Conference - CACIT Germany

Welcome to the CACIT Conference

CACIT 2026 combines international dog sports with expert knowledge and exchange. In addition to the competitions, you can look forward to exciting lectures, practical insights, and an accompanying trade fair. On this page, you will find all the important information about registration, speakers, and the current schedule.

CACIT Germany Conference

An EXPERIENCE– not just an event! And Why You Absolutely Should Be There!

The CACIT Germany Conference is unique in the world of dog sports: over 30 exciting keynote speeches, exclusive discussions with experts, and the dog sports event itself live on site—all in one unforgettable weekend. Expect stimulating professional discussions on current topics in dog training, breeding, and health. Meet experts and service providers in person and expand your network with like-minded people from the dog world!

Your advantages at a glance:

Over 30 exciting keynote speeches! Look forward to a diverse program with topics that will truly inspire and excite you—from modern training approaches to the latest findings in breeding and health.
Missed it? No problem! As an in-person participant, you will receive access to all lecture recordings after the event.
Practical Training Included! Use the designated areas on the CACIT grounds with friends for your own training – free for all conference participants. The perfect addition to the conference, competitions, shopping & party: take the opportunity to develop your skills and prepare together for exams or championships.
Early Bird Discount! It pays to be quick.
Exclusive prizes! Take part in exclusive raffles and win great sponsor items during the conference. Go home with more than you came with!
A Memorable Keepsake! As a participant, you will receive a stylish festival wristband in the CACIT design – your special memento of an unforgettable event.

Note: Lectures on working dog breed portraits are freely accessible to everyone!

Period:

March 19–22, 2026

Location:

Ostbayernhalle Kreuth (Rieden)

Access to specialist presentations:

Präsenz: 45,00 Euro (Early Bird: 30,00 Euro) - WD Livestream: Premium: 20,00 Euro / Classic 30,00 Euro

Any questions?

Simply contact us via our contact form or send an email to

PARTICIPATION & REGISTRATION

For Speakers & Active IGP / Mondioring Competitors

As a speaker or active competitor, you receive free entry to the conference area!
Your access wristband will be provided directly at the registration desk when you sign in for your competition – this automatically makes you part of the conference and gives you flexible access to lectures and networking.

Price: Free

For On-Site CACIT Conference Visitors

Simple: register via Caniva for on-site participation. All details and exact registration terms can be found here: CACIT / Registration
You will receive your access wristband at your first check-in at the conference area.

Tip: Allow a little time for check-in so you don’t miss any exciting lectures!

Price: €45 – Early Bird: €30

For Remote Participants

No problem – join live via the Working Dog Livestream!
Registration is done through the Working Dog Livestream portal, where you can also find all important terms.

Please note: Livestream bookers do not have access to the venue rooms, are not eligible to participate in the lottery, do not receive a festival wristband, and do not have access to the recordings.

Price: €20 (Working Dog Premium User) – €30 (Working Dog Classic User)

Emergencies in dog sports & operations – first aid on the go First aid and emergency management in dog sports

In this lecture, you will receive a concise overview of the most important emergencies and injuries in dog sport and operational work. You will learn how to recognize an emergency safely, assess it correctly, and apply immediate measures to help your dog quickly and effectively. Demonstrations will show how to properly apply bandages and implement simple safety measures. A practical, hands-on lecture designed to give you confidence in critical situations — so you can act calmly, structured, and competently when it matters most.

Dr. Jenny Fischer

Jenny Fischer runs a small animal practice and dog school near Leipzig, combining medical expertise with her passion for dog sports. She has been active for over 20 years in disciplines such as Dogdance, competitive dog sports (THS), and Mondioring.

Her canine companions include a Chow Chow, Eurasier, and Malinois, reflecting her versatility and enthusiasm for different breeds and temperaments.

Tracking work - object retrieval & focus training

This lecture demonstrates how to build object indication on the track systematically and sustainably — actively, safely, and with enjoyment. It covers how to apply learning theory principles to promote understanding, motivation, and precision in the dog. The focus is on shaping attention and focus to develop a clear and concentrated indication behavior. A practical guide for anyone looking to structure and optimize tracking exercises step by step — from training setup to clean implementation in sport or operational work.

Dr. Sue Chandraratne & Maureen Wagener

Dr. Sue Chandraratne is one of Germany’s most successful IGP/working dog athletes and an international performance judge. Together with Maureen Wagener, who has achieved numerous national and international successes, she forms a top-level dog sport team. They lead competitive sport dog teams and share modern methods of tracking and obedience training. Their work combines solid expertise with practical training competence and outstanding competition results.

From Zero to Hero – Dream. Dare. Do.

In “From Zero to Hero,” Michael and Bart share how to develop a young or green dog into a reliable working K9 ready for real-life challenges. The presentation covers motivation, drive, and independence—the core of the NePoPo® philosophy. Participants will learn how to create dogs that truly want to work. The focus is on thinking dogs that perform with heart and soul. This is hands-on knowledge from the source.

Michael & Bart Bellon

Michael and Bart Bellon are world-renowned K9 trainers and founders of the NePoPo® Training System and Martin System® Owners. With decades of experience in police, military, and sport dog training, they have shaped a new generation of working dogs around the globe. Michael’s background in psychology and Bart’s innovative vision make them a unique power team in modern dog training. Their approach blends science, passion, and real-world performance.

Belgian Shepherd Diversity Project - Epilepsy and other seizures - international database

This lecture provides an overview of acquired and idiopathic epilepsy in Belgian Shepherds and shows how to distinguish epileptic seizures from other seizure types. It also introduces the international epilepsy database, which provides valuable insights for research and diagnostics. Additional focus is on other breed-specific conditions in Belgian Shepherds, with references to further resources at www.belgian-shepherd.de

Dr. Sue Chandraratne

Dr. Sue Chandraratne is a veterinarian, international performance judge, and breeder of Belgian Shepherd dogs. She works on the “Diversity Project for the Belgian Shepherd Dog” and is involved there as an administrator. As part of this project, she has helped establish an international epilepsy registry and is committed to researching race-specific diseases. Its goal is to raise awareness among breeders and owners and promote healthy breeding practices.

