beginning of my affiliation with USCA. They provided a solid foundation in all phases, they have good temperaments.
My military service took me abroad to Germany. I spent 7 wonderful years training with many clubs. Roland Seibel was instrumental in my achieving a Schutzhund 3 title on my Rottweiler, Ruger. I was a member of a local club, PSGV, in Weiderstadt. We hosted the FCI qualification for the world championship in tracking 2 years in a row. I am proud to have been chosen as a tracklayer for those events.
When I came home to American soil, I trained with Al Milner. Al helped me train a female GSD, Loki, to a Schutzhund 3, FH title. I am proud to say that our first national competition in Denver in 1987 resulted in our team being the highest scoring female that year. I have titled many dogs since then and the journey continues. I have dedicated my life to the care, training, and evaluation of the German Shepherd and all working breeds. Al recommended me to the judges program and I am proud to serve the USCA for 15 years now as a judge. The addiction continues….
Sylvia explained to me that Schutzhund was a sport that originated in Germany as a temperament test for the GSD. I was impressed with many things, the intensity and drive of the dogs, the control demonstrated by all the handlers, and the bond and relationship that was shared between the dogs and handlers. So began my journey into the sport. Twin Cities Working Dog Association headed by Dave and Donna Rednour was the beginning of my affiliation with USCA. They provided a solid foundation in all phases, they have good temperaments.
My military service took me abroad to Germany. I spent 7 wonderful years training with many clubs. Roland Seibel was instrumental in my achieving a Schutzhund 3 title on my Rottweiler, Ruger. I was a member of a local club, PSGV, in Weiderstadt. We hosted the FCI qualification for the world championship in tracking 2 years in a row. I am proud to have been chosen as a tracklayer for those events.
When I came home to American soil, I trained with Al Milner. Al helped me train a female GSD, Loki, to a Schutzhund 3, FH title. I am proud to say that our first national competition in Denver in 1987 resulted in our team being the highest scoring female that year. I have titled many dogs since then and the journey continues. I have dedicated my life to the care, training, and evaluation of the German Shepherd and all working breeds. Al recommended me to the judges program and I am proud to serve the USCA for 15 years now as a judge. The addiction continues….