Meet our excellent helpers for the event

THE HELPERS

THOMAS SCHODER

My name is Thomas Schoder.  I have been an SV member in Germany since 1989 and a GSDCA-WDA member since 2003! Since 2007 I am also a member of GSSCC.

My registered kennel name is vom Haus am Lerchenweg. I have worked and titled more than 50 dogs to SchH3 and many to FH 1-2. Many of these dogs have been from my own breedings. I was a teaching Helper in Germany; and I am a certified National Helper in the USA and Canada.  I have served as a helper more than 150 times in 8 different countries.  I have worked in trials, trophy competitions, breed surveys, and Sieger Shows.  I was a helper at the national (LGA) trials in Germany, twice in GSDCA-WDA Sieger Shows in the USA, Mexico, and the qualification trial for the World Championship in Hungary. I have been living in Canada since 2007.

STEVE HOUSE

Steve started training dogs in 1979 & began Schutzhund training in 1983.  He has worked as a helper in many breed surveys and trials.  He has taught 7 people, from scratch, to be certified helpers & has helped and coached many competitors in the protection phase, from club level to the world level.

He is the co-founder of the Kentucky-Tennessee Schutzhund Verein and is a member, helper, & Vice-President of the Stateline Shutzhund club based in Harvard, Illinois.  Steve is also the Training Director of the Alpha Shutzhund training group based in Lovettsville, VA. 

CHARLIE PURDHAM

Growing up in Nebraska, Charlie, an avid sportsman turned his attention to his passion, animals. Charlie met his first dog at the age of 5, a Beagle who got Charlie started in the dog sport.  Charlie started off competing in local 4-H shows, field trials & later started competing in obedience classes & seminars nationwide. Many years later, Charlie discovered the sport of Schutzhund & has been hooked ever since. He is a member of the South Florida Schutzhund Club where he is the Training Director. He also holds the SEKG OFS position & is a teaching helper for the GSDCA-WDA. Training with Phil Hoelcher his mentor, & under the watchful eye of Randy Theen, Les Flores, Clay Meadows, Frans Slaman, & Simon Davidson, Charlie has developed into a National level

helper for DVG America & GSDCA-WDA. Charlie has worked many club & local trials, 4 DVG Regional events, 3 DVG Nationals, 2008 AWDF Championship, & competed at the 2006 GSDCA-WDA National Helper Challenge where he took 1st Place.

He is a Senior Superintendent for Bovis Lend Lease; his job mandates a tremendous amount of hours, but he still seems to find time to train & teach those just experiencing the sport.  His German Shepherd Dog “Enzo”, now a Schutzhund II, also keeps him on his toes.  Charlie shows great dedication to the sport, & is looking forward to the many years ahead. Charlie has worked a  total of 16 Trials with over 200 dogs worked on the field.

Good Luck to all competitors and congratulations on all your achievements & sacrifices in making the 2009 North American Sieger Show.