Using protective dog equipment correctly: Safe, age-appropriate, effective

This lecture focuses on the age-appropriate use of protection dog equipment and optimizing grip work from a cynological perspective. Many handlers want the best for their dogs, but lack essential knowledge about equipment — similar to a craftsman without the right tools. Here, you can expand your understanding of how to use equipment correctly, structure training efficiently, and account for breed-specific characteristics. The goal is to make your work with the dog and equipment safer, more effective, and more dog-friendly.

Rienk Heersma

As managing director of the international company Gappay, he combines his passion for dog sport with professional expertise. In addition to working as a protection helper and trainer, he leads a private training group with athletes who have competed successfully at BSP, WUSV, and other championships.

This close connection between practice and product development allows him to test and refine training and equipment products under real conditions, sharing valuable insights with attendees.

Balanced training for working dogs

In this lecture, you will learn how a well-structured IGP protection training program develops all fundamental physical and coordination skills in the dog. Strength, endurance, speed, coordination, and recovery are systematically developed to avoid overuse or one-sided strain. Training stimuli are carefully controlled, and stress and recovery phases are optimally coordinated. The goal is a harmonious balance of physical performance, resilience, and recovery ability — resulting in a healthy, high-performing, and balanced working dog.

Topic: Theory - Neurocentric training in dog sports

In this first purely theoretical keynote, you will learn how the brain controls movement and why coordination is key to performance and injury prevention in dog sports. The lecture provides practical explanations of how fundamental motor abilities such as strength, endurance, and mobility can be optimally linked through targeted neuro-centered training. Key training principles are introduced that make every session more effective and safer, helping you understand why coordination training forms the foundation for healthy, high-performing working dogs.

Topic: Practice - Experience neuro-centered training with dogs

In this hands-on session, the theoretical knowledge from the first lecture comes to life. Together with a dog, the speaker demonstrates exercises to improve balance, reaction speed, and joint stability. Participants will see how neuro-centered training can be integrated into daily routines and individually tailored for each dog. Various tools, such as wobble boards and peanuts, are used to provide targeted stimuli and enhance body awareness. The session also includes tips for cooldowns, recovery, and mental relaxation, supporting healthy, focused, and performance-ready dogs in sport and everyday work.

Susanne Martin-Schmitt

The speaker is a trained physiotherapist for sports medicine, with experience working for FC Bayern Munich and the German Olympic Sports Confederation. She has been active as a rescue dog handler since 1998, a certified instructor in the BRH since 2009, and a member of the BRH/ISAR Germany international squad. She has led international disaster relief missions, training and supporting teams as a sports physiotherapist. She also founded IGP and rescue dog teams at Lake Constance, achieving national and international top placements with her own dogs. Her expertise focuses on proprioception, coordination, and neuro-centered training to enhance performance and prevent injuries. She combines research, practice, and passion for working dogs in sport and rescue.

Is the causal chain still valid? Or quo vadis breeding?

This lecture explores the development of the working dog — from its original tasks to today’s diverse roles in sport, service, breeding, and everyday life. Training methods, breeding goals, and demands have changed over the years, impacting type, temperament, and health. The central question is: does the causal chain between work, performance, and breeding still hold, or has the balance shifted? What challenges and opportunities arise for the future? An inspiring retrospective with a forward-looking perspective — for anyone interested in understanding and shaping the past, present, and future of the working dog.

Dr. Helmut Raiser

Dr. Helmut Raiser, passionate about dogs since 1966, has experienced nearly every facet of dog sport — from dedicated hobbyist to instructor, helper, multiple national and world champion, author, breeder, and founder of an association for the preservation of working dog culture, now recognized as intangible cultural heritage. His philosophy: “Playing a game on your opponent’s field, under their rules and referees, can only lead to losing — never winning.”

The challenge of Mondioring – versatility, focus, teamwork

In this lecture, Nadine introduces you to Mondioring, a sport that is still relatively new in Germany. In addition to the requirements for successful participation, you will learn about the necessary basics, how the various exercises are structured, and how Mondioring differs from other dog sports. Special attention is paid to the relationships between dog and handler as well as dog and helper—the central pillars for focus, motivation, and effective teamwork in this versatile sport, where victory and defeat are very close together.

Nadine Schöfer

Nadine Schöfer has practiced dog sports since 2008 with her husband André and is delighted to present on Mondioring. She has trained various dogs and breeds up to IGP 3, FH 1, Obedience 2, THS, and Mondioring 3, and has repeatedly represented Germany in the FCI and WDSF Mondioring World Championships. She also runs her own physio- and osteotherapy practice for sport and family dogs, sharing her passion and expertise for nearly 10 years.

Inbreeding Depression and Outcross Strategies | Opportunities for the Future of Canine Breeding

This lecture focuses on the genetic consequences of inbreeding and how outcross strategies can help maintain genetic diversity and performance. You will learn how inbreeding depression develops and its effects on fertility, health, and behavior. Practical examples illustrate how open populations can secure breeding quality over the long term. The goal is to promote responsible, future-oriented breeding practices.

Albert Spreu

Albert Spreu, agricultural engineer and cynological lecturer, specializes in genetics, breeding strategies, and population management. Internationally active as a performance and breed judge, he regularly gives lectures on modern breeding concepts. His work combines scientific foundations with practical, solution-oriented approaches to sustainable, genetically healthy, and functional working dog breeding.

