2023 AWMA IGP
Judges Lineup
Tracking - Tim Karchnak
First of all, it is an honor to be selected as the Tracking Judge at the upcoming AWMA Nationals. I wish all the competitors the best.
I've been in the sport since early 1991. As a new Police K9 Handler, I was introduced to Schutzhund. I successfully titled all three of my Police dogs to SchH III, DPO 2, or both titles. Upon retirement in 2015, I began to compete at bigger events with my first Sport dog Monty Extra Temperment AKA Goose. We were able to place at the higher levels and competed on four World Teams. Since Goose's retirement, I am beginning to compete with my young dog Nadal de Alphaville Bohemia AKA Duck and have recently obtained his BH-VT. Upon retirement, I also began my judging apprenticeships and am proud to be a Performance Judge for DVG.
Hobbies
Discussions on dogs
Relaxing at their koi pond
Achievement
Marrying his wife and dogsport training partner, Carol
Obedience - David Garcia Suarez
Based in Málaga, Spain, David has been an avid professional dog trainer since 1989. He is Director of the Municipal Canine School in the city of Málaga, trainer of the Quercus Team, and a renowned international IGP judge. David has judged 3 world championships and 15 national championships, bringing a wealth of knowledge to each event he participates in. He and his wife support each other in IGP, his daughters have success in nursing and veterinary, one son plays American football, and the other son is a water polo champion.
Achievements
1) Swam the Strait of Gibraltar to raise funds for a stroke victim
2) Swam from Formentera to Ibiza for "Héroes Hasta la Médula", helping kids with bone cancer
Hobbies
Open water swimming
Diving
Music
Protection - Jari Kokkonen
I’m Jari Kokkonen, about 50 years old protection dog enthusiast from Finland. My wife and I have right now 3 German Shepherds and 2 very old Lancashire heelers at home now.
I have trained dogs about 30 years as handler and competed with 4 different dogs in national championships and twice in WUSV world championships. I have been authorized helper since 1998 and I have acted as helper trainer almost 20 years in German Shepherd Club of Finland.
I was authorized to judge Schutzhund Prüfung (nowadays IGP) and FH 2001 and I have judged in several national championships in several different countries and 4 world championships.
Hobbies
American football, cross country skiing, darts, snooker, and more
Staying fit in the gym
Enjoying food and drink
Harley Davidson riding and exploring
Achievements
1) Successfully raising 2 kids into wonderful adults
2) A fruitful career, rising from coder to business director in the electricity distribution industry