WATCH: Sherri and Bugatti scoop dog championship title

Bugatti van Kloggenheim is a Belgian shepherd Malinois .

The championships qualifier rounds took place in Bapsfontein from October 20 to 21.

The finale took place in Brakpan on October 22.

During the qualifier rounds Sherry’s dog was assessed in three phases: tracking, obedience and protection work.

Tracking determines the technique in which dogs are trained to locate certain objects by using the object’s scent, for a variety of purposes.

Obedience is a test of the dog’s ability to listen to instructions and obey them.

In the last phase the dog is tested to see if it can protect its owner.

According to Sherry, in these three phases they needed 70 per cent to qualify in each round.

“For tracking we got 97 per cent, obedience 87 per cent and for protection work we got 85 per cent.

“I started training Bugatti for the championships since he was eight weeks old.

“On the day of the finale I was very nervous because when it comes to dogs, you may never be sure what is going to happen.

“When dogs feel like not doing anything they don’t do it, so I was nervous because I didn’t know how Bugatti would respond on the day.

“In the morning he was a bit stubborn but luckily everything turned out fine,” said Sherry.

The 21-year-old from Parkrand said with the help of her trainers Christine Knedniger, Ferdi Myburgh and Britt Stantan they managed scoop top place.

Sherry said one of the saddest times in her life was when her first dog, Saphera, died of cancer.

Sherrry said Saphera taught her how to love animals and this pushed her to study animal rehabilitation for dogs, a two-years course through certified rehab practitioner Canine.

She is also a qualified massage therapist for dogs.

Sherry and her dog have won over 10 trophies and they are still aiming to bag more.

“I love dogs. They can be your best friend as they are compassionate, loyal and they never talk back.

“One thing I have realised with so many people who own dogs is that they tend to think that isolating their dog from the public, like putting their dog in a dark separate room and releasing it at night, gives the dog the ability to protect the owner, which for me is totally wrong.

“Dogs should be taken outside for walks. The dog must be made to be part of the family because their happiness comes first. If you want a dog to work well for you, make it a part of your family. It must trust you,” she said.

Sherry enjoys taking Bugatti for walks and to attend swimming pool massages.

“I wouldn’t have achieved what I’ve achieved without the help of my parents, as they have been supportive and pushy at times but I thank them very much,” she said.

Bugatti and Sherry will be taking part in the World Qualifiers competition next year May in Cape Town.