The Lumbosacral Transition – Key to Canine Performance

Dr. Heinrich Camp addresses the critical role of the lumbosacral junction in canine performance. This anatomical junction between the back and hindquarters is crucial for power transmission, mobility, and stability, and is therefore central to athletic performance and health. You will learn why dysfunctions in this area often cause performance decline or pain and how to identify them early. A compact, practical lecture for better understanding of biomechanical principles and targeted training.

Dr. Heinrich Camp

After studying veterinary medicine in Hannover and several professional positions, he took over his father’s practice in Kleve, Lower Rhine. Under his leadership, the practice evolved from a general small-animal clinic into a specialized clinic for orthopedics and rehabilitation. For over 30 years, he has focused on the orthopedic and rehabilitative care of sport and working dogs. Since the early 1990s, he has also served as an expert for the GRSK, advising breed clubs on the relationship between genetics and skeletal disease prevalence.

Breeding, Genetics, and Reproductive Medicine in Dogs

In this keynote, Dr. Carola Möhrke shares her decades of experience as a breeder and specialized reproductive veterinarian. She provides a transparent overview of the development of purebred dog breeding — from the guiding principle “only the best is good enough for breeding” to today’s practice of limiting stud dog usage — clearly illustrating changes in breeding practices over time. The focus is on how the gene pool of many breeds can be purposefully improved. She also explains the setup and benefits of biobanks and discusses the use of genetic testing for responsible selection of breeding dogs. Her authentic and realistic style makes her lectures and discussions refreshingly clear, honest, and inspiring, offering valuable insights for breeders and participants who want to approach genetics and breeding health with passion, openness, and objectivity.

Dr. Carola Möhrke

Growing up in a long-standing dog breeding family — the Fox Terrier kennel “von der Bismarckquelle”, founded in 1954 — she discovered her passion for reproductive medicine early on. After completing her studies and doctorate at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) under Prof. Dr. Anne-Rose Günzel-Apel, a pioneer in veterinary gynecology and andrology, she specialized in reproductive medicine for dogs and cats. Today, she is regarded as a go-to expert for breeders facing reproductive challenges and serves as chairperson on the VDH breeding committee. Her deep passion for Fox Terriers has led her to her current personal project: the development of an international bio-database for Fox Terriers. Through her family’s breeding kennel and years of practical experience, she combines solid scientific knowledge with hands-on breeding practice — a rare combination in reproductive medicine.

Intrinsic vs. extrinsic: Understanding motivation in protective services.

This lecture focuses on understanding and balancing a dog’s intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) motivation in protection work. Through targeted encouragement and controlled pressing, motivation is built and managed. The goal is a dog that works from its own drive, not solely in response to external stimuli. Different stimuli are used to challenge and nurture character, creating a stable and balanced motivation between dog and handler. Key topics include: Types of drives and stimuli, Proper ways to encourage and develop motivation,

Key topics include: Types of drives and stimuli, Proper ways to encourage and develop motivation,

Establishing a harmonious balance of drive and control. The lecture emphasizes the importance of structured, controlled training to develop dogs that are motivated, confident, and well-balanced in protection work.

Marcel Soblik

Marcel Soblik has been active in dog sports for almost 25 years, a passion he discovered after a personal injury in competitive sports. He is a performance judge under VDH and RSV-SchH regulations and a breeder of Malinois and German Shepherds within the RSV2000. As an active protection helper, he has participated in numerous state, national, and world championships, and has personally competed in regional and world championships. In 2025 and 2026, he will play a key role in developing and promoting protection work in the RSV2000 through his work in helper selection and training programs.

Searching for clues amid rubble and hope - Training and deployment of rescue dogs in international disaster relief operations

The earth trembles and the disaster is enormous. The United Nations sends aid and international search and rescue teams make their way to the disaster area. What do rescue dogs do there and how are dogs trained for such missions? Why does it make sense to include elements of protection dog training, and what requirements do we see for breeding working dogs for rescue dog work?

Astrid Kalff

As an internationally certified disaster relief organization by the United Nations, ISAR Germany is active worldwide, for example, searching for and rescuing people buried under rubble after earthquakes. Astrid Kalff is a co-founder of ISAR Germany and has been a rescue dog handler for over 25 years with many missions in earthquake zones, most recently in Turkey. She has been training Malinois dogs for rescue work for years, and her dogs are also trained in IGP.

Shortage of helpers – future, requirements, and ways to promote helper

Why are there fewer and fewer protection dog helpers? What demands do we place on them today — and how can we strengthen this vital work both quantitatively and qualitatively in the future? How have the conditions and developments of recent years affected helper work and the recruitment of new talent? And what challenges lie ahead? Without helpers, there can be no protection work – it’s time to take action!

Nick Hohmann

Nick Hohmann has been active for many years as a dog handler, breeder, and trainer, and serves as a training helper within both the HSVRM and the Boxer Club. In addition to participating in national and international trials, he has long been involved in the training of handlers and protection helpers. Through various positions, he has dedicated himself to modernizing methods and organizational structures, and as a founding member of the Association for the Promotion of Working Dog Traditions (Förderverein für Gebrauchshundewesen e. V.), he has contributed to the application for recognition of this discipline as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Modern service (authority) and sporting dogs 2026 >Possibilities, limitations, and commonalities in the training and breeding of working dogs

Possibilities, Limitations, and Common Ground in the Training and Breeding of Working Dogs. In this keynote, historical and current parallels, boundaries, and challenges in the training and breeding/selection of modern working dogs for various applications will be highlighted. How can we achieve a more differentiated understanding of both areas to create shared value? Are common goals based on transparent breeding selection and unified quality criteria possible?

