05/02/2026
Breaking the Curse
IGP competition has a bell curve. On the far right are exceptional teams, few in number, with ‘Very Good/Excellent scores (SG/V range). In the middle, the majority of competitors achieve ‘Good’ scores (G range), which is attainable with a quality dog and training program paired with commitment. And on the left are novices or those ill-suited to the sport, who struggle to pass the trial and earn ‘Satisfactory’ scores (S range).
In almost every top performance, we will find a dog with rare potential, guided by a very skilled trainer. Certainly, there are times when a dog that is not exceptional (but still very good) can earn top scores when paired with an extraordinary trainer. However, because championship-level performances take years to develop, most serious trainers tirelessly seek out the best possible dog for their competition dog.
The Curse: Success can distort perceptions of what exactly was the key factor. Was success attributed to the trainer or the dog? Naturally, both are important, but on a scale, which one was the dominant factor?
When a handler earns top results with different dogs, the answer is obvious. However, where it is not obvious is when a handler finds themselves at the top end of the results for the first time. Success can change expectations. These expectations can carry over to their next dog. Dog sport success is fleeting, and seeing it more than a few times is something special. Having experienced a top dog may even be considered a ‘Curse’. Let me explain: Whereas before one competes out of the simple joy of doing so, after success there is can be an element of expectation. Understandably, this expectation can tarnish the enjoyment, and one may not be able to return to viewing dog sport with the purity of doing so just for fun in the same way.
Most trainers cultivate networks to source the highest-potential green dogs (young untitled dogs). In many cases, finding young dogs that are already showing potential can improve the chances of finding gold. Few top competitors will start with a puppy, as the odds of taking a puppy to championship level are not as good as starting with a young dog that has already shown potential and passed hips and elbows certification.
This article is about Kody Knowleton, who inspired me by breaking ‘The Curse’. He previously competed with a sensational Malinois named Leroy pod Cvilinem. The dog was a wrecking ball of power and drive. Kody did a super job of showing that dog at a number of national IGP championships, always scoring near the top in all three phases. Kody retired Leroy in 2025 after a storybook career. I had always looked forward to photographing Leroy. His motion exercises and protection work were favourites of mine, and I posted their photos often.
At the 2026 AWDF Championship, he entered a daughter of Leroy named Chilli von der Farm. Chilli is Breeder-Handler-Owner-Trained. The similarities in performance were so strong that I thought it was the same dog and only realised it wasn’t when someone said the dog's name. This is Kody’s breeding, his training and his commitment. The beautiful performance on the field was the expression of his passion for the sport and his dogs.
