As a newcomer, Alma Pata de Reina, also known as Katara, entered the race in the MINI category with her owner Nikola Filagova. Their participation was quite impressive. In their debut, the team finished 6th in Jumping and 7th in Running. How did they fare in competition? What role does Katara play as Nikola’s sporting partner?
The smallest sheepdog in the world, the Shiperka Alma Pata de Reina, along with her owner, is dedicated to the canine sport of puller. What does this activity entail? What is the role of the dog owner in this sport?
Dog Puller is a fantastic sport that is suitable for everyone. The main disciplines are Jumping and Running. It involves working with two rings – pullers. In Jumping, the dog must jump as quickly as possible and catch the pullers offered by the owner. Running involves the dog running behind the puller, which the owner throws with the correct technique. Both disciplines last for 90 seconds. The main role of the dog owner is to motivate the dog. It is amazing to see the teamwork between the owner and the dog at competitions, as owners encourage their dogs to perform better.
You achieved a great success by winning the Slovak Puller Championship and earning a nomination for the Puller World Championship. How did it go? What was the competition like? What challenged you the most? What did you excel at?
Yes, we managed to achieve a small miracle, considering we are newcomers to this sport. The Slovak Championships took place in Vojka nad Dunajom. We went there with the intention of participating and enjoying the day. Although we had been training, we did not expect to place first in both disciplines and qualify for the World Championships. In Slovakia, I would say that this sport is not very well known yet. In the Mini category, where our Shiperka competes, there are not many dogs running yet.
When and where is the World Championship taking place? How are you preparing for it? Are you nervous?
The World Championships took place in Prague at the beautiful Pesopark on the weekend of September 14-15, 2024. We were part of the Slovak national team. I am grateful that we could participate in such a major event. We tried to train and improve the mistakes we heard about in previous competitions. Was I nervous? A little, as the weather was not on our side at all. It was cold, windy, and raining heavily. Standing at the start line in such conditions, not knowing if the dog will run and if everything will go well, was challenging. But we went there to enjoy the event and meet new people. I must mention that despite the difficult conditions and global competition, we managed to achieve 7th place in Running and 6th place in Jumping. What pleases me the most is that in the Jumping category, she achieved her personal best, which reassures me that we are constantly improving.
How did you come up with the idea of pursuing this activity? Did Katara show any aptitude for working with the puller in everyday life, and if so, what?
As for how we came up with the idea… Katara is not our only dog. We want to do something with each of our dogs, and activities with them are what we enjoy the most. We moved to a small village, far from everything related to dog sports. At first, I was looking for a sport for Katara that we could mostly train at home. Of course, training under experienced guidance is necessary, but we can do a large part of it at home, which was a big advantage for us. So, I signed us up for training, and when Katara started running after the puller as if she had done it before, we knew it was a great start to her sporting career.
What were your beginnings like? How many times did you feel like giving up, and why? Where did you find new motivation to keep going?
The beginnings with the puller were excellent; she enjoyed it from the moment she saw the puller. Of course, there are days when you feel like giving up, but I must admit that most of the time, I feel like giving up because of myself. When she runs like a little rocket, and I am the one messing it up, haha. For me personally, there is no greater motivation than when the dog does it with enthusiasm and enjoys it.
Do you have experience with other canine sports, or do you plan to try something new with your Shiperka?
In addition to dog puller, we also practice tricks and obedience at home. Currently, we have started focusing on nose work, but we are still at the very beginning, so we will see where it takes us. Our biggest plan is to engage in agility, and I firmly believe that we will succeed soon. I must also mention that we want to take her to herd sheep, in case she enjoys herding as well, inspired by you in the Czech Republic, where the Shiperka (Drax z Úsvitu věků – note by the author) has excellent results in herding.
How did you decide to get a Shiperka? How is life with her? What goes well, and what is more challenging?
I am thinking about how to start. Katara is not our only dog; we also have a Border Collie, Yorkshire Terrier, and recently added a Swiss Shepherd to our quartet. My partner was deciding on a dog, so I listed a few breeds that would suit us, and the Shiperka was the last one mentioned. He was not familiar with this breed, but as soon as he looked it up online, it was a clear choice. However, since there are not many Shiperkas, especially in Slovakia, the search began, and I came across the Pata de Reina breeding station. Everything appealed to us, from their approach, how the puppies were raised, to the day we met and picked up our little devil. I say devil because she really has a challenging personality.
The first year of our coexistence was very demanding. At the beginning, she did not seek our contact, even as a little puppy, she could make trouble with our older dogs (which continues to this day). Now I laugh as I write this; currently, she cannot leave us alone, and she would prefer us to cuddle with her 24/7. But only with us, no strangers and no other dogs, except ours (she is very cautious with strangers and can express her opinion very loudly and sharply). She is like a little devil, it is still not easy with her, but we are working on it, and every day brings us joy and a smile to our lives.