Maik Slupianek & Björn Wunder

Maik Slupianek is a police officer and service dog trainer with the State Police of Saxony. As the officer responsible for the procurement of police dogs, he oversees the selection and evaluation of suitable service dogs. He is also an operational and firearms instructor, bringing many years of experience in practical police training and education. Björn Wunder is likewise a police officer (Chief Police Inspector) with more than 18 years of experience as a handler of narcotics and explosives detection dogs. He also serves as a trainer for the State of Lower Saxony and as a protection dog helper in the civilian dog sport community. In 2021, he took on the role of head trainer for the Burli-k9 team, focusing on modern service dog training and the supervision of various partnerships and handler groups. Today, he additionally works as an instructor for governmental service dogs in Germany and abroad, specializing in protection, apprehension, and dual-purpose dogs.

The overlooked discipline: sports dog care

Service and sport dogs perform at the highest level every day — yet their performance often depends more than we realize on proper care. Regular nail trimming provides sure footing during fast sprints and safe landings. A well-groomed coat supports temperature regulation, while clean ears help prevent parasites and infections. Many of these basics are overlooked or neglected in day-to-day training routines.
This presentation offers practical tips and step-by-step guidance on how simple routines and regular care can effectively support your dog’s fitness, hygiene, and overall performance. Fit, clean, powerful – care for the active dog.

Mandy Maaß & Katharina Burgdorf

Katharina Burgdorf and Mandy Maaß are both trained geriatric nurses and have jointly managed the grooming salon Fellzeit since 2022. Professional care and hands-on experience play a key role in their daily lives. Katharina has completed numerous advanced courses in dog grooming and canine behavior, combining solid expertise with practical skill. Mandy, who actively competes in IGP sport and breeds German Shepherds, brings deep insight into the specific needs of sport dogs. Their own dogs include a colorful mix of a Malinois, a terrier mix, and a pug mix.

The management of the three driving forces—prey, aggression, and submission. Built on a foundation of calmness.

For over 40 years, Knut Fuchs has been a central figure in the world of dog sport and training. For the past 35 years, he has successfully trained Malinois and developed an innovative training system that broke new ground at the time — today, it is taught worldwide as a structured, step-by-step method. His mission is to make dog training and dog sport understandable and achievable for everyone.

His focus lies on managing the dog’s drive structure: drives are precisely developed, made controllable, and, when needed, safely neutralized. This knowledge forms the foundation for leading dogs with confidence and joy in any situation. Thanks to his practice-oriented approach, dog owners can achieve lasting success in both training and sport.

Knut Fuchs

Knut Fuchs is a national and international legend in dog sport. As a passionate trainer, seminar leader, breeder, and event organizer, he has profoundly shaped the modern working dog sport and inspired countless handlers. With his exceptional Malinois, he has achieved top national and international results and is recognized as a pioneer of innovative training methods.

For decades, he has organized major events such as the “Advent Cup – Gala of IGP Sport”, promoting excellence, fairness, and exchange within the sport. He also runs his own company, developing high-quality products for dog sport and providing practical support to handlers.

Artificial insemination in dogs & problem cases in practice

Artificial insemination provides breeders and clubs with an invaluable opportunity to preserve genetic diversity within a breed — independent of distance or stud availability. Despite traditional reservations or perceived inefficiencies, this method can be highly successful.
Which diagnostic tools and examinations beyond progesterone testing are truly critical to maximize conception rates? The Praxis am Dorney, a clinic specializing in reproductive medicine with its own semen bank and years of experience in breeding and clinical practice, illustrates through case studies how even complex breeding challenges can be solved reliably — with the goal of making every artificial insemination a success.

Mira Schaffeld

Mira Schaffeld, GpCert Cardiology, graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) in May 2017 and has since been part of the Praxis am Dorney team. Her main interests lie in reproductive medicine and the management of breeding programs — areas she has been deeply dedicated to since the beginning of her professional career.

Your diet, your game changer for success in dog sports—for protection service assistants and dog athletes.

Enrico shows you how crucial nutrition is for performance and recovery. It teaches the basics of modern sports nutrition and explains how energy, nutrient distribution, and hydration directly influence your physical and mental performance. It also provides practical tips on how you can immediately benefit from more stable performance and better recovery through targeted nutritional optimization. A must-read for helpers who constantly demand a lot from themselves—and a real performance upgrade for any ambitious dog athlete.

Enrico Merker

Enrico Merker is a certified fitness trainer, fitness specialist, and business economist. He worked for many years as a professional trainer and continues to coach athletes in modern sports nutrition and training management alongside his current position as a sales representative for premium dog nutrition. Enrico is a father of three and spends his free time immersed in sports and dogs — a lifestyle shared and lived by his entire family.

RSVglobal – Growth, Vision, and the Human Behind the Dog.

RSVglobal, the international sister organization of the German RSV2000, has experienced rapid growth over the past year. At present, it includes around 30 clubs in more than 15 countries. This session offers insight into why we believe this growth is happening, discusses our philosophy of focusing on the dog before the human, and explores how we understand the human behind the dog.

Ida Johnsdotter

Ida Johnsdotter, member of the RSVglobal Board, is responsible for PR, information, and organization. A professional journalist, she has spent her entire career in the media — the second half as an entrepreneur. Surrounded by dogs since childhood, she has been an active member and volunteer within the RSV for the past 15 years.

Impulse control and frustration tolerance in dog sports

Do you struggle to control your dog’s arousal or motivation during training? Does your dog bark or whine during obedience exercises? Does he get so worked up in the car, crate, or before work that he becomes exhausted or unable to focus later? Or perhaps you face everyday challenges related to frustration tolerance, impulse control, or patience.
Then this short talk is for you — practical, clear, and full of tips to help you guide your dog into training and everyday life with focus, balance, and high performance.

