The path to excellence in the dog training It has paid off for Rafael MartÃnez, a local police officer from Córdoba who, along with his inseparable dog Eme, will represent Spain in the next World Championship International Class Canine Obedience. This event, a dream come true for any enthusiast of the discipline, will take place in the Swedish city of Helsingborg from June 24th to 28th, bringing together the most outstanding dog teams from around the world in an environment of maximum technical demand.
Reaching this level is no walk in the park, as to obtain the ticket to Sweden they have had to overcome a selection process that lasts for months and requires a absolute connection between guide and animal in each of her appearances. For Eme, this will not be her first time on the international stage, as she already had the opportunity to debut in the 2025 edition held in Norway, which provides a valuable level of experience to face the nerves of the world championship track.
The trials by fire on the Helsingborg track
The International Class Obedience discipline, overseen by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), tests teamwork skills through a program that includes a total of ten evaluated technical exercises meticulously by a panel of experts. It's not just about the dog obeying, but about doing so with pinpoint precision and a cheerful attitude, demonstrating that the bond with its handler is strong and the result of consistent and respectful training.
Among the challenges they will face are high-speed recalls with instant stops, sending the dog to distant points, and retrieving objects using olfactory discrimination. However, one of the most visual and complicated exercises is tracking, where the The dog's shoulder cannot be separated of the guide's leg, maintaining the perfect position even when there are tight turns or sudden changes of pace that would test anyone.
Local talent and national team spirit
Rafael MartÃnez will not be alone on this adventure through northern Europe, as the Spanish delegation is made up of a a total of seven national competitors who are looking to do their country proud. Among them is another Cordoban name, Antonio Aguilar, who will participate alongside his dog Zizou, reinforcing the idea that the Andalusian city has become a true hotbed of talent when it comes to high-level competitive dog training.
Although Rafael pursues this activity primarily out of passion and in his private life, his role as a public servant is also reflected in this achievement, with the support of his colleagues in the Local Police, similar to the work of the Arona police dogsFor the agent, being able to wear the national team's colors means the culmination of a sporting dream after years of personal sacrifice, combining his work shifts with the training hours necessary to compete head-to-head with professionals who dedicate themselves almost exclusively to this sport.
Expectations are high for the competition in Sweden, and the Spanish team travels with the hope of demonstrating the high level of obedience training in our country, where the animal's well-being is always the top priority. Beyond the trophies, the participation of these dog-handler teams serves to raise awareness of a sport that celebrates canine intelligence and the dedication of those who, like Rafael and Antonio, devote their free time to perfecting an almost telepathic communication with their best four-legged friends, hoping that the effort made throughout the year will be rewarded under the watchful eyes of the judges. international judges in Scandinavian lands.