Rico Hafner

Rico Hafner is a professional dog trainer from Worms and has owned his own dog school since 2010. With over 20 years of active experience in dog sports, he specializes in impulse control and frustration tolerance across various disciplines. In 2024, he became Vice World Champion in Agility at the FMBB. As a sought-after speaker and seminar leader, he regularly shares his expertise nationally and internationally, offering practical, real-world training support to dog owners. His own dogs — a German Shepherd, a Malinois, and a Border Collie — are joined by numerous guest and training dogs with whom he refines his versatile methods.

Dogoteka Plant Medicine - how to optimize your animal's full potential in breeding and performance! (german)

Dogoteka stands for natural, high-quality nutritional supplements designed for all dogs and widely trusted by veterinarians, physiotherapists, and holistic practitioners.
This presentation explains how targeted supplementation can enhance the performance of sport, working, and breeding dogs — helping them reach peak condition, sustain recovery, and maintain long-term vitality. Dogoteka’s products support dogs through every phase — from training preparation and competition performance to regeneration.
They are also ideally suited for breeding dogs — aiding preparation before mating, supporting pregnancy and whelping, promoting healthy puppy development, and providing preventive or therapeutic help in various health challenges. The talk demonstrates how Dogoteka’s natural products can be easily and effectively integrated into everyday routines — for dogs that are healthy, resilient, and ready to perform at their best.

Petra Maibüchen

For over 45 years, Petra Maibüchen has been passionately dedicated to breeding German Shepherds—and has long been a fixture in the dog scene when it comes to the well-being and health of our dogs. She has turned her hobby into her profession and supports breeders, athletes, and dog owners with specialist knowledge on feeding, nutritional supplements, and health management. She pays particular attention to the individual needs of dogs – whether they have allergies, musculoskeletal problems, are recovering from surgery, or need a general performance boost in breeding and sports. With her experience and keen intuition, she combines practical knowledge with passion and ensures that every dog gets the support it needs. Petra Maibüchen stands for competence, passion, and unique success stories.

Dogoteka Plant Medicine - how to optimize your animal's full potential in breeding and performance! (English)

What is happening inside a sports dog – nutritional supplements of the future!
When a dog enters the field, we see performance.
But the real competition happens inside the body.
Cellular energy. Inflammation management.Recovery capacity.

Because what we don’t see today…is what builds the dog of tomorrow.

Ksenija Donati

Ksenija Oseli Donati is the founder of Dogoteka, a brand specialized in
natural supplements for dogs and cats.
Her life revolves around dogs — they are her true passion.
With a background in phytotherapy, she focuses on creating products that
truly work, harnessing the active principles offered by nature to
improve the quality of life of pets.
As a long-time dog competitor, she has learned to develop and test
solutions directly on her own dogs to ensure real, visible results.
Dogoteka products stand out because they are based on deep practical
experience, scientific knowledge, and a genuine love for animals.

Lecture 1: Service dogs in the German Armed Forces – requirements, selection processes, and procurement channels

In her presentation, Dr. Schneider will provide an overview of the German Armed Forces’ service dogs and introduce the German Armed Forces’ central training center. She will discuss the different training categories and outline the corresponding requirements for the dogs.

Lecture 2: Performance of detection dogs in the field of explosives

Explosives detection dogs have a wide and demanding range of tasks. The presentation will discuss the various ways in which dogs are used to detect explosives in the German Armed Forces and will examine the results of research into dogs’ detection abilities at different ambient temperatures and in the presence of distracting odors.

Dr. Michaela Schneider

After studying veterinary medicine in Munich, Dr. Michaela Schneider worked for over ten years as a research assistant at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at LMU Munich. Her research focused on the performance physiology of rescue dogs. She then moved to the German Armed Forces Service Dog School, where she was involved in the further development of service dog training for several years. In her role as head of the “Testing” department, her responsibilities included the certification of service dog teams. Dr. Schneider currently works as the German Armed Forces’ animal welfare officer and is committed to the welfare of animals within the German Armed Forces.

Breed profile: Airedale Terrier

An informative and inspiring presentation that combines general knowledge, breed-specific insight, and practical experience to promote and preserve the breed and its traditional working purpose. The talk is aimed at anyone who wishes to better understand the breed — its standard traits, temperament, drives, and working potential.
Historical and social context reveals the breed’s significance in the past and its role today. Particular emphasis is placed on distinguishing it from other working breeds: what makes this breed unique in its working aptitude, behavior, and appearance? Practical breeding and training advice, along with valuable insights for owners, trainers, and breeders, round off the presentation.

Uwe Ritthammer

Uwe Ritthammer has been a leading figure in German dog sport for over three decades. As a passionate dog athlete and experienced performance and breed judge with the Klub für Terrier e.V. (KfT), he brings extensive expertise in working dog sport and competition systems. His successful participation in national championships — where he has handled Airedales in IGP and FH disciplines — underlines his deep practical knowledge. As a protection dog helper, he works regionally and nationally, supporting events and training sessions with hands-on expertise. Additionally, he is a sought-after speaker and seminar leader, regularly giving specialized lectures and protection training seminars in Germany and abroad. His vast experience and profound understanding of working dogs make him a respected advisor to both competitors and clubs alike.

Breed profile: Hovawart

Kerstin Lubjuhn

For more than 45 years, Kerstin and her family have lived with Hovawarts, and for just as long she has been active in IGP dog sport. Together with her family, she breeds under the kennel name “vom Silberbrünnchen” and currently works two dogs: Oskar vom Gültsteiner Tor (IGP 3, FH 2) & Ilenia vom Langhagensee (BH/VT)
Alongside her professional role as a school principal, she volunteers as a trainer, protection helper, and first chairperson of the VdH Michelstadt. For the RZV, she serves as a breed show judge, Körmeisterin (breed survey master), and chief judge. Her extensive experience uniquely combines practical training expertise, breeding competence, and in-depth knowledge of her beloved breed.

Breed profile: German Boxer

Felix Baunach

Felix Baunach has been an active member of the Boxer-Klub e.V. based in Munich (BK) for many years and is involved in working dog sports. As a protection service assistant, he supports both the BK and other associations. Through the cross-breed dog sports team in which he is active, he regularly works with different working dog breeds and thus gains sound comparative values regarding working aptitude, resilience, and trainability. This practical experience flows into his training work and enables a differentiated, objective classification of the German Boxer in terms of performance and training. In addition, he has gained initial experience in breeding German Boxers and keeps his own stud dog.

Breed profile: Doberman

Nick Hohmann

Breed profile: Belgian Shepherd

Breed profile: German Shepherd

Albert Spreu

Breed profile: Bouvier

Kristin Oberhauser

A graduate biologist, she has kept dogs since 1991 and has been deeply involved in dog sport since 1995. She became a trainer in 1996 and a VDH-registered breeder in 2004.
In 2006, she imported the first Bouvier des Ardennes to Germany and founded the Hasenhirsch kennel, the first of its kind outside the Franco-Belgian region. Since 2014, she has competed regionally and internationally with the breed, together with her husband and youngest son.
Through the German Bouvier Club, her breeding dogs Hasenhirsch Gretel and Hasenhirsch Gustl qualified for the VDH German (Junior) Championships in IGP between 2023 and 2025. Her work and passion combine breeding, sport, and specialized expertise for the Bouvier des Ardennes, making her one of the key figures advancing the recognition and success of this rare working breed.

Breed profile Dutch Shepherd

Rebecca Rätzke & Sibylle Krieger

Rebecca Rätzke is an experienced breeder of Dutch Shepherd Dogs and has been working for many years as the breeding director at HSCD e. V. to preserve the Dutch Shepherd Dog breed and support breeding efforts in Germany. Her passion for dogs began with the German Shepherd, which led her to the dog training grounds of northern Germany. There, she came to know and love the versatile Dutch Shepherd. She competes with her dogs in IGP, tracking, rally obedience, and object search.

Mandy Gläser, who also started out with a German Shepherd, stumbled upon the Dutch Shepherd more by chance, but he has captivated her ever since. She is now home to her third Dutch Shepherd, who is being trained in IGP. In addition to IGP, she has gained experience in rally obedience and, most recently, treibball with her Dutch Shepherds. She is currently serving as interim president of the HSCD e. V., is primarily active in the sporting sector, and is consistently impressed by the Dutch Shepherd’s quick learning ability and versatility, as well as its robust health.

Unlike other working dog breeds, the Dutch Working Dog was not classified as a working dog by its country of origin until 2020 and was recognized as such by the FCI. In terms of total population, the Dutch Working Dog is the smallest of the working dog breeds and is therefore much less common.

Rasseportrait Riesenschnauzer

Sören Roggenbau

Sören Roggenbau is 48 years old, married, and the father of two daughters. He works in software consulting, but since 1991 his passion has been dog sports and the Pinscher-Schnauzer Club (PSK). As an active trainer, protection service assistant, and dog sportsman, he regularly contributes his experience to training and competitions. He has been a performance judge since 2005, currently in the DVG, and a breeding judge in the PSK since 2008; he has conducted numerous national and international trials in Germany and abroad. In addition, he volunteers as 1st chairman of the PSK regional group Nordmark, 2nd chairman of the PSK, chairman for working dog sports in the DVG LV Hamburg, and has been breeding miniature and giant schnauzers under the kennel name “vom Ravener Forst” since 2010.

Learn the dog how to learn

In his keynote speech “Learn the Dog How to Learn,” Piotr Kaczmarek shows how dogs become confident and resilient through operant training and targeted shaping. He explains the use of markers to build tasks step by step and illustrates how an active dog supports an equally reactive handler. Participants learn how to convey the joy of success to dogs and motivate them to discover and master tasks independently. Piotr Kaczmarek is the co-founder of the professional dog training center Kaczmarek K9, which he runs together with his father. He began to develop his skills in dog training at a young age and conducted his first training course for special forces at the age of 22.

Piotr Kaczmarek

With over 15 years of experience in training service dogs for the military, police, and special forces, Piotr Kaczmarek stands for a practical and mission-oriented training philosophy. In 2017, he successfully completed the NePoPo® Training School with Bart and Michael Bellon, the developers of the NePoPo® system, and has been a NePoPo® Gold Multiplicator since 2023.

Since 2021, he has also been training teams from the Mountain Rescue Service (GOPR), thereby continuously expanding his expertise in the field of rescue and emergency dog work.

Please note that until Wednesday after the draw, there may still be last-minute changes to the daily schedule if a speaker is also participating as a starter and the times overlap unfavorably.

Thursday

room 1/ Thema DE

Raum 2 / Topic ENG

09:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Thoughts on dog breeding

Room 2 [EN]:

–

10:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]

From Zero to Hero – Dream. Dare. Do.

Michael & Bart Bellon

Room 2 [EN]:

Protection Dog Equipment in Practice – Safe, Age-Appropriate, and Effective Application

Rienk Heersma

11:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: German Shepherd

Albert Spreu/RSV2000

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed profile: Airedale Terrier

Uwe Ritthammer/KfT

12:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Theory: Neurocentric training in dog sports

Susanne Martin-Schmitt

Room 2 [EN]:

From Zero to Hero – Dream. Dare. Do.

Michael & Bart Bellon

01:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

–

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed profile: German Shepherd

Albert Spreu/RSV2000

02:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Belgian Shepherd Diversity Project – Epilepsy and other seizures – international database

Dr. Sue Chandraratne

Room 2 [EN]:

Dogoteka – What is happening inside a sports dog – nutritional supplements of the future!

Ksenjia Donati

03:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: Airedale Terrier

Uwe Ritthammer/KfT

Room 2 [EN]:

Dogoteka – Cosa succede davvero dentro un cane sportivo? (Italian)

Ksenjia Donati

04:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

The lumbosacral transition in focus: its central importance for working dogs

Dr. Heinrich Camp

Room 2 [EN]:

Diversity Project Belgian Shepherd – Epilepsy and Other Seizure Disorders: An International Database

Dr. Sue Chandraratne

05:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Dogoteka Plant Medicine – how to optimize your animal’s full potential in breeding and performance!

Petra Maibüchen

Room 2 [EN]:

The Lumbosacral Junction: Central Relevance in Working and Performance Dogs

Dr. Heinrich Camp

06:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Practice: Experience neuro-centered training with dogs

Susanne Martin-Schmitt

Room 2 [EN]:

–

07:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

–

Room 2 [EN]:

–

08:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

–

Room 2 [EN]:

–

Friday

room 1 / Thema DE

room 2 / Topic EN

09:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Shortage of helpers – future, requirements, and ways to promote helper

Nick Hohmann

Room 2 [EN]:

„RSVglobal – Strong dogs. Strong Values. Global Vision.“

Ida Johnsdotter

10:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

„RSVglobal – Strong dogs. Strong Values. Global Vision.“

Ida Johnsdotter

Room 2 [EN]:

–

11:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile Belgian Shepherd

Albert Spreu/RSV2000

Room 2 [EN]:

–

12:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Is the causal chain still valid? Or quo vadis breeding?

Dr. Helmut Raiser

Room 2 [EN]:

–

01:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: German Boxer

Felix Baunach/BK

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed Profile of the Belgian Shepherd

Albert Spreu/RSV2000

02:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Tracking work – object retrieval & focus training

Dr. Sue Chandraratne & Maureen Wagener

Room 2 [EN]:

Is the Causal Chain Still Intact? Or: Quo vadis Breeding?

Dr. Helmut Raiser

03:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: Doberman

Nick Hohmann/DV

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed profile: German Boxer

Felix Baunach/BK

04:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

The Mondioring challenge – versatility, focus, teamwork

Nadine Schöfer

Room 2 [EN]:

Tracking Work – Indication Training & Focus Conditioning

Dr. Sue Chandraratne & Maureen Wagener

05:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Intrinsic vs. extrinsic: Understanding motivation in protective services

Marcel Soblik

Room 2 [EN]:

The Challenge of Mondioring – Versatility, Focus, and Teamwork

Nadine Schöfer

06:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Using protective dog equipment correctly: Safe, age-appropriate, effective

Rienk Heersma

Room 2 [EN]:

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic: Understanding True Canine Motivation

Marcel Soblik

07:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Impulse control and frustration tolerance in dog sports

Rico Hafner

Room 2 [EN]:

–

08:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

–

Room 2 [EN]:

–

Saturday

room 1 / Thema DE

room 2 / Topic EN

09:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Service dogs in the German Armed Forces: requirements, selection processes, and procurement channels

Dr. med. vet. Michaela Schneider

Room 2 [EN]:

–

10:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Performance of explosive detection dogs

Dr. med. vet. Michaela Schneider

Room 2 [EN]:

Teach the dog how to learn

Piotr Kaczmarek

11:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: Pinscher & Schnauzer

Sören Roggenbau/PSK

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed profile: Hovawarts

Kerstin Lubjuhn/RZVH

12:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Managing the three driving forces—prey, aggression, and submission. Built on a foundation of calm

Knut Fuchs

Room 2 [EN]:

–

01:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: Bouvier

Kristin Oberhauser/DBC

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed profile: Pinscher & Schnauzer

Sören Roggenbau/PSK

02:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Balanced training for working dogs

Susanne Martin-Schmitt

Room 2 [EN]:

The management of the three pillars of instinct – prey, aggression, and submission. Built on the foundation of calm

Knut Fuchs

03:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Breed profile: Hovawarts

Kerstin Lubjuhn/RZVH

Room 2 [EN]:

Breed profile: Bouvier

Kristin Oberhauser/DBC

04:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Your diet, your game changer for success in dog sports—for protection service assistants and dog athletes.

Enrico Merker

Room 2 [EN]:

–

05:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Thoughts on dog breeding

Carola Möhrke

Room 2 [EN]:

–

Sunday

room 1 / Thema DE

room 2 / Topic EN

09:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

–

Room 2 [EN]:

–

10:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Searching for clues amid rubble and hope

– Training and deployment of rescue dogs in international disaster relief operations

Astrid Kalff

Room 2 [EN]:

Reflections on Canine Breeding

Dr. Carola Möhrke

11:00 a.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Emergencies in dog sports & deployment – First aid on the go

Dr. Jenny Fischer

Room 2 [EN]:

Inbreeding Depression and Outcross Strategies | Opportunities for the Future of Canine Breeding

Albert Spreu

12:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Modern service (authority) and sporting dogs 2026 >Opportunities, limitations, and commonalities in the training and breeding of working dogs

Maik Slupianek & Björn Wunder

Room 2 [EN]:

Emergency Management in Working and Sport Dogs – Field Triage and On-Site First Response

Dr. Jenny Fischer

01:00 p.m.

Room 1 [DE]:

Inbreeding Depression and Outcross Strategies | Opportunities for the Future of Canine Breeding

Albert Spreu

Room 2 [EN]:

Modern Service and Sport Dogs 2026 – Exploring the Opportunities, Limits and Overlaps in Training & Breeding

Maik Slupianek & Björn Wunder

02:00 p.m.

1 Year UNESCO

Future on Ice. Preserve Genes. Expand Possibilities.

On the occasion of CACIT, you have the unique opportunity to have semen from your own or any registered male collected and frozen professionally, conveniently, and with minimal effort – directly on-site.

Whether it’s your own dog, a registered male, a promising dog you discover spontaneously at the event, or a favorite you’ve specifically brought to CACIT – seize the chance to secure valuable genetic potential. For dog sport enthusiasts and breeders, this provides an ideal opportunity to preserve valuable genes or rare bloodlines for future breeding projects, which might otherwise be too distant or logistically challenging. Under expert supervision, the semen can also be prepared for export if desired.

This way, you can preserve today what might be crucial tomorrow – the future of your breeding line.

Our Partner: Dr. Carola Möhrke, Mira Schaffeld & Repro Team – Canine Semen Bank,
Dorneystrasse 65, 44149 Dortmund, Germany, Phone: +49 231 96787910 , www.hundesamenbank.de

Please read the information list carefully.
To register, please make an appointment in advance by phone or email with the practice. Then fill out the registration form completely, sign it, and send it together with a copy of the male dog’s pedigree to the contact address provided by the practice. The practice team is available at any time to answer further questions and provide additional information.

Appointments for semen collection at CACIT are available from Thursday to Saturday. The exact date and time will be arranged between you and the practice. Spontaneous appointments directly on site during CACIT are also possible, but cannot be guaranteed.

The CACIT raffle – participate, win, and make the conference even more exciting

In addition to exciting specialist presentations and international dog sports enthusiasts, a special event awaits you at the CACIT Conference: our CACIT raffle. Participants with a valid conference ticket will have the opportunity to receive raffle tickets during the event and win attractive prizes from our sponsors.

Participating is easy: anyone who arrives early for a presentation can pick up a raffle ticket and then try their luck at the raffle drum. Whether it’s an instant win or a second chance at the grand finale on Sunday, the raffle adds extra excitement and lots of nice surprises throughout the conference.

Terms and conditions of participation / Raffle procedure

Participation:
- Only persons with a valid conference ticket on site are eligible to participate (proof: conference badge).
Loose:
- There are 200 numbered tickets in the lottery drum. Winners and non-winners are posted at the conference and assigned to ticket numbers.
- The first 20 participants to arrive before the start of a lecture of their choice will receive a CACIT lottery ticket. At the end of the lecture, this ticket can be used to draw a lottery ticket from the lottery drum on site.
- Participation in lectures is unlimited. Drawn blanks are returned to the lottery drum.
Winnings:
- If the participant wins, they will receive a prize card stating the value of the prize. Redemption only in accordance with the terms and conditions: on site at the sponsor’s premises or by arrangement.
- Winning tickets will be crossed off the list of winners. Unclaimed prizes will remain in the lottery drum until the following day.
- Prizes are transferable, can only be redeemed with the winning ticket, and are not redeemable for cash. No liability is accepted for loss.
QR code raffle:
- All visitors to CACIT Germany can also enter a general prize draw via QR code.
- On Sunday after the last lecture, all remaining prizes will be raffled off among these participants.
Legal information:
- Legal recourse is excluded.

Prices

Canimaster
• 5× Voucher for a single webinar

Dogoteka
• 30× Lacto Adapt

Martin System® – Bart & Michael Bellon
• 1× Klack-Klack Board Small

NePoPo® – Bart & Michael Bellon
• 3× Online Silver School (language selection)

Grafik Hundehütte
• 10× CACIT Design Dog collars
• 10× CACIT Hoodies

Ritega
• 10× Collar and Leash Set

Filou Design
• 3× Metal signs
• 1x Wool hat lined with fleece
• 1x Beannie cotton
• 2x Basecap cotton
• 1x Dog toys
• 5x Bite-sized sausage
• 2x Dog blanket
• 1x Key chain
• 1x 925 Silver Necklace

Naloux
• 1× CarryBig Koffer
• 3× 10-Meter leash

CaniTess
• 4× 100 % natural air dried bovine shin bone (500 g)
• 1× dried pork ear pieces (500 g)
• 2× Box Biscuits Meaty Rolls (800 g)
• 3× 100 % natural air dried bovine bone L (ca. 800 g)

Gappay
• 4x Gift certificate worth €25 each (redeemable in-store or online, valid for 2 years starting March 2, 2026)

Würz Eis-Anhänger
• 15x Small ice cream right at the CACIT at the trailer

WT Metall
• Sponsorship of the CACIT 1-meter hurdle

Fotograf László Zsigmond
• 2× Photo series – 3 professional photos of your dog

Maly Leder
• 1× Jacket
• 1× Vest
• 1× Hoodie
• 2× Fisherman’s caps
• 1× Basecap

EQUUSIR
• 3× Bestbox vouchers
• 3× Tecdox collars with the Equusir logo

Sportdoxx
• 1× big Targetbox
• 1× small Targetbox

Tischlerei Kieschnik
• 15× 20 € Discount coupon (for orders placed after the CACIT)
• 10× Coupon: Buy 2 of the same size + get 1 of the same size free for tree-ring engravings
• 10× Get an instant €5 discount at the CACIT booth
• 1× Premium photo engraving on a tree slice (size L, up to 21 cm; value: €197.65, shipping included)
• 3x Premium photo engraving on a tree trunk slice (size M, up to 21 cm, valued at $163.21, shipping included)

Joline Groneberg – Laikagraphie
• 5× An action shot or portrait of your dog

Winner Plus
• 4x IGP Snack 4kg

Working Dog
• 5x Premium Account voucher 6 months
• 3x Premium Account voucher 1 year
• 1x Premium Account voucher 3 years

Knut Fuchs
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – Niggeloh Halsband LILA
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – 2x Apportierbecher
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – Griff- und Technikkissen
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – Schürze
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – Hundeführer Hose
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – Weste
• KNUT FUCHS SHOP – Hetzhose